Q 2: We as teachers and students offer the Zhuhr (Noon) Prayer in the Musalla (a place for Prayer) of `Eid. However, not many people other than us attend the Salah (Prayer), only one or two persons, because they live far away from the Musalla or are engaged in jobs in distant places. We watch the students closely while they perform Wudu' (ablution) and Salah, but we do not guarantee that every student perfects his Wudu' or that his clothes are Tahir (ritually pure) as they should be for Salah. While offering Salah, students may move, look right and left, or laugh with one another, especially those in the early primary grades. We always guide and direct their behavior, whether in the Masjid (mosque) or in the school. We prefer not to use the corporal punishment, such as beating, except when necessary so that we make them love the Masjid. However, others consider corporal punishment necessary for each wrong action they may do to teach them to respect the Masjid for fear of being punished. Could you kindly advise us in this regard? May Allah benefit us and you.
(Part No. 5; Page No. 40
A:
You are required to teach the students Salah and exhort them to observe it properly, and you shall be rewarded for doing so. We ask Allah (Exalted be He) to grant you reward for what you are doing,
and to tolerate the small faults of our young children, because they cannot be controlled like adults. They should be accustomed to respect Salah and behave well while offering it by means of soft words and leniency.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.