Children playing during prayer: Is a man excused for abandoning the prayer?

The questioner : O Shaykh.

The Shaykh : Yes, Muhammad.

The questioner : If there are children in the mosque playing when the prayer is called, do we tell one of the congregation to delay the prayer, by analogy to the two cannons?

The Shaykh : All right, if he interrupts the prayer and says, "Boys, do not play."

The questioner : He waits, Shaykh, he does not pray.

The Shaykh : I mean, he abandons the prayer once. By Allah, this may be permissible for someone who has authority and responsibility, like some teachers in schools today who stand until the prayer ends for the sake of looking after the students. So there is a basis for that. But as for the mosque, you are like everyone else, unless you are entrusted with the matter.

The questioner : If there are men who are not playing.

The Shaykh : Yes, all right. Is there anyone who can pray with him? And why do we not prevent the small children from the start? Why do we let them in?

The questioner : How is that, unless?

The Shaykh : Yes. By Allah, I do not know. It requires reflection.