𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (317)

Husband prohibits wife from attending Tarāwih - must she obey? Question: A woman wishes to perform Tarāwīh in congregation at a masjid from the masājid of Ahlus-Sunnah, accompanied by her daughters. However, her husband has prohibited her from attending the masjid. It is known that her husband suffers from obsessive satanic whispers, which have led him to mistakenly believe that the masjid’s imam is not from Ahlus-Sunnah but rather from the misguided, though this belief is merely a delusion caused by his condition. In this case, is the woman obligated to obey her husband’s prohibition? Sheikh Yahya hafidahullah responds: Tarāwīh prayer is not obligatory; rather, it is a recommended act of worship, whether performed at home or in congregation, for both men and women, especially for women. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best prayer for a woman is in her house, except for the obligatory prayers." Based on this, if the husband prevents his wife from attending Tarāwīh prayers at the masjid, she should pray at home. However, it is advisable for him not to forbid her, as long as there is no risk of harm or temptation, following the Prophet’s ﷺ command: "Do not prevent the female servants of Allāh from attending the masājid of Allāh." There is an addition at the end of this hadith stating: "and their homes are better for them." If this applies to obligatory prayers, then it is even more applicable to voluntary prayers. Regardless of whether the husband is afflicted with obsessive thoughts or not, this is the general ruling on the matter. If he insists on prohibiting her, she should exercise patience and perform her prayers at home while engaging in recitation and worship. However, if he later becomes at ease with the idea and agrees to accompany her to and from the masjid, then this is commendable. The Prophet ﷺ instructed Mu’ādh and Abu Mūsa, saying: "Cooperate and do not disagree." A harmonious marital relationship is based on mutual understanding and cooperation, as Allāh says: "And live with them in kindness." [4:19]. Kindness entails cooperation and goodwill. The Prophet ﷺ also said: "When Allāh wills good for a household, He instills kindness among them." A husband should find joy in seeing his wife and daughters devoted to religion and eager for worship and religious knowledge, as this is a sign of a righteous household that loves and seeks goodness. As for his condition of obsessive thoughts, it is undoubtedly distressing, as mentioned in the question, to the extent that it may even cause him to doubt his family members. Such a person should frequently remember Allāh, supplicate to Him, and strive to ignore these intrusive thoughts. If he fears for his wife’s safety, he can personally escort her to the masjid and bring her back, which ensures both peace of mind and proper protection.