Message #18841

[Heba E. Husseyn]

   


Well, as we know, the Noble Quran does confirm that Jum'aa is obligatory for all Muslims.  We assume this means men and women.  The fact here is that Jum'aa salat requires we step out of our homes.   As we also know, especially in regard to women, the Quran is very considerate and inclined to making rules flexible.  Allah has NOT placed any difficulties on our way to practice our Faith.  "He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship;"  22:78.    While in the Prophet's (pbuh) time, women did frequently attend the masjid during Jum'aa and other times too probably because it was easier as Medina was a much smaller town those days and almost every destination was walking distance.   Things have changed now, not just in Medina but everywhere in the world.  Distances are huge and families are split up.  Under the circumstances it may not always be easy for women to attend the masjid as there maybe times when there's no one around to take them there.  Many women are not used to going out on their own.  There could be various other reasons that may make it infeasible for the women of a household to leave their homes on a particular day or time which may also include Jum'aa.  In such cases, according to the jurists themselves, women can offer 4 rakats of Dohr at home.   Not to worry.  Allah Almighty understands our problems better than we do ourselves.  As long as our heart is full of devotion for Him and our niyah is sincere, it's fine InshAllah.  We can simply offer 4 rakats at home during Dohr time. 

However, whenever possible, women should also go to the masjid for Jum'aa.