It is permissible for a woman to attend the Jum’ah prayer but preferred for her to remain in her home

Question:

Although the Jum’ah prayer is not compulsory for women, is it preferred, disliked or forbidden for them to attend the khutbah (sermon)?

Answer:

It is permissible for her to attend if she wishes, as long as there is a place for her to listen to the khutbah and attend the prayer and her departure does not bring upon herself or her husband harm or bring upon herself fitnah; (in this case) there is nothing to prevent her going if she wishes.

لَا تَمْنَعُوا إِمَاءَ اللَّهِ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ

Do not prevent female slaves of Allah from the Masaajid of Allah [1]

The hadith includes Jum’ah and other than Jum’ah. However, it is not known that the female Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) sought to do so.

وَبُيُوتُهُنَّ خَيْرٌ لَهُنَّ

And their (i.e. women) homes are better for them [2]

The women must acknowledge this, remaining in the home is preferred whilst this (departure to the masjid) is permissible.

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[1] Narrated by Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) in AlBukhaari, hadith number: 900

[2] Narrated by Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) in Abu Dawuud, hadith number: 567

Answered by: Shaykh Abu Bilaal Al-Hadhramy – may Allah preserve him

Source: https://t.me/abubilalhami/3950

Answered on: 24th Jamaada Al-Awwal 1441 (19th January 2020)

Translated by: Abu Sufyaan Saami ibn Daniel Al-Ghaani