We would like to stress that Islam has ordered us to take care of our children and to bring them up according to Islamic manners. The Mosque Imam, as well as people at the Mosque, should avoid hitting or beating children. Also, before accompanying children to the Mosque, parents should instruct them to behave in a polite manner, never to tease anybody or behave in a way that violates the decorum and sanctity of the Mosque as a place of worship.
Dr. Sano Koutoub Moustapha, Professor of Jurisprudence and Its Principles at the International Islamic University, Malaysia, states the following: “Islam does not allow hitting a child or a person on his or her face at all. It is prohibited to hit anybody on the face, no matter what is the ‘crime’ of the person, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have prohibited that. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying, “If somebody fights (or beats somebody) then he should avoid the face.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
As for hitting a child on the back or somewhere else for a mistake or a fault he or she did, Islam has its own methods for correcting and disciplining children. Hitting is not among those methods unless the educator has exhausted all means and ways of correction and discipline.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never hit a child in his life. Thus, the Mosque Imam and others will have to avoid hitting children or beating them. It is proven that it does not help but it inserts fear in the heart of the children, whom need to grow with clean hearts.
Having stated the above, one should not neglect the cultural aspect of this issue. There is a great need to change many styles and methods that we are using to educate and correct children’s behavior. A part of those methods is the culture of hitting and shouting at children at a time when they need more friendly approaches and methods. Loving children is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He used to love the children and play with them from time to time. He even used to give them salam when he met them. May Allah help us to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet.”