"We were with Ibn Umar, and he said: 'The Messenger of Allah said: "Permit the women to go at night to the Masajid." His son said: 'By Allah! We would not permit them lest they become insidious from that.' So he (Abdullah) retorted: 'May Allah do and such with you.' I say: "The Messenger of Allah said," and you say: "We do not permit them?"
Hadith Commentary: The Book on Traveling
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 570 - From Abdullah ibn Umar
Textual Analysis
The Prophet's instruction to permit women to visit mosques at night demonstrates Islam's recognition of women's spiritual needs and their right to worship in congregation.
Ibn Umar's strong reaction to his son's objection highlights the importance of adhering to Prophetic teachings without personal interpretation that contradicts clear guidance.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars emphasize that this hadith establishes women's right to attend mosques for prayer, though with proper Islamic decorum. The son's concern reflects valid caution, but Ibn Umar prioritizes following the Prophet's explicit command.
The retort "May Allah do such with you" expresses strong disapproval of contradicting Prophetic guidance, underscoring the principle that personal opinions cannot override established Sunnah.
Legal Implications
This narration forms the basis for the majority position that women may attend mosques, with later scholars adding conditions for safety and prevention of fitnah while maintaining the core permission.
The exchange illustrates the methodology of preferring textual evidence over personal reasoning when they conflict, a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence.