Question
I have a question relating to children and the Masjid.
Thus we would be very grateful if an appropriate response could be given.
The original question was posed on https://_______
The response given was utilized by people who are using this fatwa to substantiate that it’s not necessary for their children to cover the awrah (between the navel and knees), whether for a boy or girl who have not reached the age of 7 years old when bringing them to the Masjid. These people are saying that the fatwa is that the Shariah ruling of covering their awrah does not apply to them as they are not yet at the age of 7 or at the age of understanding, thus why is the Imaam of a Masjid compelling parents that they should dress their kids appropriately when bringing them to the Masjid. The Imaam has said that the parents are responsible for the dressing of their kids and they are to be held accountable for dressing their kids in such manner more specifically when bringing them to a Masjid.
1. Please advice on the Shariah ruling of bringing such young children to the Masjid for Salaah (infant until 7 years old), is it correct?
2. Is the Imaam correct in saying that the awrah (area between the navel and knees) of such children who are not baaligh as yet (infant until buloogh) should be covered when bringing them to the Masjid?
3. Also since their has been a women section in the Masjid from before, many times women come dressed inappropriately to the Masjid, example, they wear jeans and a top and a scarf or they wear a dress but their hands from their elbows are exposed and left open. Who will be answerable for allowing such disrespect and disregard for the sanctity of the Masjid? The Imaam (who is clearly opposed to such things) or the trustees of a Masjid who agree to keep the ladies section open despite knowing of such incidents? Even their are instances because of ignorance many ladies that have their menses also enter the Masjid….
Please advice on above three points…
Answer
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال «الإيمان بضع وستون شعبة، والحياء شعبة من الإيمان»
“Modesty is a branch of Faith.”
Therefore, what the Imām has said is correct.
3. The purpose of a ladies’ section in a Masjid is to cater for female travellers who, due to necessity need to perform their Ṣalāh in a facility adjacent to the Masjid. They could enter this facility and perform their Ṣalāh individually before continuing on their journey. As for the local women, the most ideal place for them is to perform their Ṣalāh in the darkest portion of their home. Nabī ﷺ has stated:
عن عبد الله، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: «إن أحب صلاة تصليها المرأة إلى الله في أشد مكان في بيتها ظلمة».
“The best Ṣalāh a woman can perform for Allāh Ta’aala is in the darkest place of her house.”
Therefore, if any woman from the locality is performing her Ṣalāh habitually in the local Masjid, she should be stopped from doing so. Even worse, if she is dressed inappropriately, let alone entering the Masjid in the state of menstruation! The opposition of the Imām is justified in this scenario. If the trustees do not put an end to the current situation despite having the ability to do so, they would be responsible for the disrespect shown to the Masjid. The Imām should explain to the trustees the reason for his opposition and try to put an end to the situation.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
حدثنا أحمد بن يوسف السلمي، حدثنا مسلم بن إبراهيم، حدثنا الحارث بن نبهان،
حدثنا عتبة بن يقظان، عن أبي سعيد، عن مكحول عن واثلة بن الأسقع، أن النبي – صلى
الله عليه وسلم – قال: «جنبوا مساجدكم صبيانكم، ومجانينكم». (سنن ابن ماجه: 750)
(تبيين
الحقائق: 1/243)
(رد
المحتار: 1/656)
(البحر الرائق: 5/270)
(صحيح البخاري: 1/11(9))
(صحيح
ابن خزيمة: 3/95 (1691))