Women attending Islamic study circles Q- Is it permissible for women to go to mosques and the (Islamic) study lessons (circles)? A – Yes. It is permissible for women to go to mosques and the (Islamic) study lessons (circles), however so long as they are covered and are (seated) behind the men. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The best of the rows for the men are the front rows and the worst of them are the last ones, and the best of the rows for the women are the last ones and the worst of them are the first ones.” (Sahih Muslim, 1/326) – Sheikh Saleh Bin Fowzan; Al-Muntaqa min Fatawa, Vol. 3, Pg. 58, Fatwa No. 87. Passing in front Q- What is the (permissible) distance to pass by in front of someone who is praying? A – If the person is praying having a Sutrah in front, then passing from the area beyond it is permissible. If the person did not have a Sutrah, and was praying on a prayer mat, then it is not permissible to pass by the area of the prayer mat. And if he did not have a prayer mat, then it is prohibited for anyone to pass by the area between his feet and his prostration spot. – Sheikh Bin Uthaymeen; Fatawa Noor ‘alad-Darb, Vol. 1, Pg. 163. Da'wah without knowledge Q- Which is better: Giving Da'wah or seeking knowledge? A – Seeking knowledge is better and a priority. Also, it is possible to give da'wah (invite people to Islam) while seeking knowledge. But it is not possible, however, to give da'wah without knowledge. Allah says: “Say (O Muhammad): ‘This is my way; I invite unto Allaah with sure knowledge...' (Qur'an, 12:108) So how can da'wah be given without knowledge? No one has ever given da'wah without knowledge, and whoever has done so, will not succeed. – Sheikh Bin Uthaymeen; Kitabul
