𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (244)

Status of children born to a parent who abandons prayer Question: A woman married a man who neglects his prayers and has had children with him. What is the status of these children? Sheikh ’Abdulḥamīd Az-Zu'kari ḥafidhahullāh: They are ascribed to their father. They are considered أولاد شبهة (children born from a doubtful marriage). However, I advise her to leave this man until he repents to Allāh. [The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ] says: ((بين الرجل وبين الشرك والكفر ترك الصلاة)) "The distinction between a man and polytheism and disbelief is abandonment of prayer." And Allāh Almighty says: {فَإِن تَابُوا۟ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتَوُا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ فَإِخۡوَ ٰ⁠نُكُمۡ فِی ٱلدِّینِ} "But if they repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, then they are your brothers in religion." [Sūrah At-Tawbah: 11] The implied meaning of the Āyah is that if they do not pray, then they are not our brothers in religion. This is a great Fitnah in the societies, as many fathers give no concern to the affair of religion when marrying off their sons and daughters. Regarding daughters, the Prophet ﷺ said: ((من أتاكم ترضون دينه وخلقه فزوجوه)) “If someone comes to you whose religion and character you find pleasing, then marry them.” And concerning sons, he advised them saying: ((فَاظْفَرْ بِذَاتِ الدِّينِ تَرِبَتْ يَدَاكَ)) "Marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a loser." @womensbenefits