Parenting Perspective 

Parents often struggle with balancing their children’s enjoyment of games or live-streams and the sanctity of Salah time. If left unchecked, the noise can easily disrupt concentration and create tension in the home. A practical approach is to set a family rule that is consistent, fair, and explained with wisdom rather than imposed with frustration. 

Establish Clear Boundaries in Advance 

Decide on a simple, household-wide rule such as: ‘All games, live-streams, and loud devices go silent during Salah times.’ This can be explained to children as a sign of respect for Allah Almighty’s command, similar to how people fall silent in a classroom or library. Make it predictable by linking it to the adhan or a set prayer timetable posted at home. 

Offer Alternatives and Transitions 

Instead of only saying “stop,” guide children into calmer activities that still feel engaging. For example: 

• Reading or drawing quietly until Salah ends. 

• Switching to offline modes where sound is reduced. 

• Using headphones with low volume (if suitable) when prayers are not in congregation. 

This helps them feel they are not “losing out,” but simply shifting modes for a few minutes. 

Model and Reinforce the Rule 

Children learn best from what they see. If parents also switch off the TV, silence notifications, and pause conversations, the child will connect the rule to a shared family value rather than a restriction aimed only at them. Praise them after Salah for remembering the rule, reinforcing that small acts of respect matter greatly. In this way, the child feels both respected in their interests and guided in their spiritual growth. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places immense emphasis on honouring Salah times with focus and dignity. Protecting the prayer environment at home helps children grow up with a natural respect for this pillar of Islam. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ankaboot (29), Verses 45: 

‘…As indeed, praying restrains (mankind) from immoralities and all those irrational action…’ 

This reminds us that Salah is not simply an action but a transformative discipline that requires a calm, undistracted environment. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 213, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When the prayer is established, then there is no prayer except the obligatory one.’ 

This teaches us that once Salah begins, everything else, including noise or entertainment, must be put aside to give full attention to Allah Almighty. 

By setting a family rule around noise during Salah, parents are not merely keeping order, but are cultivating reverence for worship in their children’s hearts. Over time, children will see silence at prayer times not as a restriction, but as part of the natural rhythm of a home that honours Allah Almighty. This balance of discipline and faith nurtures both their respect for Salah and their emotional well-being.