Can women pray taraweeh at the mosque?
Yes, women can pray taraweeh at the mosque. The Prophet ﷺ told men not to stop women from going to the mosques, and many mosques have a women's area for taraweeh in Ramadan. Praying at home is also fine, so choose whatever works best for your family and your energy.
What the Prophet ﷺ said
Women went to the mosque in the Prophet's ﷺ time, including for the night prayers. He said, "Do not stop Allah's women-slaves from going to Allah's Mosques" (Sahih al-Bukhari 900). In another report he added: "Do not prevent your women from visiting the mosque; but their houses are better for them (for praying)" (Sunan Abi Dawud 567).
Scholars understand these together. Women are welcome to attend, and it is a great way to join the community in Ramadan. At the same time, praying at home is a good option, particularly when it is hard to travel, when you have young children or when you feel tired. Neither is wrong. Taraweeh itself is a highly recommended sunnah prayer, and it is not an obligation. See What is taraweeh and do I have to pray it?
How it works at most mosques
- Timing: taraweeh follows the Isha prayer, so it often starts late in the evening and can last an hour or more, depending on how much Quran the imam recites.
- Space: most mosques have a women's section, often behind the men or in a separate room or on a balcony, with sound or a screen from the main hall. See Can women pray in the main hall of the mosque?
- Crowds: the first few nights and the last ten nights are usually the busiest, so arrive a little early to find space.
- Sisters-only groups: some communities hold taraweeh for women in a hall or at someone's home, with a qualified reciter.
- Leaving early: if you feel unwell or tired, you can leave after praying some rakahs. Praying part of taraweeh is still rewarded.
Manners and practical tips
- Modest clothes: wear a loose, comfortable outfit with a headscarf. Many sisters bring their own prayer clothes.
- Skip strong perfume. The Prophet ﷺ said, "When any one of you comes to the mosque, she should not apply perfume" (Sahih Muslim 443).
- Children: bring quiet activities, a snack for after iftar and plan for breaks. Many mosques have a family area.
- Safety: travel with friends or family at night, and arrange a ride home if possible.
- On your period: you don't pray, but many mosques welcome you in areas outside the prayer hall. See Can women go to the mosque on their period?
If you prefer to pray at home, see Can I pray taraweeh at home?
- Women may attend taraweeh at the mosque (Sahih al-Bukhari 900).
- Praying at home is also good, and the choice is yours (Sunan Abi Dawud 567).
- Dress modestly and avoid strong perfume (Sahih Muslim 443).
- You can pray only part of taraweeh if you are tired.
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