Why Are Women Not Allowed In The Masajids?

Question:

Assalāmualaikum.  I would like to know that Umar Radhiyallāhu Anhu banned women from offering prayers in the Masjid while there are several Ahādīth present that mention that we should not stop our wives from praying in the Masjid.  But in Hanafī Fiqh, we do not allow our women to pray in the Masjid.  Please guide me.  What should we do according to Imām Abū Hanīfah Rahimahullāh. Please give me some reference in this regards.

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

The status of women in Islām is very lofty and high. They are like precious stones and jewels that are hidden and protected from strangers.  Muslim women are commanded by Allāh to conceal themselves from the evil glances of strange men who constantly aim towards satisfying their base desires.

Hence, women should not be leaving their fortified houses unnecessarily.  Women do not need to perform Salāh in the Masjid. In various narrations, it is mentioned that the Salāh of a female is more virtuous inside of her house. In fact, after the demise of Nabī Sallallāh Alaihi Wa Sallam, his beloved wife Ayesha Radhiyallāhu Anhā stated:

لو أدرك رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ما أحدث النساء لمنعهن كما منعت نساء بني إسرائيل (صحيح البخاري، ج 1، ص 173، دار طوق النجاة)

“If Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) knew what the women are doing he would have prevented them from the Masjid just as the women of Bani Israaeel were prevented” 

(Sahīh al-Bukhārī)  

From this Hadīth, we see that the situation and environment in the time of Nabī Sallallāhu Alaihi Wa Sallam was very different.  Women were permitted to attend congregational prayers in that era.  Because of the changing of circumstances and conditions, women were then prohibited from attending the Masjid for Salāh.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

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