Is it permissible for young, able-bodied women to accompany armies to enemy territory?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
It is disliked for young, able-bodied women to enter enemy territory because they are not suited for fighting, rarely prove useful therein due to timidity and fear, and there is a risk of the enemy seizing them and violating what God has forbidden concerning them.
Supporting text
Women beyond youth, such as the elderly woman who can provide benefit like drawing water or treating the wounded, are permitted to participate based on existing narrations. Umm Sulaim and Nusaybah bint Ka'b accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) in battles; Nusaybah even fought and had her hand cut on the Day of Yamamah. Al-Rabi' stated they accompanied the Prophet for watering and treating the wounded, and Anas reported the Prophet used to take Umm Sulaim and other Ansari women who would water and treat the wounded, a narration classified as Hasan Sahih by Al-Tirmidhi.