Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 142
142 It is clear from these and many other verses that Salat is an obligatory act of worship. Therefore, it is one act of worship the importance of which must be instilled in our children from a very early age. In this section, a summary of this particular act of worship is being laid out in a format, which goes through the different ages during a child ’ s life. Salat during the Infant and Toddler Years From the time after the child ’ s birth when a mother is able to start her daily Salat (after purification) she should do so diligently. This may indeed be a trying time as the infant ’ s schedule is not always predictable. A mother may want to fit in her daily Salat during the hours when the infant is asleep. However, this may not always be possible. If the child is awake, she should lay it next to the area where she is performing the Salat. The infant then will be able to watch the mother ’ s movement and will feel at ease knowing that the mother is right next to her. If the child starts to cry, then she may gather the child in her arms and continue with her Salat. Then the child will also feel the movements of prayer. If the child is inconsolable then it is best to stop the Salat , take care of the infant ’ s needs right away and resume Salat afterwards. When the child reaches the toddler years (1-3), the mother should observe her Salat in front of the child. At this young age, children are able to mimic the behaviors of the adults around them. When he or she sees the mother performing the various movements of Salat , the child will also start doing the same. Sometimes children will even learn the Salat by listening to the recitations of the Imam. If children are encouraged to be around parents and other adults during Salat , they will understand it as being a part of daily life and they will participate. When a young child has participated in Salat quietly, offer praise and a small reward to encourage love of Salat.