Ordering children under the age of nine to pray

Question:
The second question, O Abu Ahmad. Yes, very well. Honorable Shaykh, a questioner says: Regarding young boys who are under the age of nine, are they commanded to pray before reaching puberty?

Answer:
Yes. In the hadith, it is said: “Order your children to pray at the age of seven, and beat them for it at the age of ten.” When a child reaches seven, he has reached the age of discernment. The child of discernment is ordered to pray so that he becomes accustomed to it, so that he may receive reward, and so that it may count as a voluntary prayer for him. His father also receives reward if he orders him to pray and ensures he keeps up with it, for this is part of good upbringing in prayer and worship. Yes.