The Impacts of Children's Acts of Worship by Proxy on Religious Education

SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES:  Educating an intact generation in line with the educational standards of the jurisprudence of the Ahlul Bayt is among the functions of the family in Islam. In this respect, verses and traditions denote imposing obligations on parents. Families’ probable lack of cognition with responsibilities on this important issue is considered among the blemishes of the contemporary age. Excluding the problem from the intra-textual issues in jurisprudential books toward an independent paper is regarded as an applied, fundamental, and necessary objective.METHOD & FINDING:  Employing an analytical qualitative method with a critical approach, this study systematically evaluates the validity of children's proxy worship, citing Qur'anic verses and traditions, within the framework of Imamiyah jurisprudence.  The findings reveal a nuanced position: children's acts of worship by proxy in obligatory devotional acts are not valid for discharging the obligation of the person represented, as no decisive proof exists to extend such validity to discerning children. However, in recommended and supererogatory acts, dedicating the reward to parents is fully valid. Beyond the jurisprudential ruling, this practice carries significant educational impacts, including creating spiritual affinity, facilitating internalization of religious values, fostering responsibility, establishing emotional connections with worship, strengthening religious identity, and preparing children for direct assumption of obligations at puberty.CONCLUSION:  Accordingly, children’s acts of worship are legalized in Islamic Shari’a, and their performing by proxy is merely valid if done through dedicating the reward, i.e., in respect of canceling obligations, it is inadequate for one being represented. This gradual, love-based mechanism empowers parents to fulfill their duty of religious education through observation and emotional engagement. The practice cultivates stable religious identity and fortifies future generations against cultural challenges.

کلیدواژه ها:

Acts of Worship ، Acts of Worship by Proxy ، Children's Acts of Worship ، Religious Education ، religious education of children