Question:
What is the ruling of children playing video games on their mobile phones in mosques?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Mosque is an honoured place for Muslims and one of the eminences of Islam. Hence, the first thing the Prophet PBUH did when he arrived in Medina al-Munawwarah or as the city is known previously as Yathrib is to build Quba’ mosque as stated by scholars.
Furthermore, we are also commanded to be mindful of our manners when we are in a mosque, for it is considered as the house of Allah SWT. Regarding to the above question, the original ruling pertaining a mosque is to respect it, maintain its honour and to avoid degrading it with our actions such as doing useless things, committing transgressions, playing and others that could dishonour its sanctity.
- Allah SWT state:
فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّـهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ فِيهَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ
“[Such niches are] in mosques which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the evenings.”
Surah al-Nur (36)
Furthermore, children are part of the adornments of life for humans as stated by Allah SWT:
الْمَالُ وَالْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَالْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا
“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.”
Surah al-Kahfi (46)
According to the above question, regarding the ruling of children playing video games in mosque is divided into two:
First: It is permissible for children who are not yet mumayyiz on the condition that it does not disturb others who are worshipping, for it is in the nature of children to love to play. However, if them playing will disturb others who are performing worship, then it is prohibited and the sin will fall on the parents of the child.
The reason is, the Prophet PBUH restrict the companions from raising their voice, as to not disturb others as narrated by Abu Said:
- From Abu Said RA, he said:
اعْتَكَفَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ، فَسَمِعَهُمْ يَجْهَرُونَ بِالْقِرَاءَةِ، فَكَشَفَ السِّتْرَ، وَقَالَ: أَلَا إِنَّ كُلَّكُمْ مُنَاجٍ رَبَّهُ، فَلَا يُؤْذِيَنَّ بَعْضُكُمْ بَعْضًا، وَلَا يَرْفَعْ بَعْضُكُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ فِي الْقِرَاءَةِ أَوْ قَالَ: فِي الصَّلَاةِ
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) retired to the mosque. He heard them (the people) reciting the Qur'an in a loud voice. He removed the curtain and said: “Lo! every one of you is calling his Lord quietly. One should not trouble the other and one should not raise the voice in recitation or in prayer over the voice of the other.”
Sunan Abu Daud (1332) [The sanad is authentic and is supported by several syawahid according Syeikh Syua’aib al-Arna’outh]
According to the above hadith, raising one’s voice while reciting the Quran which then disturbs others is prohibited by the Prophet, then surely playing that disturb others is prohibited.
Second: Children who are 7 years and above should be guided and asked to pray. This is in accordance with the words of the Prophet PBUH:
مُرُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَهُمْ أَبْنَاءُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَاضْرِبُوهُمْ عَلَيْهَا، وَهُمْ أَبْنَاءُ عَشْرٍ
“Command your children to perform Salat (prayer) when they are seven years old, and beat them for (not offering) it when they are ten,”
Sunan Abu Daud (495) [the sanad of this hadith is hasan (good) according to Syeikh Syu’ain al-Arna’outh]
Conclusion
As a conclusion, it is permissible for children (who is not yet mumayyiz) to play video games in mosque as long as they do not disturb others who are inside the mosque. If the action disturbs others, then it is prohibited and sinful, as we have explained in the above discussion. Moreover, we advise parents to always stay vigilant and watch their children, making sure that their children are not making others angry or uncomfortable. Lastly, may Allah SWT make us from those who love going to the mosque and together as those who receive Allah SWT’s shade in the hereafter. Amin.
Wallahua’lam.