Is commanding the adult son or daughter to pray sufficient in place of striking them, or is it obligatory to strike them, given that they do not obey the command to pray? And is it obligatory to command them for every obligatory prayer, or is it sufficient to admonish them at a time I find suitable for them?
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The questioner : The questioner says: Is commanding the adult son or daughter to pray sufficient in place of striking them, or is it obligatory to strike them, given that they do not obey the command to pray? And is it obligatory to command them for every obligatory prayer, or is it sufficient to admonish them at a time I find suitable for them?
The Shaykh : Children, both male and female, are to be struck for prayer at the age of ten, even if they have not reached puberty, and the striking is to be more severe after puberty if they do not pray. The command to pray for them is to be given at every prayer, and it is not sufficient to merely admonish the one who is the guardian of these children, whether that is the father or the mother. However, if the mother is unable to do so and the father is present, the responsibility lies with the father, and the mother’s liability is cleared. I mean the mother’s liability; otherwise, her children will be attached to her on the Day of Resurrection because the father is absent, and only the mother’s care remains. If she is able to reform them, that is what is required. If not, she should seek the help of their older brothers and uncles. If that does not help, it is necessary to refer the matter to those responsible for enjoining good and forbidding evil.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : Children, both male and female, are to be struck for prayer at the age of ten, even if they have not reached puberty, and the striking is to be more severe after puberty if they do not pray. The command to pray for them is to be given at every prayer, and it is not sufficient to merely admonish the one who is the guardian of these children, whether that is the father or the mother. However, if the mother is unable to do so and the father is present, the responsibility lies with the father, and the mother’s liability is cleared. I mean the mother’s liability; otherwise, her children will be attached to her on the Day of Resurrection because the father is absent, and only the mother’s care remains. If she is able to reform them, that is what is required. If not, she should seek the help of their older brothers and uncles. If that does not help, it is necessary to refer the matter to those responsible for enjoining good and forbidding evil.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.