Know Your Deen

February 13, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Iftar money for the imam’s pocket! NOPE!

Q: Last yr our Musjid had over 13 000 saved from collecting Iftar money. Can we give that money for Taraweeh Huffaz this year for Hadya/gifting/or even for other musjid projects. We are divided. Some say it is for Musjid so yes, some say no.

A: When handling community donations, one must adhere to the principle of Amanah (Trust) as it releates to public funding.

1. The General Rule: Specificity of Intent
When congregants are asked to donate specifically for “Iftar,” they are creating a specific trust for the purpose of feeding those who are fasting.
The collector acts as an agent (Wakil) for the donor. If a donor specifies “This is for Iftar or gives it based on the request of it being for Iftar,” the funds are legally restricted to food and drink for Iftar. If they say, for iftar and whatever goes with it, then plates, etc. can be used with that money.

Under this restriction, you cannot take money donated for food and redirect it toward a Hadya (gift) or salary for the Imam/Huffaz. Doing so would violate the donor’s original intent without their authorization.

2. When Is Redirection of Iftar Monies Permissible?
There are two primary scenarios where surplus Iftar funds may be gifted to the Imam or Huffaz:
If the collection was marketed with a broader scope—for example: “We are collecting for Ramadan Iftar expenses as well as general Masjid needs, including gifts for our Huffaz and whereever else we feel necassary, however, our focus would be Iftar as much as possible”—then these funds are not restricted to food. In this case, gifting the surplus to the Taraweeh leaders is perfectly valid and maybe even encouraged.
If the funds were originally “Iftar-only,” you may seek retroactive permission, by making a public announcement stating: “We have a surplus in the Iftar fund and intend to gift it to the Imam/Huffaz and take care of other musjid needs; please let us know if there are any objections.” Only those present can have their monies towards the gifting, etc. the money of the rest of the donors that you cannot get hold of should be carried over for the next Ramadan.

I appreciate you folks wanting to do the correct thing.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

February 13, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

While married to a Hindu can I inherit from a Muslim

Q1: Can a woman married to a Hindu AND worships at the temple inherit from her father?

No, she cannot inherit from her father.

By voluntarily participating in the religious rituals of another faith (such as idol worship or Hindu prayers) and adopting their creed, she is classified as a Murtad (apostate) in Hanafi Fiqh.

One of the absolute bars to inheritance is Ikhtilaf in deen (difference of religion). Rasool ﷺ said: A Muslim does not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor does a non-Muslim inherit from a Muslim.

Since she has left the fold of Islam through her actions and beliefs, she is legally disqualified from inheriting from her Muslim father.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Q2: If a woman is married to a Hindu but does NOT worship like him or with him as he does his hindu worship, can she inherit from a Muslim?

Yes, she can inherit.

Marrying a non-Muslim that is a hindu is a severe violation of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:221) and is a major sin. However, in Hanafi Fiqh, committing a major sin does not make a person a Kafir (disbeliever).

She is regarded as a Fasiq (a sinful Muslim). Her marriage is Batil (null/void) and her relationship is Haram, but she is still a member of the Islamic faith.

Sin—no matter how grave—is not a barrier to inheritance. Only homicide, slavery, and difference of religion block a legal heir from their share.

Since she is still a Muslim (though a sinful one), she retains her full Quranic right to inherit from her father.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

January 29, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Proud and Jewish

Q: Please respond. You said at the high school that during the outman empire there were more Christians in ‘Palestine’ than there are right now and ‘more sadly more Christian resources are destroying Christian homes in palestine’ than muslims doing so against Christians, this is false and i would appreciate that you retract such dogma. Proud and Jewish. Thanx

A: Thank you for taking out the time to seek clarity. You have been brave to want a response, and i most appreciate it. As you may be aware, the presentation in question was conducted with a brief introduction to Islam. Due to a recent procedure that made it difficult for me to speak clearly for extended periods, I presented the core tenets of the faith for only about 10 to 15 minutes before opening the floor to the students. Consequently, the statements you referred to were not part of a prepared lecture, but were direct, spontaneous responses to specific questions posed by students on various complex matters.

I invite you to review the following historical and geopolitical points, which inform the context of those responses:

1. Historical Demographics: Christians under the Ottoman Empire

It is a matter of historical record that the Christian population in Palestine was significantly higher (percentage-wise) during the Ottoman era than it is today.

The Data: In the late Ottoman period (mid-19th century), official census records show that Christians comprised roughly 10–13% of the population in Palestine. Today, they make up less than 1–2% of the population in the West Bank and Gaza. Even if one were to use the most generous estimates of 3%, the downward trend remains stark.
The Cause of Decline: This demographic shift is not a result of “Muslim expansion” or sectarian hostility. Rather, it is the documented result of socio-political pressures, economic hardship, and mass displacement events (such as the Nakba), where many Christians from historic centers like Bethlehem and Jerusalem were forced to flee or were displaced.

2. Geopolitical Analysis: The Integrity of Christian Homes

The observation that “Christian resources” (referring to Western political and financial support) can indirectly facilitate harm is a point of analysis frequently articulated by Palestinian Christian clergy themselves.

The Kairos Palestine Document: Leading Palestinian Christian figures, including the former Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, issued this seminal document. It states clearly that the primary threat to their continued presence is military occupation and the seizure of land—actions often funded or diplomatically shielded by Western nations with Christian majorities.
A Tradition of Coexistence: Historically, Palestinian Christians and Muslims have lived under the “Covenant of Omar” (Al-`Uhda al-‘Umariyya), a centuries-old tradition of mutual protection. While no society is without tension, indigenous Christian leaders consistently identify state-sanctioned settlement expansion—not from their Muslim neighbors—as the primary cause of the destruction of their homes.

I welcome any data or factual clarifications to the contrary and would be happy to review them. As a speaker, my duty is to respond to student inquiries/claims/implied assertions with historical and reported facts. If there is evidence that contradicts the records of the Ottoman census or the statements of the Jerusalem Patriarchates, I would be forever grateful to review it.

Wishing you continued success.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

January 28, 2026
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Ramadan fasting and sickness

Q: Assalamualakem Imam, if a person missed fasts from last Ramadan due to sickness, can they make it up anytime? Does it have to be before next ramadan?
What if the person is still sick or don’t have strength and are weak? Can they make it up anytime?

A: Walaikumsalam:

May Allah (SAW) reward you for your concern about fasting.

Making Up Missed Fasts

The general rule is that missed fasts due to illness should be made up as soon as one is physically able.

You can make them up anytime throughout the year. However, it is highly recommended to complete them before the next Ramadan begins.

If the next Ramadan arrives and you still have not made up the previous year’s fasts without a valid excuse (like an ongoing illness), you still owe those fasts, so try and make it up as soon as possible.

If Illness or Weakness Persists

If you are still recovering but expect to get better eventually, you simply can wait until you have the strength.

Chronic/Permanent Illness: If a good (Moreso, Muslim doctor that knows this aspect of religion) doctor determines the condition is chronic and the person will likely never be strong enough to fast again, they do not have to make up the days. Instead, they pay Fidya. If you do ever recover, even after you have paid the fidya, you would still do a makeup due to recovery.

Fidya: Feeding one poor person a meal for every day missed. Or you could give its equivalent in money to the poor person. (If a meal cost $10, and you missed 12 fasts, give the poor person $120)

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

September 27, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Umrah good dua to read (Part 2)

Q: What are some things to recite at Umrah? Jazakallah!

A: Umrah Duas & easy to read Supplications from Quran. Chose those Duas that most resonate with your families needs.

May Allah accept your worship and grant you a beautiful journey, Insha’Allah, ameen.

Before Starting the Journey

بِسْمِ اللهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلى اللهِ وَلا حَوْلَ وَلا قُوَّةَ إِلاّ بِالله
Bismillāhi tawakkaltu ‘alā Allāh, wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh.
In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah; there is no might and no power except with Allah.

At the Miqat – Intention (Niyyah) for Umrah

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ
Allāhumma innī urīdul-‘umrah, fa-yassirhā lī wa taqabbalhā minnī.
O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so make it easy for me and accept it from me.

Talbiyah – Recite Often Until Tawaf Begins

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ
إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayka Allāhumma labbayk. Labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk.
Innal-ḥamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk. Lā sharīka lak.
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. Truly, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.

Upon Entering Masjid Al-Haram

اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Allāhumma iftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik.
O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.

Tawaf (7 Circuits Around the Ka‘bah)

Start by making an intention, Raise hand as you do for Salah (men) and recite:

Bismillah, Walhamdulillah, Allah hu Akbar

Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone (each round):
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ‘adhāban-nār.
Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

Other Duas: Make any personal supplications, dhikr (remembrance), or Quranic Duas in Arabic or your own language.

Sa‘i – Between Safa and Marwah (7 Times)

At Safa (facing the Ka‘bah):
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
Innaṣ-Ṣafā wal-Marwata min sha‘ā’irillāh.
Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. (Qur’an 2:158)

Then say 3 times:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَر
Allāhu Akbar

Follow with:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ
لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Lā ilāha illallāh, waḥdahu lā sharīka lah. Lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.
There is no god but Allah, alone, no partner. His is the dominion and praise, and He has power over all things.

During the walk (all rounds):
Repeat any dua — especially:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً…
Or make personal duas for forgiveness, guidance, family, health, etc.

Dua When Drinking Zamzam

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا، وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
Allāhumma innī as’aluka ‘ilman nāfi‘an, wa rizqan wāsi‘an, wa shifā’an min kulli dā’.
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision, and healing from every illness.

Quranic Duas
For Parents

رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Rabbi irḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā.
My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.

For Forgiveness (You, Parents & Believers)

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ
Rabbanā’ghfir lī wa li-wālidayya wa lil-mu’minīn yawma yaqūmul-ḥisāb.
Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day of Judgment.

For Ease & Clarity (Prophet Musa)

رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي
Rabbi ishraḥ lī ṣadrī wa yassir lī amrī.
My Lord, expand for me my chest and ease my task.

For Forgiveness (Prophet Adam)

رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Rabbanā ẓalamnā anfusanā wa in lam taghfir lanā wa tarḥamnā lanakūnanna minal-khāsirīn.
Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy, we will be among the losers.

For Distress (Prophet Yunus)

لَّا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Lā ilāha illā Anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn.
There is no deity but You. Glory be to You! I was among the wrongdoers.

For Righteous End

رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِ
Rabbanā faghfir lanā dhunūbanā wa kaffir ‘annā sayyi’ātinā wa tawaffanā ma‘al-abrār.
Our Lord, forgive our sins, remove our misdeeds, and make us die among the righteous.

For Family

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ
وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
Rabbanā hab lanā min azwājinā wa dhurriyyātinā qurrata a‘yunin waj‘alnā lil-muttaqīna imāmā.
Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and children comfort to our eyes and make us leaders for the righteous.

For Children and Prayer (Prophet Ibrahim)

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي
رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ
Rabbi’j‘alnī muqīmas-ṣalāti wa min dhurriyyatī, Rabbanā wa taqabbal du‘ā’.
My Lord, make me steadfast in prayer, and [also] from my descendants. Our Lord, accept my supplication.

For Guidance & Mercy

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا
وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ
Rabbanā lā tuzigh qulūbanā ba‘da idh hadaytanā wa hab lanā min ladunka raḥmah.
Innaka anta al-Wahhāb.
Our Lord, do not deviate our hearts after You have guided us, and grant us from Yourself mercy. Truly, You are the Bestower.

For Patience & Victory

رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا
وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ
Rabbanā afrigh ‘alaynā ṣabran wa thabbit aqdāmanā wa-nṣurnā ‘ala al-qawmil-kāfirīn.
Our Lord, pour upon us patience, make our feet firm, and grant us victory over the disbelievers.

When making your own Duas, start with praise of Allah, send blessings on the Prophet ﷺ, make your requests (for the Ummah, your community, family, and self), and end with praise again.

May Allah (SWT) take you and your loved ones with love, safety and goodness, and bring you back with safty and an accepted Umrah, ameen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

September 27, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Umrah Part 1

Q: What are some steps for Umrah?

A: Brief Umrah Guide (Hanafi Fiqh) — From Home to Makkah and back home.

Some of these are Must Do’s, some are recommendations.

Before Leaving Home

Make a sincere Niyyah in your heart for Umrah purely for Allah (SWT). Saying it aloud is good, especially for children.
نَوَيْتُ العُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

Seek forgiveness from family, friends, and those you may have wronged. The goal is sincere forgiveness, not reopening wounds.

Perform Ghusl with the intention of preparing for Umrah.

Pack modest clothing and Ihram garments (men: two unstitched white cloths; women: modest, loose clothing but not excessively loose).

Avoid arguments, sins, and disputes before and during the journey. Intend no agitation, no yelling, no harsh words—everything is for Allah (SWT).

Prepare spiritually by recognizing this as a sacred journey. Start practicing duas and reciting the first Kalimah regularly.

On the Way to Miqat

As you approach the Miqat, make your Niyyah verbally or in your heart, preferably both:
اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْعُمْرَةَ O Allah, here I am; I intend to perform Umrah.

Shower, enter into Ihram, pray 2 Rak’ahs before entering Ihram.

Begin reciting Talbiyyah gently and joyfully:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكُ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Once in Ihram: Avoid cutting hair or nails, using scented products, showing intimacy like behavior, harsh words, fighting and hunting (except harmful insects; give charity as compensation).

Practice patience and gentleness in crowds, airports, and transport. Ihram is a state of humility and self-restraint.

Arriving in Makkah

Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, continue reciting Talbiyyah.

Be in the state of Wudu before starting Tawaf. Enter calmly into the Sacred House. No 2 Rakats read for this funtion.

Performing Tawaf

Begin Tawaf at الحجر الأسود – Hajar al-Aswad) corner.

Raise your hands and say Allahu Akbar facing the Black Stone.

Kiss it if possible, otherwise touch with the right hand or point towards it each time you pass.

Complete seven counter-clockwise circuits around the Ka’aba.

Women maintain a moderate pace.

Remember the spiritual significance of the area, it is an area that was walked by Prophets.

After Tawaf, pray two Rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim if possible, or anywhere in the Musjid. CLoser to the Maqam Ibraheim, the better.

Drink Zamzam water after prayer in small sips while making dua:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا، وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ O Allah, make it a cure, provision, and blessing.

Performing Sa’i (Between Safa and Marwah)

Proceed to Safa sid eof the hill, face the Ka’aba and recite:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ (Qur’an 2:158)
Say Allahu Akbar and start walking towards Marwah.

Men again should rapidly walk back and forth 7 times, ending at Marwah. Woman at a slower pace.

The focus is on worship—avoid loud talking or joking, laughing at peoples slip and falls is never good. If someone needs help, its okay to help them, one cannot be so focused that they ignore the pain of others or create pain for others. Use this time for dua, dhikr, and reflection.

Many make personal prayers here for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings—this is a special, blessed part of Umrah.

Halq or Taqsir (Finishing Ihram)

Men must either shave their heads completely (Halq, preferred) or trim hair (Taqsir) by at least a fingertip length.

Women trim a small amount of hair (about a fingertip length).

This ends Ihram and you may resume normal activities.

While in Makkah

Stay in Wudu as much as possible.

Avoid gossip, backbiting, quarrels and sinsor even doubtful things.

Spend your time praying, making dhikr, and sincere dua.

Use your time in the Haram for reflection, Quran reading, and spiritual connection.

After Leaving Makkah

Continue reciting Talbiyyah until you exit the Miqat boundary on your return journey.

Maintain Ihram restrictions until you have fully exited the Miqat.

Once exited, remove Ihram garments and change into regular clothes.

General Do’s and Don’ts (Hanafi Fiqh)

Do’s:

Maintain wudu regularly, offer voluntary prayers, and make frequent dua.

Be very calm, especially with family. Every anger would be remembered by your families.

Recite Quran and send salutations on the Prophet (SAW).

Dress modestly and keep behavior humble.

Don’ts (especially in Ihram):

Do not cut hair or nails.

Avoid perfumes, scented soaps, or oils.

Do not argue, raise your voice, or fight.

Men should not cover their heads with caps; women should not cover faces or wear gloves.

No shared intimacy until Ihram ends.

Do not hunt or harm any living creatures.

In Madinah (Going to madinah is optional, highly recommended)

Visit Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque.

Send salutations on the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and visit the Rawdah (the garden inside the mosque); note access may require a permit.
Get a book on 40 Durood. Read as much from it on the way to madinah. Or read any basic Durood you know. Read the short version at least 1000 times.

Visit other sacred sites like Masjid Quba and Mount Uhud for spiritual enrichment.

After Returning Home

Read 2 rakats. Make dua of shukar gratitude for a safe and blessed journey.
After every salah, ask Allah (SWT) to accept your Umrah efforts.

Maintain the spiritual benefits by continuing prayers, dhikr, and good deeds.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. Not good at typesetting, we will work on it.

July 18, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Insects ice cream

Q: Is the following in ice cream halal? ……. one of the nation’s first edible bug farms, to create this flavor. Their delectable candied insects bring a nutty bite to Creepy Crawly Critters—and loads of nutrition. Insects are rich in protein, omega-3s, fiber, and amino acids, and they’ve been a part of Mexico’s culinary heritage dating back to the Aztecs. Today, Don Bugito’s founder, Monica Martinez, is on a mission to reintroduce the world to insects, crafting tasty confections that celebrate their natural earthy nuttiness. Think of crickets like pepitas; they taste just as delicious!

A: We cannot eat insects.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

July 18, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

Just keep hands down and say ameen in the heart

Q: In out musjid it has started to become a fashion to say Ameen loudly when imam makes dua in khutba. Is saying ameen loudly as established practice? Jazakallah

A: The khutbah is a formal part having its own set of Adab (ettiqute). Musalleen are expected to listen quietly and attentively without interrupting. The companions (RA) maintained silence during the khutbah out of respect, and if any sound was made, it was the exception rather than the norm. While saying “Ameen” may make a person feel good, it can become a nuisance for others, and a Muslim should avoid causing inconvenience to others.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

July 4, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
0 comments

A Friday without drama is a wasted Friday

Q: I couldn’t help but overhear a discussion after prayers to which the office doors were open, so I am thinking it was not private, where a gentleman argued that his child should be allowed to stand in the front row, saying, “These children are our future.” He also mentioned that it’s permissible for a child to stand directly behind the imam, presumably based on Shaykh Google. Could you please shed some light on this issue from the perspective sharia because at the end of the day we are here for what sharia expects of us. I hope you would address this because this is going to be the 4th of July gossip to stir up fitna in the community just because we can do so. And i want to be prepared. Jak

A: Asalamualikum WRB:

Thank you for raising this important matter. I appreciate your concern and your desire to seek clarity. The statement “these children are our future” is undeniably true,and fostering their love for the masjid and congregational prayer is a noble and essential goal. However, when it comes to worship—especially congregational ṣalāh—our guidance must come from the principles established in the Quran, Sunnah and scholarly tradition, rather than personal feelings or cultural norms or online searches coupled with responses that may not work for every scenario.

To better understand this, let me offer a simple analogy: Just because a person pays taxes, does that entitle their child to stand beside a surgeon in the operating room of a government hospital to “enhance the child’s scientific inclination”? Or would it be appropriate to bring a child to every workplace meeting under the pretext of fostering their potential work ethic? Of course not. Maturity, readiness and structure are essential — even in matters of Deen. Similarly, the prayer space is far from casual—it is sacred. Salah is not merely about standing in a given row; it is about fulfilling a spiritual duty with presence, discipline and humility with knowledge about the Deen.

Prayer Row Etiquette
Rasool ﷺ said: Let those among you who are most mature and have the most understanding of the Quran stand directly behind me. This guidance is deliberate and purposeful. The front row, especially the space immediately behind the imam and closest to the imaam should be reserved for those capable of supporting and maintaining the prayer’s structure, particularly in moments of forgetfulness, mistakes, or need for correction when the Imaam errors or seeks assistance.

This was explained to the guardian of the child, who had argued from a “first come, first served” perspective. However, this principle is not absolute. For example, in the Ḥaram in Makkah, the Masjid of the Rasool ﷺ in Madinah and many major masājid worldwide, the person standing behind the imam or the front row is typically the most qualified individual from within that congregation—whether by knowledge of the Quran, fiqh or preparedness to step in if necessary.

Intentionally placing a young child—regardless of age in such a position, particularly where space is limited does not align with the prophetic framework. Front rows are not only for reward but a responsibility.

Age Alone Is Not Sufficient
While it is commonly accepted by lay people that children seven years and older may join the prayer rows, not every seven-year-old is the same. Some may have memorized the Quran, understand the rulings of salah and distinguish between fard, sunnah, and wājib components. Others may know only a few surahs, struggle to remain still and lack the awareness or knowledge to correct the imam if an error occurs—sometimes even walking around the masjid making car sounds or singing from their favorite cartoons. Although age is a factor, it is not the sole criterion. The person leading the prayer, if aware of such behaviors with the youth population has a responsibility to address the matter; failing to do so is a breach of duty toward the congregation. Ultimately, behavior, discipline, attentiveness, and understanding must all be taken into account.

Scholarly Consensus
Across all four major madhāhib, there is agreement on the following points:
-Children are welcome and encouraged to attend the masjid. (So long as they are clean and not a disturbance)
-They may pray in the rows, especially when the masjid is not full.
-Children prone to distraction, movement or immaturity should not occupy the front row—particularly not the spaces behind the imam.
-Even scholars who allow children to remain in the front row generally do so only when the row is incomplete or when no adults are present to take the space. This emphasizes the principle that structure and suitability outweigh mere order of arrival.

Why This Matters
Salah is not merely an individual act; it is a disciplined and communal devotion. The front row sets the tone for the entire congregation. If that row lacks focus, the resulting distraction affects everyone behind.

Those in the front should be:
-Adults or under extreme conditions, youth that are discerning (age 7+ with proper behavior) and aware of Fard, sunnah, wajibaat, etc.
-Calm, composed, and focused
-Fully aware of the sanctity and collective responsibility of salah
-While “first come, first served” is a valid idea, it must be understood within its proper context—not applied in contradiction to prophetic guidance.

Respectfully Addressing Differences
Some respected scholars, particularly from the Hanbali and Shāfiʿ schools, permit a well-behaved child to remain in the front if he arrives first, moreso when the child has knowledge of basics. However, even they affirm that if qualified adults are present, they have greater right to that position. This is not about excluding children but about guiding them gradually and responsibly, respecting their growth and the sanctity of salah. The Hanafee school of thought is more strict in the application of this ruling. As leaders, we should help children take a more safer position. This is what we had done, however, as one would read below, not in the most harsh manner as ‘true’ hanafees would do.

Clarifying the Incident
In light of this understanding, the child in question was not removed to the back of the masjid but was politely asked to move to the third row, which is still far from the last row. Anyone observing this would see that the child was not sent to the back but rather placed in a position consistent with Islamic etiquette and the principles outlined above in the most positive and lenient manner. Additionally, when the guardian made mention that the child’s feelings were hurt, the one making the request to go to the third row apologized in the following words: I am sorry I hurt your feelings. The guardian was also informed: ‘if the above opinion is incorrect, kindly share fiqhi proof that is signed by religious authorities based on the above context. In no way we are to limit/stop/restrict where a child stands for prayer, we are just going to share its adab, then we leave the rest to the guardians. Because it is believed, creating fitna is a larger sin than a child praying in the front row. Our task is to educate with proof, and leave the rest to our congregants.

Misinterpreting the above respectful request as harsh or exclusionary misrepresents an important conversation about where children should ideally stand during congregational prayer.

While we make dua that Allah (SWT) protects our youth, we also ask Allah (SWT) to give each of us deeper insight to this beautiful deen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

June 4, 2025
by Ml. Muhammed Shoayb
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Just do it the correct way!

Q: We at Hajj. Just arrived. We want things to be easy. Some in the group saying Rami is to be done than sacrifice of animal. To speed up the process, some say we do it the other way around. What if we did it oppsiite to sequence? (Text)

A: Follow the sequence. Do Rami than Sacrifice then Shave head. This is the better and safer view from the Ahnaf.

Doing it the opposite way would cause for you to give Damm (pay a penalty). This would require you to slaughter a sheep, goat, etc and give it to a poor person over there!

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. You spent all that money to do it right, not what is most easy.