How do I include my child in Jummah prayer when they cannot sit still? 

Parenting Perspective 

Understanding the Challenge 

Attending Jummah prayer as a family can feel like an impossible task when your child struggles to sit still, stay quiet, or cope with crowds. This is especially true for children with special educational needs (SEN) or sensory sensitivities. Remember, your intention to include them is beautiful, even if the experience is not perfect. 

Prepare Beforehand and Practise at Home 

Prepare your child beforehand. Use simple words to explain what will happen: ‘We will sit, listen to the Imam, then pray together.’ Practise at home by sitting quietly for a few minutes, gradually building up their ability to wait. Celebrate any small progress: ‘You sat still for two minutes, well done!’ 

Practical Tips for During the Prayer 

Bring comfort items to help them manage: a small quiet toy, a sensory fidget, or noise-cancelling headphones if the microphone is loud. Sit near an exit or at the back so you can leave quickly if they become restless. Some parents find it easier to take turns; one parent prays in the masjid while the other stays nearby with the child if they need a break. 

Lower Your Expectations and Praise Effort 

Lower your expectations. Your child may not manage the whole sermon. Even a few minutes teaches them that Jummah is part of their life. Praise them afterwards for what they did manage: ‘I am proud of how you tried.’ If someone comments or gives you unkind looks, stay calm and remember you are doing something brave. Protect your child’s confidence; do not scold them harshly for something they cannot control. Instead, talk through what went well and what could help next time. 

Spiritual Insight 

Jummah prayer is a blessed part of our faith, and including your child in it plants seeds of love for the masjid in their heart. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Jumu’ah (62), Verse 9: 

‘O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade…‘

This Ayah shows the importance of gathering for remembrance, but it does not dismiss your child’s needs. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always showed mercy to families with young children in the mosque. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 709, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When I enter prayer, I intend to prolong it, but on hearing the cries of a child, I shorten the prayer because I know the mother’s concern.‘

This Hadith Shareef reminds us that compassion should shape our approach in sacred spaces. 

Make a gentle Dua before you go: ‘O Allah Almighty, make Jummah easy for my child and plant love for the masjid in their heart.’ Remind your child that Jummah is not about perfection but about togetherness, mercy, and trying your best for Allah Almighty’s sake. 

With small steps, patient practice, and spiritual trust, you can include your child in Jummah prayer in a way that nurtures their love for faith, without overwhelming them.