418. Are women allowed to enter the masjids?
In verses (24:37, 9:108) of the Quran that talk about masjids it says ‘there are men inside them’
Some scholars, having misunderstood these words, prohibit women from entering the masjids. This is wrong on their part.
All the laws and commandments in the Quran are addressed in the masculine gender. When Prophet Muhammad was queried about this during his time, he replied by saying all the laws, commandments, apply to both the sexes.
Normally all the laws and commandments in the Quran apply to both sexes except the gender specific ones. (To know more refer to explanation point no;8).
Moreover, women attended the daily worship at masjids during the time of Prophet Muhammad. No one can prohibit something permitted by the Prophet. ‘Do not prohibit women from attending worship at masjids’ (Book Bukhari: 900, 873, 5238)
When women ask permission to go to masjids in the night time do allow them. (Book Bukhari:865, 899).
Women used to attend the early morning worship along with the prophet and return home was narrated by Ayesha (RA). Book Bukhari: 578, 372, 867, 872)
Sometimes I start the worship with the intention of continuing for a long time. But when I hear the sounds of a baby crying, I immediately shorten the worship, taking into consideration the dilemma the baby’s would be subjected to. (Book Bukhari: 707, 862, 708, 709, 710, 868)
On a particular night the prophet was slow in conducting the night worship, Umar (RA) approached and informed him about the women and children having fallen asleep. (Book Bukhari: 866, 569, 862, 864)
Once the worship was over the women were the first to rise and disperse followed by the men in a while. (Book Bukhari: 837, 866)
There is numerous evidence to prove that women were allowed to go to masjids to fulfill their congregational worship obligations.
Among the places of worship for Muslims the one in Makkah stands first. The women fulfill their congregational worship obligations there, and also the mandatory duty of Hajj.
Hence it could be understood that this verse of the Quran does not prohibit women from getting inside the masjids. The question that arises here is the reason the phrase ‘There are men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah nor performance of worship and giving of Zakat in verses (24:37, 9:108)
This is a message informing about the presence of men in the masjid who do not have a dwelling to turn to, and does not convey that only males are allowed in masjids.
