No, Islam does not permit harsh or violent punishment for children who miss prayer. The hadith using “idribuhum” is interpreted as gentle discipline or firm instruction, not hitting. The Prophet Muhammad never hit a child or servant and instead taught through kindness, example, and encouragement.
To infer from this that Islam allows corporal punishment as a method of teaching is repugnant to the spirit of the Sunnah as we can safely establish from a close study of the Seerah and the Prophetic traditions.
As we learn from his beloved wife `Aishah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) never hit anyone: neither a man or woman, young or old.” (Ibn Hibban and At-Tabarani)
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) who accompanied the Prophet (peace be upon him) from the age of ten said, “I served the Messenger of Allah for ten years and yet during the entire course of time not even once he condemned me for any mistake I made!” (At-Tirmidhi and others)
In other words, his method of mentoring was by setting examples, practice, and character.
It is for this reason that Allah orders us to emulate his beautiful examples.
Allah Almighty knows best.
- aboutislam.net
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