Category: European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR)

Women’s Right to Attend Mosque

Women’s Right to Attend Mosque

Question
We, the Cultural Arab Association in Argus, Denmark, have a small mosque. The month of Ramadan, during which the young and the old men and women frequent the mosque, will commence soon. As a result of this situation we resorted to pitching tents and hiring WC facilities for women to encourage them to come to the mosque. Some brothers protested, arguing that we should not burden ourselves with this responsibility as women are not commanded to pray in the mosque and their prayer at home is better.
Questioner
Anonymous
Answer

As-Salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

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

All Praise and Thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

In response to this question, the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) issued the following Fatwa:

The association should provide a place for women as long as this is possible, because they have the right to attend congregational prayers, Friday prayers, and Taraweeh prayers. They also have the right to participate in the mosque’s lectures. This is due to the following factors:

First: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

Prevent not Allah’s female servants from attending the mosque” (Agreed upon).

This hadith establishes women’s right to worship alongside men in the mosque. Furthermore, Islamic obligations originally applied to both men and women, unless one sex is exempted due to its nature.

Second, during the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) lifetime and the era of the Muslim guided-Caliphs, women used to go to mosques and perform congregational prayers, Friday prayers, and other activities.

Third, European women need spiritual and educational support, as well as a positive role in the Muslim community. This can only be accomplished in a mosque, and Ramadan is a great time to do so.

Allah Almighty knows best.

 

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