Struggles of Praying With Children | Islam

For millions of Muslim women the biggest struggle in Salah is the kids they have. Of course, as Muslim mothers of small kids, we truly understand that struggle. The struggle of offering peaceful prayer when one kid is lying and crying in front of you and the other is riding on your back during Ruku is the biggest struggle in namaz for several mothers. At the same time, many mothers have to break rak'ah due to the kids who want to go to the washroom or due to the fight among kids. But nothing should be an excuse for leaving namaz. In Quran Allah says:

"O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient."(2.153)

It is really very hard to build a connection with Allah during namaz for many mothers. But, they are not alone in this never ending struggle. Nothing is permanent in this world and surely, all this will be passed. The thing we can do is to help each other and find better solutions for problems. This article will help mothers who are struggling of praying with children.

Children knowing the importance of namaz and how to join you in namaz can make a big difference in creating harmony during namaz time at home. Mothers cannot leave them unattended and alone for a peaceful namaz, but they also can't concentrate properly surrounding with kids fighting, crying, pulling and pushing. So, here is how we can help kids understand the importance of namaz and how to join in namaz with their mothers.

1.Be a perfect role model:

The act of being a role model is the precedent act in the method of teaching. Nothing can take a first place over it. This act has always been the mind-set for all humanity and Allah has ordered us to follow and obey His messengers. Our Holy Prophet (S.A.W) is a role model for all Muslims throughout the globe and it is our duty to follow his footsteps.

In Quran, Allah Almighty says:

"Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve."(2:277)

Similarly, all kids are born with innate nature of imitation and their first choice to imitate is their parents. Later, this act of imitation becomes stronger when they feel the desire to please their parents and others around them.

Being a perfect role model, mother is always rewarding. This act will help to make our kids sadaqah jariyah. So try to do more of what you want to teach your kids. Though, the little persuasion in the times of disobedience and laziness will be good and fruitful.

Let children join you in Namaz:

I know, this act will be the tough one for your own concentration in namaz. But fathers can help mothers in this regard by taking boys or older kids with them to masjid and mothers can offer namaz along with the little kids or daughters at home. This will give the message in the most effective and subtle way.

There are different types of namaz educational mats available in the market. These mats can attract kid’s attention and make them ready to join you in namaz.

Messenger of Allah Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) said:

“Teach your children to pray when they are seven years old, and smack them (lightly) if they do not pray when they are 10 years old, and separate them in their beds.”

[Abu Dawod (459) and Ahmad (6650)]

Following are some useful ideas how mothers can let their children of different age group of join within salah time:

Babies:

Put your little ones in front of you on your prayer mat while offering prayers and they will be happy to see you perform namaz. Try to recite bit loudly so that they can enjoy and feel satisfied to be with you. They may giggle to see you in prostration, feeling you are playing with them. You can wrap a baby with you while praying if he/she won’t stop crying.

Toddlers:

Let them see how you do wudu, involve them also. Teach them how to wear hijab so, that they can offer prayer with you. They may see here and there during namaz, don't bother.

Children (3-5 Year Olds)

Let kids their own prayer mat beside you. This will encourage them to offer prayers just like their moms.

One of my friends has a three year old kid and she was struggling hard to offer namaz each time with her son. According to her,

"Jamal is a good boy but he always starts crying on listening Azan. I am worried why he does so?”

Quran already tells us that it is the devil who tries to stop people to offer namaz. Kids are the easy prey and they use them for this. It is always better to involve your kids in salah with you.

Let children pray together and teach each other

You know what is the best reward in raising your eldest kid according to Islamic rules and faith? It is their love and passion to teach their younger siblings what they have learnt.

Children offering prayer in congregation is not only the lovely sight but also very effective for children who are not passionate about Salah. Allah declared in Quran: