Q: I have a sixteen-year-old brother but he does not offer Salah (Prayer). I cannot strongly reprimand or beat him because I am only two years older than him. My father blames me when I try to reproach my younger brother while eating because he does not offer Salah. My father is not convinced that this is the right approach. I hope you will give me the relevant answer, so as to convince my father that my brother should offer Salah. What should I do if my brother insists on neglecting Salah? What could we do in this regard? Please advise; may Allah benefit us and you.

A: First, you have to continue urging your brother to offer Salah with what is best and lenient, explaining the merits and virtues of Salah and its obligation. (Part No. 5; Page No. 36) You should also explain to him that anyone who neglects Salah and denies its obligation is a Kafir (disbeliever) according to Ijma` (consensus of scholars) and anyone who neglects it out of laziness is also a Kafir according to the most correct opinion of the scholars.Second, a Muslim should enjoin his family to offer Salah in obedience to Allah's Sayings: And enjoin As-Salât (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)]. We ask not of you a provision (i.e. to give Us something: money): We provide for you. And the good end (i.e. Paradise) is for the Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2). And: O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Command your children to perform Salah when they are seven years old, and beat them for (not offering) it when they are ten, and do not let (boys and girls) sleep together. Accordingly, your father is obliged to teach your brother the obligation of Salah and even beat him if he does not offer it. You should cooperate with your father in that matter.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.