for the five daily prayers ………

His statement, “It is binding upon men for the five daily prayers.”

“Men” is the plural of “man,” and a man is an adult male. Women are thus excluded: congregational prayer is not binding upon them, because they are not among those required to gather publicly, nor are they required to manifest the religious rites. The Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Their homes are better for them.” (1)

The scholars differed, however, as to whether congregational prayer is sunnah for women—meaning when they pray separately from men—or disliked, or permissible. There are three views:

The first view is that it is sunnah, because the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, instructed Umm Waraqah to lead the members of her household in prayer. (2)

The second view is that it is disliked. Its proponents regarded the hadith as weak and said: a woman is not among those required to gather publicly and manifest the religious rites; therefore, it is disliked for her to establish a congregation in her home. Moreover, this was not customary among the Mothers of the Believers or other women.

The third view is that it is permissible. Its proponents said: women are included among those for whom congregational prayer is prescribed in a general sense; this is why they are permitted to attend the mosque for the congregational prayer. Thus, establishing a congregation in her home is permissible, especially since it involves greater concealment and privacy.