“From these narrations it is understood that women are only permitted by the men to go to the mosques when their going out is free from anything that might lead to temptation, such as perfume, jewellery, or any other adornment.” End of his words.

C – She must not go out wearing eye-catching clothes or jewellery. The Mother of the Believers ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “Had the Messenger of Allah ﷺ seen from the women what we see today, he would have prevented them from the mosque just as the Children of Israel prevented their women.” (1)

Imām al-Shawkānī comments in Nayl al-Aṭār on ʿĀʾishah’s statement: “‘Had he seen what we see’—that is, the elegant garments, perfume, adornment and open display—whereas in their time women used to go out wrapped in coarse mantles, cloaks and thick shawls.”

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī, in Ahkām an-Nisāʾ, p. 39, writes: “A woman should avoid going out whenever she can; even if she herself remains safe, others may not be safe from her. If she is compelled to go out, she should do so with her husband’s permission, in shabby dress, taking deserted lanes rather than the main streets and markets, keeping her voice from being heard, and walking along the side of the road, not in its middle.” End quote.

D – If only one woman is present, she forms a single row by herself behind the men; this is based on the hadith of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) who, when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ led them in prayer, said: