Is the command in the Noble Verse: (And abide in your houses) for obligation or for recommendation?

Allah's saying: (And stay in your houses) is addressed to the wives of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and it is a command to remain in the home because it is more protective and safer for the woman. It is also a prohibition against displaying adornment as was the custom of the first Ignorance (Jahiliyyah). The reciters have differed on the recitation of (wa qarna): Nafi' and Asim recited it with a fatḥa on the Qaf, meaning: "stay firmly" (iqrarna) in your houses. The remaining reciters recited it with a kasra on the Qaf, meaning: "be people of dignity and tranquility" (kina ahla waqar wa sakinah).

Scholars have differed on whether the command for women to stay in their homes is obligatory or not: 1. Some scholars believe it is obligatory for the Mothers of the Believers, and it is a perfection for all other women. 2. Others believe it is not obligatory, citing that going out for Hajj or Umrah or any commanded good does not contradict this command. Indeed, the wives of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, went out for Hajj and other matters after this verse was revealed.

The command to stay in houses does not prevent going out for legitimate needs, such as praying in the mosque, provided its conditions are met.