Q: A Christian man and his wife converted to Islam. One Friday, he took his wife with him to the Masjid (mosque). In the Masjid, he was told that Muslim women are prohibited from entering the Masjids. The man then went to the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) of the Masjid, and asked him about the reason for this. The Imam replied that this is because not all women are ritually pure, even those in Makkah Al-Mukarramah (the honored City of Makkah) are prohibited from entering the Masjids. The man mentioned to the Imam Surah no. 62 (Al-Jumu`ah), Ayah number 8: O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salât (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allâh [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salât (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). The man is asking, whether this is really correct and prescribed in Islam? He said that the Christian women go to church for worshipping, why then is it impermissible for a Muslim woman to go to the Masjids? Please answer us to enlighten all Muslims.

A: It is permissible for a Muslim woman to offer Salah in the Masjids. Her husband has no right to forbid her when asking his permission as long as she is veiled, and covers whatever should be covered of her body in front of non-Mahrams (not a spouse or any marriageable relative), due to what is narrated on the authority of `Abdullah ibn `Umar that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: When your women ask for your permission to go to the mosque, grant them the permission to do so. And in another narration: (Part No. 7; Page No. 331)  Do not deprive women of their share of the mosques, when they ask for your permission. Bilal (a son of `Abdullah ibn `Umar) said, "By Allah, we would certainly prevent them." `Abdullah said: I tell you that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said this, in return you say: We would certainly prevent them! Related by Muslim in his Sahih (Authentic Book of Hadith) Thus, if she is unveiled, it is impermissible for non-Mahram men to look at her. And if she wears perfume, it is impermissible for her to go out, specially to the Masjids to offer Prayers there, for the Fitnah (Sedition) that will entail. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands and: O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allâh is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. It is authentically reported that Zaynab Al-Thaqafiyyah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: When any one of you (i.e.Women) attends `Isha' (night) )Prayer, she should not perfume herself that night. And in another narration: When anyone of you (i.e. women) comes to the mosque, she should not wear perfume. Narrated by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic book of Hadith). It is also reported in the authentic Hadiths that the wives of the Sahabah (the Prophet's Companions) used to attend Fajr Prayer in the Masjid while being wrapped in their wool clothes so that no one would recognize them. And it is authentically reported that `Amrah bint `Abdul-Rahman said: I heard `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) saying: If the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) had seen what women have introduced, he would have forbidden them to go to the mosque, as the women of Banu Israel (the Children of Israel) were forbidden. ‘Amrah was asked: “Were the woman of Banu Israel forbidden to go to the mosque?” She said: “Yes” (Part No. 7; Page No. 332)  Related by Muslim in his Sahih. All these texts clearly indicate that if a Muslim woman abides by the rules of Islam concerning her clothes, and avoids whatever induces sedition and inclines the hearts of people of weak Iman (faith) of seductive ornaments, she should not be forbidden from going to the Masjids. Conversely, if she is in the other state of seductive ornament, not only should she be prohibited from going to the Masjids, but also from leaving her house or going to public places.As for what was mentioned that the women of Makkah are prohibited from entering the Masjids, this is totally untrue. On the contrary, they are allowed to enter Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) and to offer congregational Salah inside it, except that they are made to sit in specific places to avoid mixing with men during Salah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.