Conducting a Zikr session reserved exclusively for ladies

Q. Can a lady lead a zikr session reserved only for ladies? Can she read aloud in order to be heard by her fellow sisters and also so that they can then repeat Du'as after her?

A. The practice of zikr is highly praiseworthy and beloved to Allah Ta'ala. One can engage in zikr even without taharat, and this includes when in the state of Haiz or Janaabat. Zikr performed in accordance with the teachings of Nabi-e-Karim (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) brings great rewards. The practice of individual zikr, rather than in congregation, reflects the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam).

According to a narration from Sunan Ad-Daarimi, Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (Radiyallahu anhuma) strongly disapproved of a group of people sitting in the Masjid and making tasbih as many times as one person ordered them to. The eminent Sahaabi in the person of Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (Radiyallahu anhuma) disapproved of this practice of group zikr, as it was contrary to the practices of the Sahabah (Radiyallahu anhum) and therefore incompatible with the teachings of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam).

As for repeating Du'a in congregation for the purpose of learning them, this is permissible, and it can be done even in the state of Haiz.

In summary, a lady can make zikr in the state of Haiz, but it should be done individually and without raising her voice, as it is important that she is not heard by non-mahram men.

In the Qur'an, Allah Ta'ala says:

"... They should also not strike their feet on the ground to reveal the beauties that they conceal." (24:31)

According to Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (Radiyallahu anhuma), "the beauties that they conceal," as mentioned in the above verse, refers to the anklet. Hadhrat Mujahid (Rahimahullah) said:

"It is forbidden for women to strike the ground with their feet so as not to make the sound of their anklets heard."

This is because such sounds can arouse carnal desire in the hearts of men. From this, we can conclude how forbidden it is for a woman to make her voice heard by foreign men, as the voice itself is often more stimulating and provocative than any sound made by an object. This is why a woman is not allowed to give the Azan or recite the Takbeer (Iqamah) before performing Salah. However, in cases of necessity, as referred to in verse 32 of Surah Al-Ahzab (33), where it is said:

"O wives of the Nabi (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam)! You are not like any other woman because you have Taqwa. Do not speak in lowered tones lest he in whose heart is a disease should be enticed. And speak in a befitting manner." A lady can speak to a stranger, but she should avoid making herself appear agreeable or softening her voice in a way that may tempt the one whose heart is "sick."

[English version of "Animer une session de zikr réservée uniquement aux dames" – Al Haadi – Vol. 3 No. 2]