Permission for women to go to the Masjid

It is true that women used to go to Masjid during the time of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). And this is a factor that can be used as proof to allow women to go to the Masjid. But one must know that this authorisation was merely an authorisation because Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) always preferred that women perform Salaah in the most hidden corner of their houses. In a Hadith, Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"خير مساجد النساء قعر بيونهن" (مسند احمد)

"The best place for women to perform Salaah is inside their homes."

(Musnad Ahmad)

The authorisation during the time of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)

The authorisation that existed during the time of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was an authorisation that was attached to several conditions. According to principle, an authorisation which is attached to certain conditions will remain in force as long as the conditions are respected. It is very normal that it will no longer be valid if the conditions are no longer present. For example, it is very normal that the allowance that a minor gets, will automatically stop as soon as he becomes mature. Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) allowed women to go to the Masjid on condition that their clothing is not attractive. The clothing must be very simple. They must not apply strong perfume. They must be well covered. They must not mingle with men when entering or leaving the Masjid. That is why Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) remain seated after completing their Salaah to allow the ladies to go out and disperse. 

In practice, we shall notice that these conditions are not being respected. And that is what happens all the time. People in general tend to remember the authorisation of a practice but forget its conditions. That is why they practice certain things without respecting their conditions. Or at first, they may be very strict in respecting the conditions. But gradually, with influences and constraints, it weakens until it disappears.

The 'Ulama, being responsible for the society, are perfectly right in preventing such a practice when they know that people will not go at length in regards to respecting these conditions.

Authorising such a practice is like allowing a child to do something that in principle, can be allowed under certain conditions, but with certitude that the child will not have the will to respect them. In such circumstance, we cannot blame a wise person who prevents the child from proceeding.

Moreover, people do not take the risk of engaging in whatever is not so important. One can allow oneself to take a small risk for a big benefit. But not the opposite. The one who does otherwise can be a hero in other fields but Islamically he is not a normal person. Shari'ah teaches wisdom. It cannot promote something which is contrary to wisdom.

The subject "women going to Masjid", can, at most, be in the degree of "Ibaaha", that is a simple authorisation.  And that also under certain conditions. This is because Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) preferred that women perform their Salaah in their house in the most hidden place.

"ان احب صلاة تصليها المرأة الى الله ان تصلى فى اشد مكان من بيتها ظلمة" (صحيح ابن خزيمة(

"The most beloved Salaah to Allah which a woman performs, is the Salaah that she performs in the darkest corner of her house." (Sahih bin Khuzaimah)

These conditions began to be neglected in the epoch of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) itself. Their foresight made them understand that if this condition prevailed at the time when Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was still among them, then he would never allow women to come to the Masjid. It is not a mere observation. This is the conclusion of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum) who witnessed the revelation of Qur'aan-e-Karim. They are those who witnessed the legislation of Deen and those who had understood the temperament of Deen better than anyone else. If one puts their observation on one side and whatever people want to do on the other side, what should be chosen? Choosing what people are trying to do nowadays would be very stupid.

Thus, how can we take risk on the basis of a simple authorisation when we notice that the climate is not favourable at all? It is deteriorating day by day. And conditions are not being respected. Precautions that are being taken are superficial.

[English version of "L’autorisation banne madames vine dans masjid" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.6]