Guiding autistic children with the teachings of Islam, spirit of the Quran

AUTISM is a neurological condition that typically begins in childhood, characterised by abnormal behaviour and challenges in communication and social interaction.

Known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it affects how individuals engage with others, communicate and process information.

In Islam, every person, regardless of physical or mental ability, including those with autism, is considered a unique creation of Allah SWT, each with their own purpose and value.

With the passing of time and the widespread dissemination of information, society has become more understanding and accepting of autistic individuals.

Children of Heaven

Arif, who is also autistic, explained that autistic children are often referred to as “children of heaven” by society, but the way they are raised does not reflect that title.

“Parents say their autistic children are ‘children of heaven’, so they should be nurtured and educated in a way that suits that label.

“Don’t dress them in revealing clothes; they should observe proper aurah (modesty) like those destined for heaven,” he said during a forum held in conjunction with the 2025 Asean: Symposium on Mental Health Solutions through a Dakwah Approach (Smiled), organised by the Islamic Dakwah Foundation of Malaysia (Yadim) at Universiti Malaya recently.

The author of Fiqh Autism added that if an autistic child could not wear a headscarf due to sensory issues, it is enough for them to wear whatever is manageable, as long as it covers their aurah as much as possible.

Commenting on the negative perceptions some in society still have towards children with autism, Arif said many parents avoid bringing their autistic children to the mosque because of this stigma.

“If a parent brings their autistic child to the mosque, they get stared at by the older mosque committee members.

“But we can’t entirely blame them, the older generation wasn’t exposed to autism awareness.

“That’s why mosque committees need to include young people who understand autism, including those with sensory issues related to sound, light or touch,” he said.

The Selangor Special Child Icon also shared how Prophet Muhammad SAW dealt with someone with mental health issues, recounting the story of a Bedouin man who urinated in the mosque.

He said that while some of the Prophet’s companions were ready to scold the Bedouin, the Prophet stopped them because he knew the man was not in his right mind. The Prophet simply instructed his companions to clean the affected area.

Teaching Autistic Children About the Mosque and Religion

Speaking on autistic children who are unable to join congregational prayer due to sensitivity to touch, Arif explained that it is permissible for them to pray slightly apart from others.

“They are allowed to be out of saff (line during prayer), it doesn’t invalidate their prayer, though it may be makruh (discouraged).

“But for people with special needs like autism, they are excused and it becomes permissible.

“Parents with aggressive autistic children should still bring them to the mosque and gradually teach them. Educate them to come to the mosque even if they are not yet held accountable for religious obligations (taklif), and society should takrim (honour) autistic children,” he said.

Otherwise, if autistic children were not given proper religious and moral education, they might be more vulnerable to negative social influences.

“Even if the parents aren’t very religious, they should still instill the spirit of the Quran and Islam in their children,” he added.

He also suggested that mosques provide a special room for autistic individuals.

“If the child is aggressive, they can be taken to that room to calm down,” he said.

Power Rangers as Arif’s Study Companions

When asked why he always carries Power Rangers with him, Arif said they serve as study aids while he learns new knowledge, including Fiqh.

“I don’t study like top students who are always in the library. I use Power Rangers wherever I go to help me learn.

“(In Fiqh) the Power Rangers represent the four different schools of thought and I talk to them to help me understand,” he said.

For example, he said, in the topic of zakat (alms) on children’s wealth, the Hanafi school believes children are not obligated to pay zakat because they are not mukallaf (legally accountable).

“But the Maliki and Shafi’i schools say that parents are obligated to pay zakat on behalf of their children,” he added.

His method of learning using Power Rangers may resemble a child playing with action figures, but it is one of Arif’s unique strengths.