I am hearing contradictory views regarding the prayer of women in the mosque from different Alims. Please let me know which is the best for the women, whether praying at home or at the masjid. Please explain this with supporting Hadees. Because in most times I am totally confused on this subject. What was the policy of Rasulullah in this subject.Expecting your reply. May Allah accept your service. Jazakallahu Hairan. Assalamu Alaikum
Respected Brother-in-Islam
Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu
Hadhrat Úmar (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) said that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, ‘When your womenfolk request permission of you to attend the Masjid at night, grant them permission.’ (Sahih Bukhari vol. 1 p. 119, Chapter on women coming out to the Masjid).
In the light of this Hadith, Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullaahi Álayhi) said, ‘This Hadith and other similar ones (wherein permission is granted to women to attend the Masjid) apply to old women.
Allamah Khirmani (Rahmatullaahi Álayhi) says that permission for ladies attending the Masjid is applicable to the night time as stated in this Hadith. And that permission is in the absence of Fitnah or mischief against women or by women. During the lifetime of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) the absence of mischief was dominant.
Allama Alayni (RA) says, ‘Verily, during our age mischeif and evil deeds are rife. (Footnote of Bukhari Shareef vol. 1 p. 119 Pakistani print).
Hadhrat Áaisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) narrates that if Nabi (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) knew what the women are doing he would have prevented them from the Masjid just as the women of Bani Israaeel were prevented.’ (Bukhari vol. 1 p. 120)
Under this Hadith, Imaam Taymi says that this Hadith contains substantiation for the view that ‘it is not proper for women to emerge (from their homes) to go to the Masjids when mischief becomes rife.’ (Footnote of Bukhari Shareef vol. 1 p. 120 Pakistani print).
A female may read the educational programmes at the Masjid on condition the laws of Hijaab are strictly adhered to.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.