713. Can Women Go To The Masjid?

By Asma bint Shameem 

What they’re saying is *NOT correct. *

That’s why you should follow those scholars who follow the way of the sahaabah. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam gave permission to the women to pray in the masjid and he specifically told the men not to prevent them from going there. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said:

“When your womenfolk ask you for permission to go to the masjid, give them permission.” 

(Saheeh Muslim)

Women used to go to the masjid to pray in Jama’ah at the time of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam all the time. 

And no one stopped them. 

If it was wrong, wouldn’t the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallamsay anything to them?

There are so many Ahaadeeth in regards to women praying in the masjid. 

For example:

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“*If any one of you (women) goes out to the masjid*, let her not touch any perfume.” (Muslim)

One time a woman passed by Abu Hurayrah radhi Allaahu anhu and her scent was overpowering. 

He said, 

“O female servant of the Almighty, *are you going to the masjid?”*

*She said, 

“Yes,”* 

He said, 

“And have you put on perfume because of that?” 

She said, “Yes.” 

He said, 

“ Go back and wash yourself, for I heard the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam say: 

‘ *If a woman comes out to the masjid* and her fragrance is overpowering, Allaah will not accept any prayer from her until she goes home and washes herself’” (Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah- Hasan by al-Albaani)

And Safiyyah radhi Allaahu anhaa said:

“When Soorat al-Noor was revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – their menfolk came to them and recited to them what had been revealed, and there was not one woman among them who did not go to her apron, and the following morning *they prayed (in the masjid)* wrapped up as if there were crows on their heads.” (al-Bukhaari)

They even observed i’tekaaf in the masjid, although i’tekaaf is not mandatory. 

Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa said that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam used to spend the last ten nights of Ramadhaan in i'tekaaf (*in the masjid*) until he passed away, then his wives observed i'tekaaf (*in the masjid*) after he died.” (al-Bukhaari 2026 and Muslim 1172)

And there are many other Ahaadeeth. 

Yes it’s true that it’s better for women to pray at home but it’s also permissible for her to pray at the masjid. And that includes fardh prayers as well as taraaweeh 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: 

"Do not prevent your women from going to the masjid, even though their houses are better for them." (Abu Dawud -- saheeh by al-Albaani)

However, IF there’s BENEFIT in going to the masjid to pray, such as she has more khushoo’ in the masjid, or listening to the Imaam softens her heart, or there are some lectures there that she can gain knowledge from, then it’s BETTER for women to pray at the masjid in Jama’ah. 

The only thing to pay attention to when going to the masjid is to be dressed appropriately 

-with the hair and rest of body completely covered, 

- the clothes should not be tight or revealing the shape of the body 

-the hijaab should not be see through, 

- there should be no makeup or perfume 

- there should be no mixing of the genders at the masjid etc 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“ Her prayer in her home is better. 

However, if her praying in the Masjid helps her to be more active and it is more encouraging for her, and she fears that if she prays within her home then she may miss out (on some of the reward or Khushoo’) of her prayer, then perhaps praying in the Masjid in this case would be better. 

This is because this virtue is connected to the act of worship itself, while the home is connected to the place of the act of worship. 

The virtue which is connected to the act of worship takes precedence in being given attention more so than that which is connected to the place (i.e., where it is done). 

However, it is obligatory upon the woman when she goes out that she does so covered and not improperly dressed nor (should she be) perfumed.”(Silsilah Al-Liqaa’ Ash-Shahree no. 8)

And Allaah knows best.