In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Giver of Mercy
A questioned answered by the Eminent Shaikh Muhammad Al-'Uthaymeen (may Allaah, the Most Hight, have mercy on him):
Question: Some people say: "Verily the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - may prayers of blessing and peace be upon him) used to pray in the masjid and there would be men and women with him without any separating between them. And he ('alayhis-salaatu wa salaam - may prayers of blessing and peace be upon him) would go out for war expeditions and there would be women with him. And some of the women of the Prophet (his wives) would be referred to regarding religious verdicts and knowledge. So why do we prevent the woman from participating in work, and political participation?"
Answer: We say: All of this is true. The women in the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - may prayers of blessing and peace be upon him) would pray without having any barrier between them and the men, however the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - may prayers of blessing and peace be upon him) recommended two things.
The first thing is that he said,
"Their houses are better for them." Even with the safety of the people in that time. So the companions were the best of the generations, and even with that the Prophet said, "Their houses are better for them." And this means that the prayer of the woman in her house is better.
Secondly, that he said,
"The best rows of the women are the last rows, and the worst of them are the first (rows)." And this proves that what is best is that the woman stays away from mixing with the men.
This is one thing. In reference to the matter that there was not anything to separate between them - were the masjids in the time of the Messenger ('alayhis-salaatu was-salaam – may prayers of blessing and peace be upon him) like our masjids today in the matter of being bright and well lit? No. And were the women of the companions like the women today? No. The women of the companions, when the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa 'alaa aalihi wa sallam - may prayers of blessing and peace be upon him and his family) commanded charity to be given, they began throwing their earrings and bracelets into the garment of Bilaal. Now, if you yelled as loud as though you were calling the Athaan, and as loud as your mouth would allow, saying, "Give charity (you women)!", you might find one woman will give charity and ten would not. So there's a difference.
In reference to referring to the women in religious verdicts, who said that verily it is not permissible for you to ask a woman for a religious verdict (Fatwaa)?! If the woman has (sufficient) knowledge, then she can be asked for a religious verdict, even in up until our time now. But should she be asked for a religious verdict while she is a woman who exposes her beauty (i.e. doesn't wear hijaab), and wears perfume and make up in front of men? No. And we do not prevent - in the case of it being so - a woman who wears complete hijaab, covering her face, and hands, and legs, and everything, and she sits in her place of prayer, that a man comes and asks her for a religious verdict without the two of them being alone in private (Khalwah). We say, yes, there is no problem with that.
In reference to the women's participation in opinions and Jihaad, then yes. But should they participate with the men in affairs of politics?! I do not know of this being the case, ever. And 'Umar (radhiyallaahu 'anhu - may Allaah be pleased with him), when he made the matter of the succession of Khilaafah (the leadership) to be handled through consultation (Shooraa), did he appoint a woman to participate with them in that?! He did not appoint a woman to participate, and we do not know anyone else who appointed a woman to participate (in such a political decision). And how could it be possible that we appoint a woman to participate in important political affairs and the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa 'alaa aalihi wa sallam - may prayers of blessing and peace be upon him and his family) said,
"I have not seen such who are more deficient in intellect and religion, and easily removing the reason of a prudent man, than one of you (women)." We are intelligent people, we know. And if one woman out of one hundred women is correct in something, then we also have 99% of the men who are correct. And in them (the men) is what is sufficient.
Glory be unto You O Allaah, our Lord, and with Your praise. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except You, I seek Your forgiveness, and I turn in repentance to You.
From the tape number 218, from Al-Baab ul-Maftooh
Source:
http://www.sahab.ws/7896/news/6318.html
Translated by Aqeel Walker
2/27/07