Entering the mosque with a small child and praying

Question:
This questioner says: I entered the mosque with my young son, and I kept him occupied. So, should I attend to his needs, or should I join the congregation? May Allah reward you.

Answer:
If he needs you to keep him in check, or if you need to take him out of the mosque and bring him home so that he does not distract you from the prayer, then do so. But if you can keep him in check with you while you are praying, even if you lift him up with you when you stand and put him down when you prostrate, there is no harm in that. This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to have al-Hasan and al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them) come to him, and they would ride on his back while he was prostrating, and he would put them down when he stood up. Likewise, he used to carry Ummamah, the daughter of his daughter, with him during the prayer. Yes.