The Ruling on Women Praying in Prayer Halls Separate from the Mosque
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The questioner : Your Eminence! What is the ruling on women praying in prayer halls that are separate from the mosque, such that there is a passage between it and the men’s prayer area, given that they do not see the imam or anyone who sees him? Also, what is the ruling on their praying on the upper floor when necessary, and how do we respond to those who object to this?
The Shaykh : It is permissible for women to pray in the mosque, even if they do not see the congregation. Likewise, it is permissible for them to pray on an upper floor, as long as it is within the mosque. However, praying outside the mosque is not permissible unless there is no space in the mosque. For example, if the mosque is full of men and a carpet is laid out for them outside the mosque so they can pray with the men, then there is no harm in that. Similarly, it is not valid for men to pray outside the mosque unless the mosque is full and the rows connect to those outside the mosque, in which case there is no harm.
The Shaykh : It is permissible for women to pray in the mosque, even if they do not see the congregation. Likewise, it is permissible for them to pray on an upper floor, as long as it is within the mosque. However, praying outside the mosque is not permissible unless there is no space in the mosque. For example, if the mosque is full of men and a carpet is laid out for them outside the mosque so they can pray with the men, then there is no harm in that. Similarly, it is not valid for men to pray outside the mosque unless the mosque is full and the rows connect to those outside the mosque, in which case there is no harm.