Ordering children to perform Salah

Q 2: What is the ruling on my children who disobey me when I order them to offer Salah (Prayer)? Should I disown them? Also, when I order my daughter to wear Hijab (veil), she and her father refuse. What is the ruling on them?

A: You should persist in your efforts to order your children to offer Salah; in fact, you must obligate them to offer Salah if they are already ten years old or more. If they are less than ten years old, you should order them to offer Salah but without obligation, even if their father is not helping you in this. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Command your children to offer Salah when they become seven years old, and beat them for (neglecting) it when they become ten years old; and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately. Salah is an obligation that should be carried out by all Muslims. Moreover, you must order your daughter to wear Hijab and force her to do this even if her father is not encouraging you. You should persist in your attempts to order, advise, and guide them to what is good and wait for your great reward. We ask Allah to guide you, your children and husband, and all of us.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.