Source: "Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith", Volume 02
Teaching the Qur’an to young children within mosques is legally and religiously permissible in Islam. Islamic teachings and Hadith clearly establish that children attending mosques to learn the religion, including Qur’anic instruction, is not only allowed but is also a commendable act.
Children Attending the Mosque:
According to a narration in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to carry his granddaughter, Umamah bint Zaynab, during prayer. This indicates that it is permissible for children to be present in the mosque. (Bukhari)
Hasan and Husayn in the Mosque:
Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (RA), as children, frequented the mosque, and the Prophet ﷺ expressed love and affection toward them. This too serves as evidence that children are welcome in the mosque.
Consideration for Children During Prayer:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When I hear a child crying, I shorten the prayer, fearing that his mother may be distressed."
(Sahih Muslim)
This shows that the presence of children in the mosque was common during the time of the Prophet ﷺ.
Teaching the Qur’an to children in the mosque is a virtuous religious practice. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
(Bukhari)
This Hadith confirms that teaching the Qur’an is a noble act and it is appropriate for it to take place in the mosque.
A mosque custodian (mutawalli) does not have the Shar‘i authority to prohibit children’s Qur’anic education, as it is a valid and praiseworthy act. However, both the custodian and the instructor bear the responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness and sanctity of the mosque. Children must be supervised to prevent disorder or disrespect toward the mosque environment.
① It is Islamically permissible and commendable to teach the Qur’an to young children in mosques.
② The custodian cannot forbid such education but must ensure the upkeep of discipline and cleanliness.
③ The presence of children in the mosque during the Prophet’s time is well-established through Hadith.
④ Therefore, maintaining Qur’anic instruction for children in mosques is fully aligned with Islamic teachings, provided mosque etiquette and respect are upheld.
❖ Shar‘i Ruling on Qur’anic Education for Children in Mosques
Teaching the Qur’an to young children within mosques is legally and religiously permissible in Islam. Islamic teachings and Hadith clearly establish that children attending mosques to learn the religion, including Qur’anic instruction, is not only allowed but is also a commendable act.
❖ Evidences from Hadith
Children Attending the Mosque:
According to a narration in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to carry his granddaughter, Umamah bint Zaynab, during prayer. This indicates that it is permissible for children to be present in the mosque. (Bukhari)
Hasan and Husayn in the Mosque:
Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (RA), as children, frequented the mosque, and the Prophet ﷺ expressed love and affection toward them. This too serves as evidence that children are welcome in the mosque.
Consideration for Children During Prayer:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When I hear a child crying, I shorten the prayer, fearing that his mother may be distressed."
(Sahih Muslim)
This shows that the presence of children in the mosque was common during the time of the Prophet ﷺ.
❖ Command for Education
Teaching the Qur’an to children in the mosque is a virtuous religious practice. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
(Bukhari)
This Hadith confirms that teaching the Qur’an is a noble act and it is appropriate for it to take place in the mosque.
❖ Role and Responsibility of the Mosque Custodian
A mosque custodian (mutawalli) does not have the Shar‘i authority to prohibit children’s Qur’anic education, as it is a valid and praiseworthy act. However, both the custodian and the instructor bear the responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness and sanctity of the mosque. Children must be supervised to prevent disorder or disrespect toward the mosque environment.
✦ Summary
① It is Islamically permissible and commendable to teach the Qur’an to young children in mosques.
② The custodian cannot forbid such education but must ensure the upkeep of discipline and cleanliness.
③ The presence of children in the mosque during the Prophet’s time is well-established through Hadith.
④ Therefore, maintaining Qur’anic instruction for children in mosques is fully aligned with Islamic teachings, provided mosque etiquette and respect are upheld.
