of opinions, lending one another support, cooperating against the enemies of Islam, and ratifying or annulling matters—all of these concern men by virtue of their far-sightedness, sound judgment, endurance, and ability to bear hardships. Hence the gatherings for worship in the mosques were made binding upon them, both as acts of devotion and so that these noble objectives might be achieved.
As for pure worship, the home is more conducive to sincerity, concealment of deeds, and freedom from ostentation. Accordingly, it is preferable for women to attain this merit within their houses, as the ḥadīth of Umm Waraqah indicates, while also averting the evils that are warded off when a woman does not attend the mosque and the feared temptation of men by them and of them by men. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Their houses are better for them” (Abū Dāwūd 567).
6 – If a woman asks her husband or her maḥram for permission to attend the mosque, she should not be prevented, provided that the relevant conditions are met.
Al-Rawd al-Murbiʿ and its commentary state: “When a woman seeks leave to go to the mosque, it is disliked to forbid her, for performing an obligatory prayer in congregation carries immense merit, as does walking to the mosques. This is based on the report narrated by Aḥmad (9362) and Abū Dāwūd (565) from Abū Hurayrah, that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Do not prevent Allah’s female servants from the mosques of Allah; let them go out tafīlat (unperfumed).’”
Likewise, al-Bukhārī (5238) and Muslim (442) record from Ibn ʿUmar that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If your women ask permission to go to the mosque at night, then allow them.”
Every prayer for which men are required to be present in the mosque is recommended for women to attend.
7 – His words (peace and blessings be upon him): “and let them go out tafīlat” mean without wearing perfume. Anything that serves the same purpose as perfume—such as elegant clothing, jewellery, or beautification—that stirs the urge of desire is likewise included. A woman’s fragrance, adornment, appearance, and display of her charms are a trial for her and a temptation for men. If she does any of that, wholly or partially, it becomes unlawful for her to go out, as Muslim (444) narrates from Abū Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Any woman who…"