Small changes — friendly imams, short prayers, rewards and real responsibilities — turn the mosque from a duty into a magnet for children.
One of the best ways to strengthen religious faith is to create an attractive religious atmosphere in children’s everyday lives. The mosque, as the most important centre for attracting children, plays a key role in strengthening their faith and spiritual life.
Religious sources record that the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself and his companions brought their children to the mosque. Not only three-year-olds, but even nursing women brought infants to congregational prayers. Studying authentic traditions and the Prophet’s example shows clearly that he never shouted at children brought to the mosque nor objected to their presence; on the contrary, there are reports indicating encouragement and approval.
It is reported that once the Prophet was in prostration when Hasan climbed onto his back; the Prophet remained in prostration longer because of him.
Abu Qatada al-Ansari narrates an account that shows the Prophet’s deep tolerance toward children during prayer; although it may seem surprising, and some might think it contradicts the requirement for full concentration in prayer, the report says:
“Indeed the Prophet, while praying, would hold his granddaughter 'Imamah (the daughter of his daughter Zainab). In prostration he would put her down on the ground and on rising he would hold her in his arms or place her around his neck.”
Unfortunately, unexpected harsh behaviour from some worshippers toward children who come to the mosque with enthusiasm can cause disappointment and even push children away from religion and prayer. One person recalls:
In childhood I always tried to pray in the mosque. One day during prayer I noticed an old man watching me. After prayer he told me my prayer was incorrect and then used stinging words to scold me. I was swallowed by silence; every time I tried to ask what I had done wrong, he refused and kept saying my prayer was wrong and people like me have no right to come to the mosque. From that day I decided never to go to the mosque or even to pray at home; that was the first step toward leaving prayer completely.
The conduct of the infallibles (peace be upon them) stands in full opposition to such treatment. Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari reports asking Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) about children in congregational prayer; the Imam replied: “Do not seat children all together in the last row; instead seat them among the rows separately and have grown-ups stand between them to create separation.”
One reason for this may be to avoid giving children the sense of neglect or lack of respect. This arrangement preserves their dignity, increases their motivation for mosque attendance and prayer, and at the same time helps maintain orderly prayer. Shortening congregational prayer is also among the recommendations of the infallibles — a practice that plays an essential role in attracting children to congregational prayer. Therefore interactions with children, adolescents and young people must be based on affection, respect and encouragement.
Presence of children in religious places such as the mosque, especially at congregational prayer, should be encouraged. For success, religious practice should be paired with varied and appealing programs: giving rewards, encouragement cards, distributing sweets and chocolates — these measures help attract children to worship.
In a narration from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him), quoted from his grandfather (Imam Sajjad), it is reported: “Imam Sajjad always encouraged children to perform Maghrib, Isha, Dhuhr and Asr prayers.” When told that children sometimes pray at the wrong time, he replied: “That is better than them sleeping at the appointed time.” The Imam’s meaning is that children are not legally obliged yet; the aim is to accustom them to prayer and remove a sense of heaviness toward worship. Educational psychology supports this through the laws of practice and repetition and the law of encouragement.
Below are the main programmes that can help attract pupils to mosques and strengthen their connection to the sacred space.
No. | Programme / Initiative |
|---|---|
1 | Linking the mosque imam with nearby schools — weekly attendance of the imam at school congregational prayers; invitations for the imam to participate in school committees (prayer committees, parent-teacher councils, teacher councils) and to address topics related to mosque and prayer. Invite the imam to school religious and national ceremonies and coordinate mosque-school activities. |
2 | Hold school celebrations, Eid events and parent-teacher meetings in the mosque — using mosque space for community events. |
3 | Train mosque stewards and congregants on suitable conduct with children — explain age characteristics to avoid harsh responses that scare children away; the imam should brief volunteers. |
4 | Give responsibilities to children, adolescents and young people — assigning duties strengthens belonging; trustees and the imam should supervise and guide activities. |
5 | Celebrate and honour outstanding students in the mosque — many school principals present awards in the mosque to link students with the place. |
6 | Train and select young muezzins — choose talented youths as callers to prayer after training; aim for a melodious and correct call to prayer. |
7 | Foster warm personal relationships between the imam and young people — the imam being present before adhan and having friendly, fatherly conversations is highly effective. |
8 | Prepare and distribute refreshments on special occasions — with endowment or support, provide treats under mosque name in coordination with schools to attract students. |
9 | Invite congregants to bring family children — older worshippers bringing grandchildren increases youth presence. |
10 | Encourage peer groups to meet at the mosque — school clubs can use mosque spaces for official and informal meetings. |
11 | Organise competitions — Quran, jurisprudence, Nahj al-Balagha, hadith memorisation, calligraphy, poster-making, and sports (running, cycling, football) to build engagement. |
12 | Improve communication about mosque activities — mosque leaders should coordinate with schools to publicize programmes. |
13 | Run educational, recreational and pilgrimage camps — mosque boards, imams and schools cooperating on trips enhance religious education. |
14 | Attract philanthropists — invite donors to finance cultural and camping activities to support youth development. |
15 | Plan recognition ceremonies for attending children — awards and formal recognition help sustain attendance. |
Activities suitable for assigning to children and youth include:
Role |
|---|
Library management |
Adhan (call to prayer) and iqama |
Quran recitation |
Leading post-prayer supplications |
Shoe-keeping (kafshdari) and laying out prayer rugs |
Operating the sound system |
Planning and running events |
Decoration, publicity and beautification of the mosque |
Technical support (especially for students in technical fields) |
Assigning these responsibilities helps pupils feel the mosque belongs to them; they then make greater efforts to fulfill their duties. Trustees and imams should oversee these activities.
Some school principals present awards and plaques to outstanding students during mosque events. This practice strengthens school–mosque ties and motivates pupils to attend.
It is beneficial to train children and adolescents who have practiced the call to prayer so they can serve as attractive, correct muezzins. In some mosques, poor-quality calls are still an issue; with modest planning and audio resources, capable young muezzins can be prepared.
A sincere, amicable relationship between the imam and young people is one of the most effective factors in attracting and stabilizing youth presence. If the imam arrives a few minutes before prayer and engages in friendly, fatherly conversation, the effect is significant.
A spiritual smile, a short friendly talk, a pat on the shoulder or walking a few steps with a youth and listening to him can change the course of his life. If the imam organizes small groups and faces young people directly, the effect multiplies.
Mosques with available endowment or resources can prepare and distribute packaged refreshments during occasions, coordinated with schools, to introduce students to the mosque under the mosque’s name.
The imam should invite children of regular worshippers to activities. Senior congregants often bring grandchildren, which boosts youth attendance. Peer groups and student organisations can hold meeting times at the mosque with school coordination.
Contests (religious knowledge, Quran, calligraphy, arts and sports) are powerful tools. One challenge is informing students about mosque activities; mosque leaders and trustees should collaborate with schools for publicity.
Scientific, recreational and pilgrimage camps run by mosque boards with school cooperation are effective for attraction. Philanthropists can fund activities and play a key role.
Planning ceremonies to honour children and youth who attend the mosque increases continued participation.
Tip | |
|---|---|
Seat children among the rows, not all together at the back — place adults between them to protect dignity and keep order. | “Do not seat children all together in the last row; seat them among the rows and have adults stand between them.” |
Keep congregational prayers short for children and use repetition and practice to build habit. | “Shortening congregational prayer and the laws of practice and repetition encourage children.” |
Give children real responsibilities (library, adhan, sound system, rug-laying) — ownership increases attendance. | “Assign duties so children feel the mosque belongs to them.” |
Train friendly mosque stewards and ask imams to spend time with youth before prayer to build rapport. | “Imam’s friendly presence and proper steward conduct attract and retain youth.” |
Use positive incentives — awards, recognition ceremonies, small treats or refreshment packages — to encourage participation. | “Rewards, encouragement cards and distribution of sweets help attract children.” |
