Are children allowed to be brought to the mosque and pray in the main hall with adult worshippers?

Summary

Islamic law permits children to come to the mosque so that they become close to it and learn the movements of prayer. There are two views: some Hanbali, Maliki and Shafi'i scholars forbid bringing children who have not reached discernment (mumayyiz), while Ibn Hajar and al-Shawkani allow it. Parents are responsible for ensuring that non-mumayyiz children do not disturb other worshippers, and the mosque may set conditions and etiquette for children. Shafi'i jurists are cited as holding it forbidden if the children's presence turns the mosque into a playground and harms the congregation.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.