Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

Question:
Should children be running and playing in front of you in the masjid while one is performing salaah and also squirming their way to pass through the lines?

Answer:
Assalaamu Alaikum,
No, it is not permissible for children to behave in this manner in the Masjid, especially while Salaah is in progress.
Salaah is one of the greatest acts of worship and no one should be a means of distraction or disturbance while it is being performed.
The Masjid is the house of Allah, and it must be respected at all times whether Salaah is being performed or not.
Parents are advised to bring only such children who can remain quiet and peaceful and will not disturb anyone on misbehave in the Masjid. As for the kids who may not conduct themselves in the above manner, then they must be kept at home and should not be allowed to come to the Masjid. It is about this, the Prophet (SAS) said, ‘Protect your Masjid from children and insane people’. (Kanzul Ummal). Here, children refer to those who do not behave well.
In general, it is the parents’ responsibility to look after their kids and to ensure that they do not disturb others, when they are bought to the Masjid.

And Allah knows best,
Mufti Waseem Khan