Question: May a woman make it a habit to perform the congregational prayer in the mosque, and does her husband have the right to stop her?

Answer: She is allowed to go out and pray in the mosque, yet praying in her home is better for her, for it affords her greater concealment and protects her from either causing or being subjected to temptation (fitnah). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Do not keep the female servants of Allah from the mosques of Allah, but their homes are better for them.” Therefore, if she wishes to attend the mosque she should not be prevented; nevertheless, remaining in her house and praying there is preferable.

If she does go out, she must abide by the Islamic code of conduct: she must avoid perfume, ornamental clothing, and any display of jewelry, and she must not expose any part of her body. She should cover her face, hands, and feet and keep herself out of men’s sight. Provided she observes these guidelines, she may go to the mosque, and once there she must stay apart from the men. She is not to stand in their rows or mingle with them; instead she should pray at the back of the mosque—either in rows with other women or alone behind the men. Should she fail to uphold these manners, her husband is to prevent her from going.

Praying in tight or thin clothing

Question: Is it permissible for a woman to pray while wearing trousers, and for a man as well? And if a woman wears a thin garment that does not reveal her ʿawrah (the parts of the body that must be covered), what is the ruling of the Sacred Law on that? Please advise us, and may Allah reward you with every good.