Can a mother carry a child in Salah?

The underlying factor which can invalidate Salah here is excessive actions foreign to Salah, known as al-Amal al-Kathir in Fiqh nomenclature. The Fuqaha’ have presented various explanations and definitions of al-Amal al-Kathir, such as:

1. The onlooker is of the perception that you are not in Salah.
2. Doing any action that requires two hands generally even if it is done with one hand, such as wearing an ‘amamah or tying one’s lower garment.
3. Three consecutive movements foreign to Salah, such as chewing something continuously three times.
4. To perform any action that is not part of Salah, and is done purposefully out of Salah, such as breastfeeding.
5. Anything which the person performing Salah deems to be al-Amal al-Kathirⁱ.

The Rajih and preponderant position is the first explanation. Al-Muhit declares this view as Ahsan (most appropriate), al-Sadr al-Shahid (d.536 AH) labels this view as Sawab (correct). In Fatawa Qadhi khan and Khulasat al-Fatawa, this position is described as Ikhtiyar al-‘Amma (the view selected by most Mashayikh). Al-Kasani (d. 587 AH) has expressed Tashih (affirming the soundness) of this view, which was corroborated by al-Zayla’i (d.743 AH) and al-Walwalijiyy (d. 540 AH).

The action of picking up an infant with one hand can be excused at the time of need as an onlooker would know that the person is in Salah, or still question whether they are in Salah or not, as such, this would not invalidate Salah according to the Rajih view.

Imam al-Kasani (d. 587 AH) expounds on the Rajih view further, giving examples, such as untwisting one’s hair or using hair oil while performing salah ⁱⁱ. These illustrations are telling because they require the person offering Salah to participate in these activities giving an impression that they are not performing Salah,and as such would invalidate theSalah.ⁱⁱⁱ

In regard to picking up an infant specifically, Imam al-Kasani discusses the Prophetic incident wherein the Prophet (salallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would perform Salah, whilst his granddaughter would climb onto his shoulders. He would lay her down as he would go into Ruku’, and thereafter lift her up once again when he would rise. This incident has been narrated in Abu Dawud with mention of his dear granddaughter Umamah bin Zaynab (radiallahu anhuma), and a similar occurrence has been narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari, with regards to Umamah bint Abi al-As (Radiallahu anhuma).

The Ta’lil of this action according to Imam al-Kasani is that the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) was either teaching and showing the permissibility of this action, or, that this action is acceptable as there was a need and necessity. He reasons that the Prophet (salallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) had to take care of her, as there was nobody else around. We understand that taking care of infants is a continuous Hājah and also a Shari’ah requirement for parents and guardians. This Hājah is active and alive even during Salah. The Shari’ah allows minimal actions during Salah to fulfil this Hājah.^iv

The rationale

Children in their early years require a lot of support, care, and attention. Even a brief period of neglect might make a child more susceptible to harm and be exposed to great risk. Salah is something that takes place five times a day, and an upright believer will potentially be performing more voluntary prayers at home. If lifting a child and tending to a child who is at risk of wandering off, or crying, or simply needing to be embraced would be nullifiers of Salah, it would discourage and limit the opportunities to be in communion with Almighty Allah.

Further, Shari’ah does not teach us to be unmindful of our surroundings when performing prayer. Hence, there is permission to protect oneself from a venomous snake whilst in Salah, and to save a blind person who will potentially fall into a pit and get harmed. There is no harm to Almighty Allah by performing these actions, failing to look after those around you will result in people being harmed. Almighty Allah is merciful with His servants and this allowance is also a manifestation of His mercy. In addition, the permission to lift infants in Salah is a means of encouraging the young towards Salah, where they get to take part with the parent in Salah.