One of the wives of `Umar (bin Al-Khattab) used to offer the Fajr and the `Isha' prayer in congregation in the Mosque. She was asked why she had come out for the prayer as she knew that `Umar disliked it, and he has great ghaira (self-respect). She replied, "What prevents him from stopping me from this act?" The other replied, "The statement of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) : 'Do not stop Allah's women-slaves from going to Allah's Mosques' prevents him."
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (900) establishes the fundamental right of women to attend congregational prayers in mosques. The wisdom of the Prophet's prohibition against preventing women reveals the divine balance between religious rights and social considerations.
Scholarly Commentary on Women's Mosque Attendance
The statement "Do not stop Allah's women-slaves from going to Allah's Mosques" demonstrates that mosque attendance is a religious right for women, though it remains recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory. The early Muslim women, including the wives of the noble companions, regularly attended prayers in the mosque.
Umar's dislike stemmed from his protective nature (ghaira) and concern for proper conduct, not from any Islamic prohibition. His restraint in not preventing his wife despite his personal preference shows the companions' strict adherence to Prophetic guidance.
Conditions and Etiquette
Scholars stipulate that women attending mosques should observe proper Islamic decorum: wearing complete hijab without perfume, avoiding mixing with non-mahram men, and maintaining modesty in dress and behavior. The prayer area for women should be separate from men's section.
This hadith refutes those who completely prohibit women from mosques. Rather, the ruling is permissive with recommended conditions, allowing women to fulfill their religious duties while maintaining Islamic standards of modesty and protection.