Q) We live in times where it is necessary for woman to go to the mosque to pray. They used too at time of Prophet (SAW) so my Q is why some people say woman can go and some say no go. Are their conditions that you can tell us if yes how to go. If no what is the alternative. My professor has also made some comments. Once i read your answer pelase also for a follow up. JAK  (June 12 2015

Answer)

1)The word ‘necessary’ is a strong word. It is not necessary for a woman to leave the home to go and pray. It only becomes important for her to leave the home if her husband, sons, father, as well as other responsible members fail to assist her in learning the religion. Likewise, if she is new in an area or new to the religion, does not have a community, etc. to assist her in forming a positive religious identity that would help in her spiritual development — her going to the musjid would be valued.

It is not that Islam is against woman going to the musjid (or colleges, etc) as much as it is opposed to spiritually neglectful behavior that sometimes results when a person may choose to go to the musjid (or colleges, etc)

2) When woman used to go to Musjid-un-nabawi at the time of the Rasool (SAW), it was certainly not the way we currently have our woman attend or displayed. The woman used to be very well clad. They used to be clad to such an extent that strangers would not be able to distinguish one woman from another. Sure, times have changes, but then again, woman used to display themselves in very revealing ways prior to the rules of Islam. As a matter of fact — some were more revealing back then than now. Rasool (SAW) came as an advancement to human dignity and empowerment, He (SAW) assisted in limiting woman being viewed as objects. As people of faith, if our woman can uphold this practice, more so at the time of entering but not limited to sacred spaces, it would spiritually empowering.

Musjids that do not have separate facilities for woman to pray, can best use the following Islamic precedent. At the time of the Rasool (SAW), the imaam would not end the prayer and have the people leave. The men would wait for the woman to leave, then only the men would exit. This ensured less immorality and maintained a higher level of spiritual dignity for the ummah.

So I agree, it may be necessary for some woman to attend. We cannot make it a rule. Nor can we look down upon those that do not.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.