Hadith #5669

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of teaching young children how to perform the ritual prayer (صَلَاةَ) and holding them accountable for it once they reach the age of puberty (حُلُمَ). This Hadith highlights the significance of instilling the love and practice of prayer in our children from a young age, as it is a fundamental pillar of Islam.

The word (your young children) "صِبْيَانَكُمْ" refers to the offspring or progeny of the believers. It encompasses both boys and girls, emphasizing that the duty of teaching prayer applies to all children. As responsible Muslim parents, it is our duty to educate our children about the importance and method of performing prayer.

The word (prayer) "الصَّلاةَ" in this Hadith refers to the obligatory ritual prayer that Muslims perform five times a day. It is a comprehensive act of worship that involves physical movements, recitation of specific verses from the Quran, and supplication to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Prayer is a means of establishing a direct connection with our Creator and seeking His guidance, forgiveness, and blessings.

The phrase (and make them accountable for it) "وَ خُذُوهُمْ بِها" signifies the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children are performing prayer regularly and correctly once they reach the age of puberty. At this stage, children are considered mature and are obligated to fulfill the religious duties incumbent upon them. Parents should guide and monitor their children's prayer, providing them with the necessary support and encouragement to maintain a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The importance of teaching prayer to children is emphasized in the Quran as well. In Surah Ta-Ha (20:132), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.

This verse highlights the responsibility of parents to teach and encourage prayer within their families, as it is a means of attaining righteousness and seeking Allah's provision.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) narrates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his son Isma'il (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), stating,

And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Ibrahim a place of prayer. And We charged Ibrahim and Isma'il, [saying], 'Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].'

This verse highlights the significance of prayer in the life of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his son Isma'il (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as they were commanded to establish prayer and purify the Kaaba as a place of worship.

Teaching our children prayer from a young age has numerous benefits. It instills in them a sense of discipline, spirituality, and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It also helps them develop a routine of worship and fosters a strong foundation for their faith. By making our children accountable for prayer once they reach puberty, we are empowering them to take ownership of their religious obligations and encouraging them to continue their spiritual journey.

Neglecting the duty of teaching prayer to our children can have grave consequences. It may lead them astray, disconnect them from their faith, and hinder their spiritual growth. As Muslims, it is our responsibility to ensure that our children are equipped with the knowledge and practice of prayer, as it is the key to success in this life and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of teaching prayer to our young children and making them accountable for it once they reach puberty. This duty is supported by various Quranic verses that highlight the significance of prayer in the lives of the prophets and the importance of establishing it within our families. By fulfilling this responsibility, we can nurture a generation of devout and spiritually connected individuals who will carry the torch of Islam forward. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us all with the ability to fulfill this duty and guide our children on the path of righteousness.