Madinah Approves Daily Opening of Women's Prayer Halls in All Mosques
- Women’s prayer halls now open daily for all five prayers in Madinah mosques
- Decision covers ordinary neighborhood mosques and large jawami, not just historic sites
- Approval comes from Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh has approved opening women’s prayer halls (musallas) daily for all five prayers in every mosque and jawami across Madinah.
What Changes for Women in Madinah
Many neighborhood mosques previously opened their women’s sections only on Fridays, during Taraweeh, on Eid, or during peak seasons, staying closed the rest of the time. Under the new approval, these sections will be available for every obligatory prayer. A woman who is shopping, working, visiting, or travelling in Madinah will be able to pray on time without returning home.
The decision applies to ordinary mosques and large congregational mosques (jawami). Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) already has extensive women’s prayer areas that operate continuously and is not affected by this change.
Who Is Behind the Decision
The approval falls under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance — Madinah Region branch, led by branch director-general Sheikh Osama bin Zaid Al-Madkhali. The branch has previously issued statements on mosque readiness.
Female field staff are already in place to support women’s sections. 115 women were assigned as mosque monitors and security guards for women’s areas in historic mosques, including Sayyid al-Shuhada, Qiblatain, Khandaq, Ghamama, Mustarah, and Jumu’ah mosques.
