Is it permissible for a man to go to the mosque with his young children who are under four years old?

The questioner : Is it permissible for a man to go to the mosque with his young children who are under four years old?

The Shaykh : Children under the age of four generally do not know how to perform the prayer because they have not reached the age of discernment. The age at which discernment is generally reached is seven years, which is the age at which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded us to order our children to pray when they reach it. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: If these children who are four years old do not know how to perform the prayer, then it is not appropriate to bring them to the mosque, except in cases of dire necessity, such as if there is no one in the house to protect this boy, in which case he may bring him with him on the condition that he does not harm the worshippers. If he harms the worshippers, then he should not bring him. If the child needs to stay with him in the house, let him stay with him. In this case, he is excused for missing the congregation because he stayed behind for a valid excuse, which is to guard and protect his son. Yes.

The questioner : May Allah bless you. The listener is also from Sudan, he says.