To the mosque for the first time

Abi took Baby Mo to the mosque for the first time. I didn't expect him to sit still and solemn — that's impossible for a two-year-old. I just wanted him to know: this is Allah's house, and you are welcome here.

We said the entering-the-mosque du'a at the door. Inside, Baby Mo gazed at the lights, the carpet, the high ceiling, amazed. A few times he made noise, and Abi just smiled apologetically at the worshippers nearby. It's okay. He has to feel welcome first, before being asked to be quiet.

A child scolded at the mosque in childhood grows up keeping his distance from it. A child welcomed warmly grows up feeling the mosque is home. Abi chose to plant love first; adab will follow with age.

O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.

On the way home Baby Mo kept pointing back toward the mosque. Abi prayed quietly: may you always long to return there, son.