Answer
Short Answer: We learn from the scholars that the Jum’ah prayer (congregational Friday prayer) in the mosque is not obligatory for women. Meaning, it is not mandatory upon them like it is upon men. However, if a woman wishes to attend the Jum’ah prayer in the masjid, she can do that. In this case, she will pray the 2 rak’as (units of prayer) behind the Imam. The condition for her to attend the Jum’ah prayer in the masjid is that she doesn’t go adorned or perfumed and that unnecessary/inappropriate free mixing before or after the prayer is avoided. If modesty is observed fully, then no problem in attending.
………….
Salam,
Thank you so much for your question.
Jum’ah Prayer Not Obligatory For Women
We learn from the scholars that the Jum’ah prayer (congregational Friday prayer) in the mosque is not obligatory for women. Meaning, it is not mandatory upon them like it is upon men.
Narrated Tariq ibn Shihab:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Friday prayer in congregation is a necessary duty for every Muslim, with four exceptions; a slave, a woman, a boy, and a sick person. Abu Dawud said: Tariq b. Shihab had seen the Prophet (Peace be upon him) but not heard anything from him. [Sunan Abi Dawood]
Jum’ah Prayer Not Prohibited For Women
However, if a woman wishes to attend the Jum’ah prayer in the masjid, she can do that. In this case, she will pray the 2 rak’as (units of prayer) behind the Imam.
The condition for her to attend the Jum’ah prayer in the masjid is that she doesn’t go adorned or perfumed and that unnecessary/inappropriate free mixing before or after the prayer is avoided.
If modesty is observed fully, then no problem in attending.
If she wishes to pray at home, then she prays the 4 rak’ahs of the Dhuhr prayer normally.
Ibn ‘Umar reported the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) as saying;
Do not prevent your women from visiting the mosque; but their houses are better for them (for praying). [Sunan Abi Dawood]
Here is a fatwa on the subject.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links: