and in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs (al-Bukhārī and Muslim) and elsewhere it is related: “If your women ask leave to go to the mosque at night, then grant them permission.”

The reason she must seek her husband’s permission is that remaining in the house is one of his rights, whereas going to the mosque in this case is merely permissible. An obligation may not be abandoned for the sake of something permissible; when the husband consents, he has waived his right.

The Prophet ﷺ also said, “Their homes are better for them,” meaning better for them than praying in the mosques, because staying at home removes the risk of temptation.

He further said, “Let them go out unperfumed,” that is, without fragrance. They were instructed to do so lest men be tempted by their scent, divert their gaze toward them, and thus fall into temptation. Anything that has the same effect as perfume—such as elegant clothing or the display of jewelry—falls under the same ruling.

If a woman applies perfume or wears adornment, that becomes unlawful for her and she must be prevented from going out. Muslim and others narrate: “Any woman who has applied incense should not attend the last night prayer (ʿIshāʾ) with us.”

Likewise, when a woman goes to the mosque, she should avoid mixing with the men.

Imām Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said: “The ruler is obliged to prevent the intermingling of men and women in the marketplaces and in men’s gatherings, and he is responsible for…"