Back to search

How can a woman obtain the reward for acts of worship and Sunnahs (Prophetic traditions) that are prescribed for men, such as the reward for Friday prayer, congregational prayer, and the footsteps taken towards the mosque, knowing that her prayer in her home is better?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Allah created men and women and made them equal in legislation and the virtues of deeds, while reserving specific rulings for each gender. Every Muslim must obey Allah to receive their reward. Allah Almighty said: ﴿So their Lord responded to them, 'I will not waste the work of any worker among you, be it male or female; you are of one another.'﴾ (Al Imran: 195).

Neither gender is permitted to wish for what is exclusive to the other, such as a woman wishing for prophethood or jihad, or a man wishing for the same level of righteousness as a mother. Allah Almighty said: ﴿And do not covet what Allah has given some of you over others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.﴾ (An-Nisa: 32). This verse was revealed when some women wished they were men so they could participate in battles and receive what men receive.

Vain wishes lead to envy and injustice, and indicate dissatisfaction with Allah's decree and laziness. What is praiseworthy is striving for what is beneficial and asking Allah for His bounty. Each will receive their reward for what they have earned. ﴿Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing,﴾ so He gives to those who are worthy of it. A Muslim should focus on obeying Allah and not wish for what another has been favored with, as this is a form of dissatisfaction with Allah's distribution and wisdom, and it may lead to envy.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy