Guidelines for Women’s Eid Prayer
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged women to attend the prayers of both Eid celebrations. Umm ‘Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: “We were commanded to go out on the day of Eid, even to bring out the unmarried girls from their veils, and to bring out those who were menstruating, so they could stand behind the people, partake in the Takbir as they did, and invoke prayers hoping for the blessings and purity of that day.” Thus, it is recommended for women to participate in the Eid prayer while observing certain rules as outlined below:
- They should not wear perfume.
- They must maintain a distance from men.
- Their attire should comply with Islamic dress codes.
- They should avoid excessive talking and raising their voices.
- They should not wear ostentatious clothing or attire that is widely recognized as extravagant or showy.
It is encouraged for the Friday preacher to dedicate a portion of the sermon to women. As narrated by Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) began with the prayer and then addressed the people. After he finished, he descended and approached the women, reminding them while leaning on the hand of Bilal.
Bilal was spreading his garment so that the women could place their charity into it. I asked ‘Ata, “Do you really think it is the duty of the imam to remind the women once he is done?” He answered, “Indeed, it is his responsibility and they should not refrain from doing so.” Women are encouraged to adhere to the etiquette and rules of the Eid day, such as eating an odd number of dates before leaving for Eid al-Fitr prayer, breaking fast with the sacrificial meat on Eid al-Adha, taking a different route to and from the prayer location, and increasing their Takbir, albeit quietly.
The Eid Prayers
The term “Eid” comes from the Arabic root that signifies return, as it recurs annually, bringing joy and happiness. It is a time when Allah bestows His blessings upon His servants as a reward for their obedience. The Eid celebrations are associated with acts of worship such as fasting and pilgrimage, each with its unique rulings and conditions. It is widely understood that the Eid prayers carry abundant goodness, immense reward, blessings, and purity. Listening to the sermons during Eid prayer touches the hearts of Muslims, refines their emotions, and speaks to their feelings.
The Ruling on Women Attending Congregational Prayers
Scholars agree that it is recommended for women to perform prayers in congregation with one another. This view is supported by the Shafi’i, Hanbali, Ibn Hazm, Ibn Qayyim, and others, based on the narration by Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “The prayer in congregation is superior to praying individually by twenty-seven degrees.”
Although women’s attendance at congregational prayers is not obligatory, this is evidenced by the verse: “In houses which Allah has permitted to be raised and that His name be mentioned therein; there glorify Him therein in the mornings and the evenings, * Men whom neither trade nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah.” Some scholars, such as Ibn Mas’ud, Abu Musa, and al-Awza’i, have mandated that women perform their five daily prayers in congregation.
However, Allah has specifically instructed men in His remembrance, indicating that a woman’s prayer at home is preferable. This is supported by the narration from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The prayer of a woman in her house is better than her prayer in her courtyard, and her prayer in her inner room is better than her prayer in her house.”