Fatwa ID: 01968

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

Women holding their own Jamaat

Answer:

It is Makruh Tahrimi for women to hold their own Jamaat (congregation), however their salah will be valid.  It is stated in the famous book of Fiqh, Durrul Mukhtar “It is Makruh Tahrimi for women to hold their own Jamaat prayers even though if it is the tarawih prayers.”  (Raddul Muhtar p.305 v.2)

It is also Makruh Tahrimi for a woman to lead the Jamaat in all prayers i.e. Fardh, Nafl and Wajib salah etc.   (Fatawa Hindiyyah p.85 v.1)

With regards to your question, it is preferable to read salah individually and not in congregation with other women although the salah will be valid if read in congregation. (Raddul Muhtar p.306 v.2)

Some people cite the hadith of Sunan Abi Dawud (P.94 v.1) in which the permissibility of women holding their own jamaat is derived.

The hadith is a ‘Khabr Wahid’ and a ‘Khabr Wahid’ narration is not acceptable in favour of all those strong hadith of women not holding their jamaat.  Furthermore, this ruling of women holding their own Jamaat applied at the beginning of Islam.  (Bazlul Majhood p.209 v.4)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham