It is not allowed for male children, if they have reached the age of puberty or are ten years old or more, to sleep with their mothers or sisters in the same bedding or mattress. This safeguards chastity and keeps the person away from temptation. It also closes the door to evil. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) ordered that the children be separated in their bedding when they reach the age of ten. He said, “Order your children to pray when they are seven years old. And spank them [to exhort them] to do it by the age of ten and separate them in their bedding.” (Abu Dawud and Ahmad). Those who are not approaching the age of puberty still must ask permission to enter upon their parents at three times during the day i.e before Fajr, during noon when people are resting, and after Eisha. These are the times in which one is more likely to be taking off his clothing and exposing the parts that are usually covered. This has been stressed by them being called times of privacy. However, those who are past the age of puberty must seek permission to enter at all times of the day.