How can parents recognise early signs that gaming is affecting a child’s prayer consistency or spiritual focus? 

Parenting Perspective 

Recognising the early signs of imbalance allows parents to gently redirect their child’s habits before gaming becomes a significant spiritual obstacle. 

Delays and Resistance at Prayer Time 

One of the first and most common signs is a change in attitude towards salah. Pay attention if your child frequently asks to ‘just finish this level’ before praying, or if they begin to argue or show irritation when reminded of the prayer time. This shift from willing compliance to resistance is a key indicator that the game is becoming a higher priority in their mind. 

Observing Distraction During Salah 

Even if a child stands for prayer, their focus may be elsewhere. Notice if they are physically present but mentally absent, perhaps humming game tunes, fidgeting as if holding a controller, or rushing through their salah to get back to the screen. These are signs that their heart and concentration are still attached to the game. 

A Shift in Spiritual Interests 

Another subtle sign is a declining interest in other spiritual activities they once enjoyed. This might look like less enthusiasm for listening to Quran stories, a lack of engagement during family duas, or not asking the curious questions about faith that they used to. This shift in their emotional engagement is a spiritual warning sign. 

Fostering Balance Before it Becomes a Battle 

It is crucial to intervene early with gentle structure rather than sudden bans, which can cause rebellion. Establish clear ‘prayer-first’ rules and tech-free spiritual times, such as the period between Maghrib and Isha. When they willingly pause their game for salah, offer sincere praise that links their self-control to spiritual maturity. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam warns against allowing worldly desires and distractions to take precedence over our primary duty of worship. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Maryam (19), Verse 59: 

‘Then after them they were followed by those successors, that neglected their prayers, and followed their lustful desires; so very soon they will embrace great calamity.’ 

This verse is a stark reminder that pursuing desires including the immersive pull of modern entertainment at the expense of prayer is a dangerous path. It encourages parents to see the protection of their child’s salah as a crucial and non-negotiable responsibility. 

The importance of prayer is paramount, as it is the first deed we will be asked about. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, 1426, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Resurrection is the prayer.‘ 

This hadith highlights the supreme status of salah. Guiding children to maintain their prayers on time, even while enjoying worldly hobbies like gaming, protects their connection to Allah and instils in them the correct priorities for a life of faith. It teaches them that entertainment is a blessing, but only when it remains in its proper place and never competes with worship.