Is the Adhan and the Iqamah obligatory upon the women or is it (merely) recommended? A – We have said (many) times that with respect to rulings and (their) definition the Shariah applies to both men and women equally. So the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed the women are the twin half of the men.” So there is no difference in the Shariah rulings with respect to prayer, fasting, ablution, Haj and the like. So all that has been legislated for men has (likewise) been laid down for women except where there exists an exception. So based upon this, the ruling will remain general (with respect to both the man and woman) unless a specific ruling exists. Q- (So) do you mean it is obligatory upon them (the women)? A – Everything that Allah has made obligatory for men, then it is (likewise) obligatory for women, and everything He has prohibited for men then He has (likewise) prohibited for women, and everything he has permitted for men then (likewise) it is permissible for women, except where the text (of the Qur'an and/or the Sunnah) has dictated (otherwise). So for example, silk is prohibited for men, but the text (of the Qur'an and/or the Sunnah) has dictated its permissibility for women, and likewise. – Sheikh Al-Albani; Al
