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QUESTION: I have questions regarding women from the perspective of Hanafi Fiqh: How do a husband and a wife pray together in Jama'ah? Would the wife pray beside the husband, similar to when two brothers pray in congregation, with the one leading slightly ahead of the other, yet still touching? If this is not permissible, why? ANSWER: It is valid for a husband and wife to pray in congregation. It is best for her to stand completely behind her husband, though it is valid, according to the relied upon opinion, as long as his heel is in front of hers. [Radd al-Muhtar] Is it disliked to pray with one’s wife? It is not disliked for a man to pray in congregation with his wife alone. In fact, the basic reward of praying in congregation is attained in this way. It is better, for the man, to pray in congregation with his wife than alone if he misses congregational prayer in the mosque. [Radd al-Muhtar] Useful for those who can’t make it to the mosque

This is very useful for people whose work schedule makes them miss maghrib or isha in the mosque; they should make arrangements with their spouses to pray together.

However, the fuqaha caution that this would be blameworthy to make a habit without excuse, as it is expected of Muslim men that they pray at the mosque.

Making it to the mosque

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) related that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “If people knew what [reward] there is in the call to prayer and the first row, and then they found no way but to draw lots [to attain them], they would have drawn lots. And if they knew what [reward] there is in being early, they would have raced each other to it. And if they knew what [reward] there is in the night prayer [isha] and dawn prayer, they would come to it, even if crawling.” [Bukhari 580, and elsewhere]

What about women, though?

This was explained in a recent answer on the Hanafi fiqh list [posted April 7, 2003; see: http://www.sunnipath.com]

It explained why the Light of Creation, our Beloved Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “It is best for women to pray at home.” [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and others, with similar narrations]

And:

“At the same time, if there is a reason to go to the mosque, such as learning, meeting with other Muslim women, or if one is out of the house for a need and the time for prayer is in, then there is nothing disliked about praying in the mosque whatsoever.

“Rather, top traditional scholars say that women in situations (such as those prevalent in the West) where they are not in regular company of committed Muslim women should try to actively go to the mosque or Islamic center in order to sustain their faith and religious commitment through its essential factors: beneficial knowledge, worship, good company, and the remembrance of Allah in all its forms.

“It is in this context, given the times, that we should keep in mind the words of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), “Do not prevent women from attending the mosque, even though their houses are better for them.” [Abu Dawud]”

Be avid for that which benefits you

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said,

“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both. Be avid for that which benefits you. Rely on Allah and do not deem yourself incapable…” [Muslim, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad]

Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) explained that the strength in this hadith refers to, “One’s determination and ability in matters of the next life.” [Sharh Sahih Muslim]

Allah has promised in the Qur’an, “As for those who strive for Us, We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good.” (Qur’an, 29: 69)

And Allah knows best.

Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani

[Source: SunniPath]