Is it permissible for women to attend the Eid prayer at the prayer ground?
Chapter on the Two Eid Prayers
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
It is permissible for women to go out for the Eid prayer at the *musalla* (prayer ground). It is considered recommended (mustahabb) by Ibn Hamid. This is supported by reports that Abu Bakr and Ali, may Allah be pleased with them, stated it is the right of every woman wearing a girdle (*dhat nitaq*) to go out for the two Eids. Umm 'Atiyyah reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded them to bring out the young women, secluded women, and those menstruating. The menstruating women were to withdraw from the prayer but witness the good and the supplication of the Muslims. Women should go out untainted (*tafilat*), without perfume, display, or ostentatious clothing, and they must remain separate from the men.
Supporting text
The view of Al-Qadi is that the apparent meaning of Ahmad's words suggests this going out is merely permissible, not recommended. Al-Nakh'i and Yahya Al-Ansari disliked it, stating they knew of no tradition of women going out for the two Eids in their practice. Sufyan and Ibn Al-Mubarak also disliked it. The People of Opinion (*Ahl al-Ra'y*) permitted it for elderly women but disliked it for young women due to the potential for temptation (*fitna*), citing 'Aishah's statement that if the Messenger of Allah saw what women have since innovated, he would have prevented them from the mosques as the women of Bani Israel were prevented.