The Book of Prayer
Congregational Prayers & Latecomers

This is because there is no definitive proof that the boys are to be placed behind the men except for a report in (D) from Abi Mâlik al-Ash‘ari, but it has been deemed weak by Hadith scholars because of the presence of Shahr ibn Ḥawshab in the chain. Additionally, the Prophet’s command to have adults of knowledge and understanding pray behind him (M – from Abi Mas‘ood) refers only to that part of the first row that was behind him (SA). Some scholars understood it to be an encouragement for the knowledgeable adults to be behind him, not a prohibition for others. The sound report from Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (RA), in which he grabbed a young man from the first row and stood in his place, is about the first row and probably the middle part of it. Moreover, ‘Amr ibn Salamah led his people in prayer, during the time of the Prophet (SA), at the age of seven. (Ag) Besides, sending the boys to the back could be discouraging and disheartening to them, particularly if done with harshness. It could also lead to more noise from their rows during the prayer, which could be avoided if they were allowed to pray amongst the adults. In addition, many parents feel uncomfortable leaving their three or four-year-olds alone unsupervised while they are praying. Flexibility must be shown in this regard. The children must be taught the etiquettes of the masjid by their parents, yet tolerance must also be shown to them. It is imperative in the West that we make our mosques inviting to all, particularly to children and younger individuals