Autism is a neurological disorder that usually starts in childhood, marked by unusual behavior as well as difficulties in communication and social engagement.
Referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this condition influences the way people interact with others, communicate, and assimilate data.
In Islam, every individual, irrespective of their physical or mental condition, such as those who have autism, is seen as a distinct creation of Allah SWT, possessing their own specific role and worthiness.
As time progresses and information becomes more widely available, society has grown more empathetic and receptive towards people with autism.
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Children of Heaven
Arif, who himself has autism, pointed out that autistic children are commonly called “children of heaven” by people, yet their upbringing doesn’t live up to this noble description.
Parents refer to their autistic children as ‘children of heaven,’ thus emphasizing the importance of nurturing and educating them in a manner that aligns with this description.
“Do not clothe them in attire that reveals too much; they must maintain appropriate modesty as expected from those bound for paradise,” he stated at a forum organized alongside the 2025 ASEAN: Symposium on Mental Health Solutions via Da’wah Approach (SMILED). This event was hosted by the Islamic Dawah Foundation of Malaysia (YADIM) at Universiti Malaya recently.
The writer of Fiqh Autism mentioned that if an autistic child finds it difficult to wear a head covering because of sensory problems, they should wear what is comfortable for them, provided it covers as much of their aurah as feasible.
Addressing the adverse views certain segments of society hold toward children with autism, Arif mentioned that numerous parents refrain from taking their autistic kids to the mosque due to this stigma.
If parents bring their autistic children to the mosque, they often face stares from elderly members of the mosque committee.
But we can’t wholly fault them; the previous generation didn’t have exposure to autism awareness.
“That’s why mosque committees should incorporate young individuals who comprehend autism, particularly those facing sensory challenges linked to sound, light, or touch,” he stated.
The Selangor Special Child Icon also highlighted how Prophet Muhammad SAW addressed mental health challenges by sharing the tale of a Bedouin man who relieved himself inside the mosque.
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He mentioned that although several of the Prophet’s companions wanted to rebuke the Bedouin, the Prophet intervened as he realized the man was not thinking clearly. Instead, the Prophet directed his followers to cleanse the contaminated region.
Instructing Autistic Kids Regarding the Mosque and Faith
Arif clarified that autistic children sensitive to physical contact may find it acceptable to pray individually rather than joining the congregation.
They are permitted to step outside the line during prayer; this does not nullify their prayer but might be considered discouraged.
But for individuals with special needs such as autism, they are exempted, making it allowable.
“Parents of autistic children who display challenging behaviours should continue bringing them to the mosque and patiently guide them over time. Teach these children to visit the mosque even before they reach an age where they are responsible for fulfilling religious duties (taklif). Society ought to honour (takrim) such children,” he stated.
Alternatively, without appropriate religious and moral instruction, autistic children could become more susceptible to harmful social pressures.
“Despite not being highly religious themselves, parents ought to impart the essence of the Quran and Islam into their offspring,” he mentioned additionally.
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He proposed that mosques allocate a specific area for people with autism.
“If the child exhibits aggression, they can be directed to that room to settle down,” he explained.
Arif’s Study Partners: The Power Rangers
When questioned about his habit of carrying Power Rangers with him, Arif mentioned that these figures act as learning tools while he acquires new information, such as 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 Islamic jurisprudence, the Power Rangers symbolize the four distinct schools of thought, and I converse with them to gain better understanding,” he explained.
For instance, as he mentioned, regarding zakat on minors’ wealth, the Hanafi school contends that children are exempt from paying Zakat since they are not considered mukallaf (legally responsible).
“But according to the Maliki and Shafi’i schools, parents have the obligation to pay Zakat for their children,” he mentioned.
His approach to learning through Power Rangers might seem like a kid playing with toys, yet it is one of Arif’s distinctive talents.