Is it permissible for those in i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) to bring their children with them?

Question:
The questioner asks: Is it permissible to bring children into the mosque while their parents are in i'tikaf, despite the ritual impurity that may occur from them?

Answer:
For children who have reached the age of discernment and pray, there is nothing wrong with their entering; rather, they are commanded to enter the mosques for prayer, based on the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) . They are commanded to pray and to enter the mosques for prayer. As for those below the age of discernment, they do not enter the mosques unless they are kept under control. They do not enter the mosques unless they are kept under control by their fathers, and no harm comes to the mosque from them.