In line with this, mosque enlivenment is not limited to ritual worship but encompasses all activities that benefit
the Muslim community (Al-Krenawi, 2016). Mosques contribute to the cultural identity and heritage of Muslim
communities. They often host cultural events and activities that foster a sense of community and belonging
(Maatouk & Moscatelli, 2025). Such enlivenment requires the involvement of the surrounding community to
strengthen the mosque’s capacity (Booth & Mohammed, 2024). This is further supported that mosques bear a
significant role and responsibility in shaping Islamic education and civilisational values (Adhani et al., 2024).
Positioning the mosque as a centre for guidance and counselling aligns with contemporary social realities (Al-
Krenawi, 2016). Mosques serve as community learning centers, offering educational programs and library
services to support community learning and foster the ummah (Tekin, 2024). Today’s society faces multiple
pressures and troubling social issues family disharmony, internet addiction, divorce, underage sex, illicit mixing
between men and women, abuse, and the neglect of rights(Shek et al., 2015) (Kumar & Dhakar, 2025). Family
disharmony often leads to divorce, which is influenced by factors such as lack of financial support, unequal
gender roles, and poor communication within the household(Bukido et al., 2025) (Bukido et al., 2025). Data
from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (2022) show a marked rise in divorce cases, from 43,936 in 2021 to
62,890 in 2022. Moreover, moral formation and religious education must be prioritised by all stakeholders
(Eaude, 2023).
Consequently, mosques play an important role in addressing these issues by providing counselling services or
appointing licensed counsellors (Ali & Milstein, 2012). Education for adolescents should begin from birth and
continue through childhood, not focusing solely on academics(Whitaker et al., 2023). The mosque functions as
a venue for informal education for children (Sözeri et al., 2022). Mosques play a significant role in providing
informal education to children, serving as multifunctional spaces that extend beyond their primary religious
functions (ERDOĞAN, 2020). This is supported by Mariam Abd Majid and Nurulbahiah Awang, who advocate
for mosque programmes that are realistic and relevant to community needs (Mariam Abd Majid & Nurulbahiah
Awang, 2021). However, challenges remain, including instances where children are barred from entering
mosques on the grounds that they disturb congregational serenity (Rochanah, 2023). Mosques can provide strong
emotional and social support for families, including those with children, by creating inclusive and welcoming
environments (Shikarpurya & Singh, 2021). This can be achieved through structured support systems and respite
care, which can help parents feel more comfortable bringing their children to the mosque (Zakaria et al., 2024).
Such practices limit children’s familiarity with the mosque environment and religious activities. More
concerning are cases where mosque authorities admonish children harshly, assuming they will disrupt
worshippers, thereby discouraging parents from bringing children to the mosque (Muhammad Faisal Ashaari &
Firdaus Mokhtar, 2018). A lack of understanding of children’s natural behaviour and of the needs of families
with young children can make them feel uncomfortable and unwelcome (Aniza Abu Bakar et al., 2020). This
situation adversely affects women particularly mothers by diminishing the warmth and quality of their worship
experience (Shikarpurya & Singh, 2021). Implementing effective facility management strategies can ensure that
the mosque's physical environment and services meet the needs of all congregants, including children. This
includes maintaining cleanliness, appropriate design, and adequate facilities to create a pleasant and welcoming
environment (Muin et al., 2024).
Contributing factors include mosque designs that are not family- or child-friendly(Aniza Abu Bakar et al., 2019).
Consistently, Aniza Abu Bakar and Zur Atiqa Zulkifely report that mosque administrators’ negative perceptions
of children stem from design, management, and social factors that are not child friendly(Aniza Abu Bakar & Zur
Atiqa Zulkifely, 2020). In fact, mosques have a crucial role in children’s educational development by
diversifying activities that nurture them into righteous Muslims(Sözeri & Altinyelken, 2019). Accordingly,
mosques must provide spaces and designs that are welcoming and safe for children, particularly to enliven the
month of Ramadan (Zara Mohammed, 2023). Masjid Al-Muktafi Billah Shah (MAMBS) has implemented a
dedicated space for children so that parents can perform their prayers properly. Located in Kuala Terengganu,
MAMBS has organised the Qismul Aulad programme since around 2016 as part of a more inclusive approach
to mosque enlivenment. The Qismul Aulad (Children’s Activity Centre) service conceived as a “kids-friendly”
initiative provides comfort for congregants, including parents, to perform Tarawih in a calm and focused
environment without disruptive noise in the main prayer hall. Conducted in a hall separate from the prayer area,
the programme runs from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. during Ramadan. It is offered free of charge and has received
encouraging participation. Grounded in the child-friendly mosque concept, the programme not only allows
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