It is the custom of the women in our village to sit in the streets for most of the day, especially after the 'Asr prayer, in groups. What is the ruling of the Shari'ah in your view?

The questioner : He says: It is the custom of the women in our village to sit in the streets for most of the day, especially after the 'Asr prayer, in groups. What is the ruling of the Shari'ah in your view regarding this practice? And do you have any advice for them? May Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : A woman leaving her home without need is a matter that should not be done, for Allah the Exalted said to the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): Therefore, what is prescribed for a woman, who is the mistress of the house, is to remain in her home to manage her affairs and attend to the interests of her children, if she has children. This is what is prescribed. She should not leave the house except for a legitimate Shari'ah interest or a need. As for going out to the markets to look around, enjoy herself, or walk about, that is a matter that is not praiseworthy, and it is feared that it may lead to fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) from her or for her. My advice to these women is that they should stay in their homes and not go out to the markets except for a need or for a religious or worldly interest that involves no prohibition. If they do go out, let them go out modestly, covered, veiling their faces, heads, hands, and feet. There is no blame on her if she wears a niqab (face veil) so that she can see her way, on the condition that the niqab is only to the extent of necessity, such that only the eyes are visible, and on the condition that she is not wearing kohl. It is not permissible for her to go out to the markets wearing perfume, because of the fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) involved in that. If a woman goes out modestly for a religious or worldly interest that involves no prohibition, or for a need, there is nothing wrong with that, subject to the conditions I have mentioned.
It is also necessary that the authorities (wali al-amr) take into account the issue of ikhtilat (free mixing of men and women), the mixing of women with men, for ikhtilat (free mixing of men and women) is one of the greatest causes of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation), and it is necessary to block every means that leads to fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). Yes.

The questioner : May Allah reward you. He asks, and in his question which follows these questions.