Girls standing in the same Saff as men?

Question: Respected scholar of Islam. Please provide me with the Fatwa on Girls standing in the same saf as the men in Jamaat and performing their Salaah. It is a growing trend where I live that men bring their daughters for Salaah to the Musjid. The father stands in the front saf with the daughter next to him and performs Salaah. Your knowledge on this subject will be appreciated. Is there an evidence in the life of the Prophet SAW and Sahaaba RA, where this was practicesed?

Answer:

This is an incorrect practice. It is not at all in keeping with the teaching of the hadeeth and the Sahaabah. In the hadeeth it is very clearly stated that the children should be standing at the back totally behind the elders. The boys behind the men and little girls behind the women.

And Allah Knows Best

Mufti E. Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
For: Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians