What is the criterion for bringing children to the mosque, because some people bring their children before the age of discernment, and they disturb the worshippers?
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The questioner : Your Eminence! Some people have become accustomed to bringing their young children to the mosque, those who are four years old or less, or more, and they disturb the worshippers. So what is the criterion for bringing children to the mosque, may Allah preserve you?
The Shaykh : The criterion is the one who has reached the age of discernment; he is brought to the mosque. Boys differ in their discernment; some discern at five years, some at six, and some at seven, and the majority discern at seven. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded us to command our children to pray at seven. However, if one brings the older ones who have reached seven and they cause disturbance, he should be spoken to and told: either you keep your children in check, or you watch over them yourself.
The Shaykh : The criterion is the one who has reached the age of discernment; he is brought to the mosque. Boys differ in their discernment; some discern at five years, some at six, and some at seven, and the majority discern at seven. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded us to command our children to pray at seven. However, if one brings the older ones who have reached seven and they cause disturbance, he should be spoken to and told: either you keep your children in check, or you watch over them yourself.