16/05/2026
This hadith is a well-known teaching of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regarding women attending congregational prayers. It establishes that while women have the right to attend the mosque, praying in their homes holds greater religious virtue.
The Exact HadithThe hadith is recorded in several authentic collections, including Sahih Muslim and Sunan Abi Dawud:Ibn ‘Umar reported the Messenger of Allah ﷺ as saying:"Do not prevent your women from visiting the mosque; but their houses are better for them [for praying]."
In another authentic narration, the Prophet ﷺ added: "and they may go out [to the mosque] having not perfumed themselves."
Key Teachings and RulingsScholars derive several important principles from this hadith:Permission to Attend: The Prophet ﷺ explicitly forbade men from stopping their wives, daughters, or female relatives from going to the mosque if they request permission.Home is Preferable:
The statement "their houses are better for them" indicates that praying in the privacy of their homes carries greater reward and virtue for women.Not Prohibited: Because the hadith begins with a command not to stop them, scholars confirm that attending the mosque is completely permissible for women, not haram (forbidden).Conditions for Attendance:
When women do go to the mosque, they should observe proper Islamic guidelines such as wearing complete hijab and avoiding the use of perfume.
By
National Missioner Ikramdeen
IMAM IDRIS ABDULKARIM
