The Ruling on Congregational Prayer in Homes and the Explanation of Shaking Hands with a Child

The questioner:
It is more conducive to humility and keeps Satan further away from the worshippers. Yes. Shaking hands with a child is valid.

The Shaykh:
Shaking hands with a child is valid, meaning a child of discernment whose prayer is valid. So it is valid for an old man and a young child of discernment to be behind the imam. Yes. Ha.

The questioner:
Our Shaykh, we seek guidance for those who truly are unable to go to the mosque, and he prays with his sons, the boys, in the house?

The Shaykh:
This is contrary to the Sunnah, for in the hadith it is stated that except for the old and the sick among men. As for the healthy men who are able to go to the mosque, it is obligatory for them to do so. His saying (peace and blessings be upon him) It was asked: What is the excuse? He said: Fear or illness. Is it not permissible to establish congregational prayer in homes and leave the mosques? Yes.