Law of Woman Praying in the Mosque – Rules and Conditions

In Islam, mosque is the sacred place that is called as the House of Allah SWT. The main activities done at the mosque is of course praying, especially congregational prayer. But nowadays mosque is not only the place to prayer but also for another activities such as gatherings, hold a neighborhood events, counseling, learning, and teaching.

Performing congregational prayer is highly recommended in Islam, since we can gain multiple blessings from Allah SWT. But there are one rule that remains debatable in Islam until today: what is the law of woman praying in the mosque?

Women are highly appreciated in Islam that she must protect themselves from anything harmful. Islam hardly allows women to go out of the house. But if she wants to go and pray in the mosque, should she be stopped? Here are the further explanation regarding the rule:

1. Praying in the House is Better

Islam never really prohibit women from going to the mosque. But it is indeed mentioned in Islam that praying alone in the house is better, or doing congregational prayer with fellow women at house is even better. It would not reduce her blessings, as Allah SWT will give His blessings fair and square to every Muslims.

2. Women Should Not be Prohibited from Going to Mosque

Even though it’s recommended for women to perform prayer in their own house, they should never be stopped if they want to go to the mosque, as long as they have a good intention.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Do not prevent your women from going to the mosque, even though their houses are better for them.” (Abu Dawud)

3. More Hidden the Place is Better

Furthermore, it’s better for a woman to hide and conceal her prayers. The more hidden the place is, the better for her. Not only it increases her focus, but she could also gain more blessings from Allah SWT.

“A woman’s prayer in her house is better than her prayer in her courtyard, and her prayer in her bedroom is better than her prayer in her house.” (Abu Dawud)

4. A Husband Should Not Stop His Wife from Going to the Mosque

A married woman indeed has to ask for her husband’s permission before she goes out of the house for praying in the mosque. And the husband should give permission to his wife.

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “When your womenfolk ask you for permission to go to the mosque, give them permission.”

5. A Woman Must Dressed Properly

When a woman is ready to go to the mosque, she must dressed herself properly, according to the Sharia. It’s the law of woman praying in the mosque that must be fulfilled.

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands…” (24:31)

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Conditions of Women to Go to the Mosque

A woman should be able to protect herself everywhere she goes, including when she is going to the mosque. Here are several conditions that must be fulfilled by a woman before she goes to the mosque.

• She should wear complete hijaab. A woman must cover herself thoroughly, so that she will be safe when she is out at the mosque.
• She should not go out wearing perfume. Smell is a part of a woman that must be protected. Exposing her smell to others is like exposing the private parts of her body. A woman should not wear any make up and adornment as well when she is going to the mosque.
• She should have the permission of her husband. When a woman is married, a permission from her husband is definitely mandatory. She couldn’t get out of the house without his permission.

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Rules for Women Who Go to the Mosque

If a woman is going to the mosque, she must follow the rules as listed below.

• She has no risk of being tempted or tempting others, regarding with lust and sexuality.
• A woman’s attendance in the mosque must not lead anything forbidden to happen, according to the Sharia.
• The mosque that the woman is about to visit must have separated praying space that is thoroughly covered from the outside and hard for men to see. As well as having separate door to enter and exit.
• The rows and space for women in the mosque is better at the back, far from men’s row.
• When the Imam is wrong while leading the prayer, instead of saying “Subhan Allah” like the men, women should clap her hands instead.
• According to the Prophet, women must leave the mosque before the men did. It was mentioned in Sahih Bukhari.

From the explanation above, it is clear that there is no absolute prohibition according to the law of woman praying in the mosque. As a Muslim, woman also has the equal rights to seek for Allah’s SWT blessing by worshiping Him in the mosque as well as doing another good deeds in there.

Nothing is wrong with a woman wants to go and pray at the mosque, especially when it is in the month of Ramadan in which Taraweeh is done. As long as her presence doesn’t cause any fitnah and doesn’t put her in danger, she is allowed to pray in the mosque.