Is it permissible for women to attend congregational prayer with men?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is permissible for them to attend congregation with men because women used to pray with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Aisha said: 'The women used to pray with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), then they would depart wrapped in their cloaks, unrecognizable in the dim light.' Agreed upon. And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from the mosques of Allah, and let them go out without perfume.' Narrated by Abu Dawud. However, her prayer in her house is better and superior for her, based on the report from Ibn Umar, who said the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Do not prevent your women from the mosques, but their houses are better for them.' Narrated by Abu Dawud. And he (peace be upon him) said: 'A woman's prayer in her room is better than her prayer in her chamber, and her prayer in her private closet is better than her prayer in her room.' Narrated by Abu Dawud.