Question: Someone in our village brings his minor children who have not reached the age of seven to the Masjid (mosque). Sometimes, they raise their voices and distract those who offer Salah and cause them to lose concentration. When some of our Muslim brothers advised him not to bring them, he said: The Companions used to bring their children to the Masjid during the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and when the Messenger heard the cry of a baby, he used to not lengthen Salah. What is the ruling in this regard? Could you kindly explain?
Answer: It is obligatory to maintain Masjids and keep them safe from the playing of children and their annoyance because Masjids are built for worship. Those who bring their children with them to teach them Salah (prayer) should discipline them and train them not to play in the Masjids or play with the Mushafs (copies of the Qur’an) there.
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions
[Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’, 5/264]
Islam Fundamentals 