The Virtue of Women Praying in Congregation

Question:
Is the virtue of women praying in congregation the same as the virtue of men praying in congregation?

Answer:
I do not know that; Allah knows best. Congregation was prescribed for men, whereas for women, the most that can be said is that it is permissible for them to pray in congregation. They are not commanded to pray in congregation; rather, they are commanded to pray in their homes. They are not commanded to pray in congregation, but if they do pray in congregation, there is nothing wrong with it, and we hope for them good in that, provided the purpose of the congregation is to benefit one another, so that some of them learn from others and benefit from one another. This is good. It is also narrated from Umm Salama and Aisha that they prayed in congregation with some women for the sake of teaching and guidance. There is nothing wrong with this, and there is no blame on them. As for whether they obtain the virtue of the congregation that Allah promised men, I do not know that.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.