What is the ruling on a mother attending women's gatherings that involve dancing, and what advice should be given to her?

If women's gatherings are free from prohibitions, they often include idle talk and waste of time. A Muslim should avoid this because what they utter is recorded and they will be held accountable for it, and because avoiding idle talk is a characteristic of the pious, and because these gatherings lead to regret and sorrow. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "No people rise from a gathering in which they do not remember Allah except that they rise as if from the carcass of a donkey, and it will be a source of regret for them." As for dancing among women alone, with the 'awrah (private parts) covered and free from obscene speech that incites immorality, it is permissible. It is recommended to utilize time in learning religious matters, memorizing the Quran and Sunnah, or managing household affairs, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Two blessings in which many people are deceived: health and free time." These gatherings become forbidden if they involve slandering people's honor.