Impermissibilty of bringing children to the masjid that disturb those offering the prayers

Question:

Some of the people come to the Masjid and they have their children with them who have not reached the age of discernment and they cannot pray properly. These children line up in the rows with those who are offering prayer and some of them fidget (or play frivolously) and disturb those who are around them. So, what is the ruling on this? And what is your advice to the parents of such children?
Answer:

I think that bringing children (to the Masjid) who will disturb those who are offering prayer is not permissible, because in that is a disturbance for the Muslims who are performing an obligation from the obligations of Allah. The Prophet heard some of his companions praying and reciting aloud, so he said:
"You all should not raise your voices over each other in recitation ." (Ahmad 2:36, 67)

In another Hadith he said:

" You all should not harm (or bother) one another." (Abu Dawud no.1332)

Thus, everything that contains something that bothers those who are offering prayer, is not permissible for the person to do it.

Hence my advice to the parents of such children is that they do not bring them to the Masjid and they seek guidance in that which the Prophet directed to when he said:

"Command your children to pray when they are seven and beat them about (not offering) it when they are ten. " (Abu Dawud no. 494,495 and Ahmad 2:187)

Likewise, I also direct advice to the people of the Masjid to open their hearts to the children whose coming to (i.e, presence in) the Masjid is legislated (in the Shariah). They should not make things difficult on them or remove them from their places (in the prayer lines) that they came to first. For verily, whoever is the first to come to something, he has the most right to it, regardless of whether he is a child or an adult. Hence, moving the children away from their places in the row contains:

(1)Disregard of their right, because whoever comes to something first-that no one of the Muslims has beaten him to-then he has the most right to it.

(2)It discourages them from attending the Masjids.

(3)It contains the possibility of the child carrying hatred and dislike for the person who removed him from the place that he came to first.

(4)It leads to the children being gathered together (in the row) and they end up playing and causing disturbance to the people of the Masjid that would not have occurred if the children were between the adult men.

In reference to what some of the people of knowledge have mentioned regarding the child being removed from his place so that the child is made to stand at the end of the row or in the last row in the Masjid, using as a proof the Prophets statement:

"Let those of understanding and intelligence be near to me (in the prayer)." (Muslim no. 432)

This opinion is not correct and in opposition to the prophet's statement:

" Whoever comes first to what no on else has beaten him to, then he has the most right to it. " (Abu Dawud no. 3071)

Also, their using the evidence, the prophets statement:

"Let those of understanding and intelligence be near to me (in the prayer)." (Muslim no. 432)

This is not complete (in the way they use it), because the meaning of the Hadith is to encourage those of intellect and understanding to come forward so that they may be near the Prophet. This is because they are closer to correct understanding than the younger people, and more proficient in understanding what they saw from the Prophet or what they heard. The Prophet did not say,

" No one but those of understanding and intellect should be near me (in prayer). "

If the Prophet had said,

" No one but those of understanding and intellect should be near me (in prayer)."

then the opinion of removing the children from their places in the front rows would be acceptable. However, the manner in which this Hadith has been worded is merely his command to those of understanding and intellect to come forward so that they may be near the Messenger of Allah.

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 3, p26-29, DARUSSALAM.

A Brief Summary of the Issue of Raising the hands for the Qunoot in the Witr

Taken from the 'Original Sifat as-Salah'

By Shaykh Muhadith Muhammad Nasir- Deen Al-Albaani

Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

And ‘the Messenger - sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – used to raise his hands.’

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A Summary: Shaykh al-Albaani mentions the Narration of Anas bin Malik when the Qur’aanic recitors were killed:

‘Anas said: I never ever saw the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- painfully agitated about anything as I saw him agitated over them. Indeed I saw the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- in the early morning prayer raising his hands and he supplicated against those who killed them. [And in another narration: supplicating against them.]

Narrated by Ahmad (3/137)

This Isnaad is authentic. At-Tabraani narrated in ‘Sagheer’ also from Anas with the wording:

‘Indeed I saw the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- whenever he would pray the early morning prayer, he would raise his hands supplicating against them.’

This portion was narrated by al-Bayhaqi (2/211) and Nawawi (3/500) said: ‘Its Isnaad is Saheeh or hasan’

There is a recommendation in this hadeeth of raising the hands while supplicating the Qunoot.

Farj the freed slave of Abu Yusuf said: ‘I saw my master Abu Yusuf, if he would enter into the Qunoot for the Witr he would raise his hands in the Dua.’ From ‘Sharh al-Hidayah’ (1/306)

Likewise Ahmad holds this opinion and so does Ishaaq.

The raising of the hands is established from the Ameer-ul-Mumineen Umar bin al-Khattab -Radi Allaahu anhu- as is narrated by Bukhari in ‘Rafa’ al-Yadain’ (23), Ibn Nasr (134) and al-Bayhaqi (2/212) on the authority of Abu Uthmaan an-Nahdi:

‘Umar would perform the Qunoot with us in the early morning prayer, and would raise his hands, so much that the side of his body under his arms would be seen.

As for wiping the hands on the face after ending the Dua’ in the prayer, then this is not established with an authentic narration, nor an authentic statement, nor by analogy.

This is a Bida’, as for outside the prayer, then it is not authentic, and everything that is narrated regarding this is weak, some of it is more severe in its weakness than other narrations; I have researched it in ‘Da’eef Abi Dawood’ (262) and ‘al-Hadeeth as-Saheehah’ (597), this is why al-Izz bin Abdus-Salaam said in some of his Fatawa: ‘None does this except an ignorant person.’

So it is foremost that it should not be done, and restricting to what the Salaf -Radi Allaahu anhum- did, of raising the hands in the Dua’ without wiping the face in the prayer. And success lies with Allaah.’

[Taken from ‘the Original Sifat as-Salah’ vol 3 p.957-959]

Shaykh al-Albaani also said: ‘Raising of the hands in the Qunoot for a problem afflicting the Muslims is established from the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- when he made Dua’ against the Mushrikeen, those who killed seventy of the recitors of the Qur’aan.

This was narrated by Imam Ahmad (3/137) and by Tabraani in ‘as-Sagheer’ (p.111) from the hadeeth of Anas with an authentic chain, and it is also established from Umar and others in the Qunoot of al-Witr.’

[Taken from ‘Irwaa al-Ghaleel’ (2/181)]

41- The Ruling of Raising the Hands in the Dua’ of al-Witr

By Shaykh, Allaama Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abdul Azeez bin Abdullaah Bin Baz

Question:What is the ruling of raising the hands in al-Witr?

Answer: Raising the hands in the Qunoot of al-Witr is legislated; because the Qunoot is from the same type as the Qunoot when new hardships occur for the Muslims, and this is indeed established by the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam, that he -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- raised his hands when he made Dua’ in the Qunoot when new hardships occur for the Muslims.

This was collected by al-Bayhaqi –Raheem’ullaah- with a authentic chain.

[Taken from ‘Majmoo Fatawa wa Maqalaat Mutafariqa’ vol.30 p.51 ]

Some Athaar of the Companions regarding raising the hands in al-Qunoot

a) From Abu Uthmaan who said: ‘Umar used to read the Qunoot with us after Rukoo’ and he would raise his hands so much so that the side of his body would be seen, and his voice could be heard from the back of the Masjid.’

[Collected by Ibn Abee Shaybah (3/316), Bayhaqi (2/212) & Ibn al-Mundhir (5/213)]

b) From Ibn Abbas that he prayed the Qunoot with the people at Fajr in Basrah, and he raised his hands so much so that the side of his body was raised up.’

[Saheeh – Collected by Ibn Abee Shaybah (2/316)]

c) From Ibn Mas’ood that he used to raise his hands in the Witr then after that he would lower them.’

[Hasan – Collected by Abdur Razzaq (4/325)]

an abandoned Sunnah that must be revived - Straightening the Rows AND Joining the feet

Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ud-Deen al-Albaanee rahimahullaah

Translated by Oways al-Haashimee

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An Abandoned Sunnah that must be Revived [1]

There are many authentic Ahadeeth from the sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam concerned with the command to straighten the rows (for congregational prayer), and so this is rarely hidden from any of the students of (Islaamic) knowledge let alone their teachers. However it remains unknown to many that straightening the rows requires straightening it with the feet, not just the shoulders. Indeed we have often heard some of the Imaams of the Masaajid (Mosques) pointing out - when ordering the people to straighten the rows - that the Sunnah is to do so with the shoulders to the exclusion of the feet! Since this is contrary to what is established in the authentic Sunnah, I thought it necessary to mention some Ahadeeth that exist on this topic, as a reminder for whoever wishes to act in accordance with the authentic Sunnah, not being deceived by the widespread customs and habits present in the Ummah.

There are two authentic Ahadeeth on this topic: The first is the Hadith reported by Anas, and the second is that reported by An-Nu'maan ibn Basheer, may Allaah be pleased with them both.

As for the Hadith of Anas, then it as follows; The Hadith of Anas ibn Maalik. [The Prophet (SAAS) said:] "Straighten your rows and come close together, for indeed I see you behind my back" The Hadith is reported by al-Bukharee [2/176 - al-Fath, Boolaaq edition], Ahmad [3/182 and 263], and al-Mukhallis in al-Fawaa'id [1/10/2], all of them reporting via a number of transmission paths (turuq sing. tareeq) from Humayd at-Taweel who said Anas ibn Maalik narrated to us saying:

"The call for commencing of salaah was made, the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam turned to us and said..." (then he mention the above Hadith). Al-Bukhaaree adds in one narration of this Hadith: "(He turned to us and said) before pronouncing the opening takbeer..." Also adding at the end "...each of us would adjoin his shoulder with that of his companion (standing next to him) and his foot with that of his companion." This addition also occurs in the report of al-Mukhallis and Ibn Abee Shaybah [1/351] with the following wording: Anas said, "...So I saw each of us adjoining our shoulder with those of our companions and also (adjoining) our feet with those of our companions, but if you were to practice this today, a person would flee (from you) like a restless mule." Its chain of narration (sanad) is also Saheeh according to the conditions stipulated by the Two Shaykhs (al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).

Al-Haafidh (Ibn Hajr) ascribed this wording to Sa'eed ibn Mansoor and al-Ismaa'eelee. Al-Bukhaaree gave a chapter heading for this Hadith by saying: Chapter: 'Adjoining the shoulder with the shoulder and the foot with the foot in the row (for prayer).' As for the Hadith of an-Nu'maan (ibn Basheer) then it is as follows: The Hadith of an-Nu'maan ibn Basheer. [The Prophet (SAAS) said:] "Straighten your rows (he said it three times), by Allaah either you straighten your rows or Allaah will cause conflict between your hearts."

The Hadith has been selected by Aboo Dawood [no.662], Ibn Hibbaan [no.396], Ahmad [4/276] and ad-Doolaabee in al-Kunaa [2/86] from Abil-Qaasim al-Jadalee Husayn ibnil-Haarith who said; I heard an-Nu'maan ibn Basheer say: "The Messenger of Allaah turned to us and said..." (then he mentioned the above Hadith). Then an-Nu'maan ibn Basheer added: "...So I saw each man joining his shoulder; knee and ankle with that of his companion." The sanad of this Hadith is Saheeh, al-Bukhaaree quoted it in discontinuous (mu'allaq) form in a decided manner (indicating that he considered it authentic). Ibn Khuzaymah also connected its chain of narration in his Saheeh [1/82,83] and al-Mundhiree [at-Targheeb 1/176] and al-Haafidh [al-Fath 2/176] both confirmed this. Ibn Hibaanselected the Hadith in his Saheeh [14/396 - Mawaarid] reporting through the tareeq of ibn Khuzaymah. The text of the Hadith is also reported by ad-Doolaabee by way of Baqeeyah ibnil-Waleed who said: 'Hurayz narrated to us saying: I heard Ghaylaan al-Muqri' narrate from Abee Qutaylah Marthad ibn Wadaa'ah (who said: I heard) an-Nu'maan ibn Basheer say...', (then he mentioned the Hadith). There is no problem with the sanad for the purpose of supporting reports (mutaab'aat), its reporters are reliable apart from Ghaylaan al-Muqri' . Perhaps he is Ghaylaan ibn Anas al-Kalbee (their mawlaa) ad-Dimishqee. If that is the case then his condition (as a reporter) is unknown. A group of the reporters have narrated from him and al-Haafidh (ibn Hajr) said about him: 'He is acceptable (Maqbool).' Then it became clear that identifying this reporter in the sanad as al-Muqri' was a mistake, as al-Bukhaaree and ibn Hibaan had said, and that in fact he is Ghaylaan ibn Ma'shar al-Muqraa'ee [Lubaab 3/237]. Ibn Abee Haatim [7/53] has given a biography for him, mentioning that a number of people have reported from him, and Ibn Hibaan [5/290] declared him reliable.

The Fiqh of these Ahadeeth

In these two Ahadeeth there are a number of important points of benefit and fiqh.

1. The obligation to straighten the rows for salaah and to stand close together in them, due to the command mentioned in the Ahadeeth. The rule concerning such commands is that they constitute an obligation (wujoob) except if accompanying evidence (qareenah) proves otherwise as is well established in the science of fiqh principles. The qareenah here in fact emphasizes the obligation, and that is in the saying of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, "...or Allaah will cause conflict between your hearts", since such a warning is never given for leaving that which is not obligatory as is quite clear.[2]

2. The forming and straightening of the rows mentioned in the Hadith is only achieved by joining the shoulder and the side of ones foot with the shoulder and foot of the adjacent person. This is because that is what the Companions, Radiallaahu 'anhum, did when ordered to straighten the rows and stand close together in them. Hence al-Haafidh (ibn Hajar) said in al-Fath after mentioning the additional saying of Anas in the first Hadith that I have quoted above:

"This (wording) is an explicit explanation that the mentioned action (of the Companions) was done in the time of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. With this in mind the usage of this action as a pretext for explaining what straightening the row means becomes complete."

It is regrettable that many Muslims have neglected this Sunnah of straightening the row, or rather they have lost it altogether, except for a few of them. For I have not seen this practiced by any group amongst them except Ahlul-Hadith (the People of the Hadith). I saw them in Makkah in the year 1368AH enthusiastic and concerned with adhering to the Sunnah as with other Sunan of al-Mustafaa (Muhammad the Messenger of Allaah) sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. This contrary to others from the followers of the Madhaahib - and I do not exclude the Hanaabilah (Hanbalees), for this Sunnah has become utterly forgotten amongst the. In fact they have consecutively abandoned and turned away from it. This is because most of their Madhaahib state that the Sunnah in this regard is that a space of four fingers width should be kept between ones feet, and more than this is disliked, as is detailed in al-Fiqh 'alal-Madhaahib al-Arba'ah [1/207].

This spacing has no foundation in the Sunnah; rather it is based on mere opinion. If it were correct then it would be necessary to restrict this practice to the Imaam and the one praying on his own so that the authentic Sunnah (of standing close in the row) would not be opposed with this practice, as the fundamental principles of fiqh (al-Qawaa'id al-Usooleeyah) necessitates.

In short I appeal to the Muslims - especially the Imaams of the Masaajid, those who are concerned to follow the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and to acquire the virtue of reviving his Sunnah, I appeal to them to act by this Sunnah, have concern for it, and call the people to it until they unify upon it, and by what they will be saved from that warning "�or Allaah will cause conflict between your hearts." [3]

I add in this addition [4] (of my book): It has reached from one of the callers to Islaam (du'aat) that he belittles the status of the Sunnah that the Companions practiced, and which they did so with approval of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He insinuates that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam did not teach them this practice. So he has not realized - and Allaah knows best - that (1) this was their understanding and that (2) the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam approved of their understanding and their practice. This is sufficient amongst Ahlus-Sunnah to affirm the legitimacy of this practice, because the witness sees what the absent does not, and the Companions are people whose followers will never be wretched (unsuccessful).

3. In the first Hadith there is an affirmation of a clear miracle (mu'jizah) given to the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and that was his ability to see behind him without turning his head. However it should be known that this was exclusively for the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam when he was in Salaah since nothing exists in the Sunnah that states that he used to see behind him without turning his head outside the Salaah. And Allaah knows best.

4. In the two Ahadeeth there is a clear proof for something that many people do not know about, although it has become recognized in the field of psychology, and that is the fact that outer (apparent) evil and corruption affects inner evil and corruption and vice versa. There are many Ahadeeth about this, perhaps we will undertake the task of gathering and referencing them at some later opportunity if Allaah, The Most High wishes.

5. The entering of the Imaam into the opening takbeer for prayer when the mu'ahddhin says 'The Prayer is about to start.' (qad qaamati-salaah) is an innovation in the religion (bid'ah) due to its contradicting the authentic Sunnah, as these Ahadeeth prove - especially the first one. The Ahadeeth show us that after the Iqaamah has been called there is a duty upon the Imaam which he must fulfill, and that is commanding the people to straighten the rows, reminding them of that, for he is responsible for them and will be asked.

"...And all of you are shepherds and all of you will be asked about your flock."

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FOOTNOTES:

1. Translated from Silsilatul-Ahadeethis-Saheehah of Shaykh Muhammad Naasirud-Deen Al-Albaanee. Vol.1 pp70-74, Hadith no.31 and 32.

2. TRANSLATORS NOTE ~ Standing close in the row, filling the gaps and straightening the line carries a great reward and virtue as well as being obligatory. This is mentioned in a number of Ahadeeth, like the following: "The best of you are those who stand with their shoulders closest (to the one standing next to them) in the salaah, and there is no step greater in reward than that taken by a man toward a gap in the row thus filling it." Reported by at-Tabaraanee in al-Aswat, refer to Saheeh at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (1/200). "Whoever fills a gap in the row, Allaah raises him up due to it a rank and builds a house for him in al-Jannah." Reported by at-Tabaraanee in al-Aswat and al-Asbahaanee in at-Targheeb, the Hadith is saheeh as occurs in Saheeh at-Targheeb (no.505).

3. TRANSLATORS NOTE ~ There are a number of Ahadeeth that explain the virtue of reviving the Sunnah and the calling the people to guidance and righteousness. For example the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever calls to guidance will have the same reward as all those who follow him in that guidance but this will not take anything away from their reward. Whoever calls to untruth will carry the same sin as the same sin as all those who follow him in that, but that will not take anything away from their sins." Reported by Ahmad in his Musnad, Muslim in his Saheeh and others.

4. TRANSLATORS NOTE ~ This article is taken from the newest edition.