Hadith on the Timing of Fajr Prayer
Narrated by Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ):"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform the Fajr prayer while it was still dark. The women would return wrapped in their cloaks, and due to the darkness, they could not be recognized."
(References: Sahih al-Bukhari: 578; Sahih Muslim: 635 – Authentic Hadith)
Key Lessons and Rulings from the Hadith
➊ Fajr Prayer Should Be Offered at Its Earliest Time
- The hadith confirms that the Prophet (ﷺ) would perform the Fajr prayer during "Ghalas" (darkness), which means it should be prayed at its initial time.
- This is supported by multiple authentic narrations emphasizing the importance of offering Fajr at the beginning of its time.
➋ Women Are Permitted to Pray in Congregation at the Mosque
- The narration proves that women were allowed to attend congregational prayers during the Prophet's (ﷺ) time.
- They would wrap themselves in large cloaks (Murūt) and return home unseen due to the darkness.
➌ Women Can Go Outside the Home When Necessary
- Women may leave their homes for valid reasons, provided they adhere to Islamic guidelines.
- It is preferable for women to inform their guardians or seek permission before leaving.
- Women can walk to the mosque in both darkness and light, and there is no restriction based on age (young or elderly).
➍ Women Cannot Be Forbidden from Attending Mosques
- Even if there is fear of fitnah (temptation), preventing women from attending mosques is not permissible.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) never forbade women from going to the mosque, nor did he compel them to attend.
- Women are not obligated to perform their obligatory or voluntary prayers in the mosque; it remains their choice.
- However, on Eid days, all women—including those menstruating—were encouraged to join the congregation in the Eid prayer ground.
- This encouragement does not mean it is obligatory, as even Eid prayer itself is not obligatory.
- However, out of respect and honor for Eid, women were urged to participate.
➎ Women Must Wear Modest Clothing When Going Outside
- Covering the entire body properly is a requirement for women when leaving the house.
- Going out with an uncovered head is strictly prohibited in Islam.
➏ Use of Rational and Scriptural Evidence to Prove Points
- In religious discussions, both rational and textual proofs can be used to support a ruling.
- Aisha (RA) used a practical example to explain that the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed Fajr in darkness by highlighting how women would remain unrecognizable due to the lack of light.
- In Islam, discussing women's attributes, character, and actions is permissible when done appropriately.
- However, describing a woman's physical beauty in poetic or exaggerated terms that incite desire is forbidden.
- Islam strictly prohibits defaming or dishonoring Muslim women, as seen in the case of Ka‘b bin Ashraf, who was executed for slandering the noble women of Islam.
