Women-only Mosques: Women have usually been pushed towards being a spectator in their religion and way of life. Comments on patriarchy, feminism, and gender bias aside, this non-inclusive treatment is much more apparent when it comes to whether women should pray in mosques.
A small, cramped and miserly room is sometimes reserved for women, representing the expectations connected with women praying in mosques. No one expects them to pray in mosques and sometimes it is actively discouraged. At times by male members of society and often by other women who comply with the tradition of praying at homes.
Can women go to mosques?
Many women, including children, feel unwelcome in mosques. Indeed, praying at mosques is not obligatory for women, but prohibiting them contradicts Islam’s teachings.
The reason for not making it obligatory for women to pray in mosques is to make deen easier. She may have other responsibilities at home. And traveling may not be safe for them. However, It is not at all undesirable or impermissible for her to pray at the mosque.
The hadith that is cited the most when addressing this issue was of the instance when the Prophet Muhammad PBUH told a woman that prayer in her home is better than prayer in the mosque.
This hadith is misinterpreted as the Prophet Muhammad PBUH did not forbid women to come to mosques, whereas he did forbid men from discouraging women from coming to mosques. It is also from the Sunnah that women used to pray behind men in the same prayer area and listen to the Prophet’s PBUH khutbah. And he was very mindful of mothers who would worry for their crying children. In which case, he would shorten the prayer.
Women only mosques in the history of Islam
Women-only mosques are a tradition of several centuries among Chinese Hui Muslims, who have female religious leaders, referred to as nüahong (women ahong), that lead the prayer and teach the basics of the religion to women of all ages. These institutions are a result of the understanding and acknowledgment that there is great potential in making women more involved and integrated with religious affairs.
These are part of an Islamic resurgence in central China and different from the practices of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang who follow the more mainstream Central Asian Sunni customs and traditions. Women mosques were a part of the revival of Chinese Islam in the 17th and 18th centuries of the Hui people. It was from the need to preserve the Chinese Islamic community and way of life and educate women.
This reformation effort has now become a feminist issue. Many places and cities have now started adopting the idea of women-only mosques in a few Western cities, such as Los Angeles. The Muslim Women’s Council in the UK has also argued for a mosque with women in leadership. Ideas of women-led have not been met with much warmth, especially in Asian and Middle-Eastern communities.
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Why do we need women-only mosques?
Islamic history has many women scholars, such as Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), yet in many communities today women have fewer opportunities to study in mosques. One reason is that mosque spaces and customs have often been discouraging for women.
Some young women find it hard to approach male teachers with their questions, and in some places there have been serious cases of abuse in madrasas, which is why safe, well-supervised learning spaces for girls and boys matter.
Women, in general, do not have a safe space to discuss and learn the religion, especially in rural or tribal areas. The only access to religious teachings is through their parents or their husbands. They are deprived of independent research and connecting with religion on their own. Women-only mosques would provide that safe space for women of all ages and serve as an educational institution for young children as well.
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Can males and females pray together?
In the time of the Prophet ﷺ women prayed in the same mosque behind the men, in separate rows, and this is the basis of the mainstream practice. The Prophet ﷺ said that the best rows for men are the first and the best rows for women are the last (Sahih Muslim). Scholars agree that women pray behind the men; some communities use a separate section or room for practical reasons, while a few scholars have advised women to pray at home where there is a real risk of mixing. Ask a qualified scholar about your local situation.
Can we have a female Imam?
Scholars differ here. The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools permit a woman to lead other women in prayer, the Hanafi school considers it disliked, and the Maliki school does not allow it. The great majority of scholars across the schools hold that the prayer of men behind a woman imam is not valid, with only a small minority of past and present scholars disagreeing.
Scholars who disallow it point to the standing practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, in which women prayed behind the men and never led mixed congregations. Those who allow women to lead women cite narrations about Aisha and Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them) leading women in prayer.
Conclusion
Whether you attend the mosque daily or only on Fridays, see our guide to things to do on Jummah. Connecting women and mosques is the need of time as it will serve as a necessary foundation for the Islamic community and households. Children gain knowledge of religion primarily from their parents and then, first and foremost, from their mothers. When women frequently visit the mosque, their children learn from them and pick up on these positive habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it obligatory for women to pray in the mosque?
No. Congregational prayer in the mosque is not obligatory for women, and their prayer at home is also valid. However, women are not forbidden from the mosque, and the Prophet ﷺ told men not to prevent the women servants of Allah from going to the mosques (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Can a woman lead other women in prayer?
Schools differ. The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools permit it, the Hanafi school considers it disliked, and the Maliki school does not allow it. Ask a qualified scholar for a personal ruling.
Can men pray behind a woman imam?
The overwhelming majority of scholars across the schools say such a prayer is not valid. A small minority have held a different view, but it is not the position of the four schools.
Where do women stand in the congregation?
In the Prophet’s ﷺ mosque women prayed in rows behind the men. The Prophet ﷺ said the best rows for women are the last ones (Sahih Muslim). See also things to do on Jummah.
Are women-only mosques allowed?
Women’s prayer spaces and women’s mosques, such as those among the Hui Muslims of China, are an old practice. Scholars may differ on details, such as who leads, so consult a trusted local scholar.