Source: "Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith", Volume 02
In Islamic law, Jumu‘ah (Friday) prayer is not obligatory for women in the same manner it is for men. This is established through multiple authentic Hadiths and the consistent practice of the Companions. While it is permissible for women to attend Jumu‘ah prayers, it is not obligatory upon them, and they may instead offer the Dhuhr prayer.
From Ṭariq ibn Shihab (RA), the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Jumu‘ah prayer is obligatory upon every Muslim except four: a slave, a woman, a child, and a sick person.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud)
From Jabir ibn ʿAbdullah (RA), the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Jumu‘ah prayer is obligatory upon everyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day, except for the sick, the traveler, women, children, and slaves.”
(Daraqutni)
These Hadiths explicitly exempt women from the obligation of attending Jumu‘ah.
Objection to Ṭariq ibn Shihab’s Hadith:
Some argue that Ṭariq ibn Shihab was not a Companion and thus the Hadith is mursal (incomplete). However, Hadith scholars have authenticated this narration, and it is also supported by similar reports from other Companions, which reinforces its credibility.
Objection to Jabir ibn ʿAbdullah’s Hadith:
It is claimed that this narration is weak. However, major Hadith scholars have not declared it weak; it is reliable and has been acted upon in Islamic jurisprudence.
The jurists of all four major schools—Hanafis, Malikis, Shafi‘is, and Hanbalis—unanimously agree that Jumu‘ah is not obligatory upon women. Women are allowed to attend Jumu‘ah prayer in the mosque if they wish, but the obligation lies solely upon men.
① Jumu‘ah prayer is not obligatory for women as it is for men.
② Women may attend the Jumu‘ah congregation, but it is not a requirement.
③ The argument that Jumu‘ah is obligatory upon women contradicts the consensus of Hadith scholars and jurists.
④ Therefore, women may validly perform Dhuhr instead of attending Jumu‘ah prayer.
❖ Obligation of Jumu‘ah for Women: Shar‘i Ruling
In Islamic law, Jumu‘ah (Friday) prayer is not obligatory for women in the same manner it is for men. This is established through multiple authentic Hadiths and the consistent practice of the Companions. While it is permissible for women to attend Jumu‘ah prayers, it is not obligatory upon them, and they may instead offer the Dhuhr prayer.
❖ Evidences from Hadith
From Ṭariq ibn Shihab (RA), the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Jumu‘ah prayer is obligatory upon every Muslim except four: a slave, a woman, a child, and a sick person.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud)
From Jabir ibn ʿAbdullah (RA), the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Jumu‘ah prayer is obligatory upon everyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day, except for the sick, the traveler, women, children, and slaves.”
(Daraqutni)
These Hadiths explicitly exempt women from the obligation of attending Jumu‘ah.
❖ Response to Objections
Objection to Ṭariq ibn Shihab’s Hadith:
Some argue that Ṭariq ibn Shihab was not a Companion and thus the Hadith is mursal (incomplete). However, Hadith scholars have authenticated this narration, and it is also supported by similar reports from other Companions, which reinforces its credibility.
Objection to Jabir ibn ʿAbdullah’s Hadith:
It is claimed that this narration is weak. However, major Hadith scholars have not declared it weak; it is reliable and has been acted upon in Islamic jurisprudence.
❖ Position of the Fuqaha and Salaf
The jurists of all four major schools—Hanafis, Malikis, Shafi‘is, and Hanbalis—unanimously agree that Jumu‘ah is not obligatory upon women. Women are allowed to attend Jumu‘ah prayer in the mosque if they wish, but the obligation lies solely upon men.
✦ Summary
① Jumu‘ah prayer is not obligatory for women as it is for men.
② Women may attend the Jumu‘ah congregation, but it is not a requirement.
③ The argument that Jumu‘ah is obligatory upon women contradicts the consensus of Hadith scholars and jurists.
④ Therefore, women may validly perform Dhuhr instead of attending Jumu‘ah prayer.
