Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al ‘Uthaymeen was asked: "Is giving Da’wah mandatory upon the woman and if so which field does she call too?"

Answer by the Shaykh: "It is imperative that we understand the principle that which is established in regards to the men then it is applicable to the woman also, except with proof which points to the fact that it does not apply to the women but rather only the men. We look at giving da’wah to Allah the mighty and majestic and ask is it specific to the men or is it a general, collective effort shared by both women and men? The answer that which is clarified from the book of Allah and the Sunnah of his Messenger (sws) is that it is a general, collective effort but the field of da’wah for a woman is not like the field of da’wah for a man. The woman gives da’wah in the gatherings of the women and not the gatherings of men so she should give da’wah in the field that is possible Islamically for her to give da’wah in for example amongst the gatherings of women only, whether it is in the schools or in the Masjids".

The Ummah cannot gain success and strength unless the individuals execute their duties, amongst them being the command to enjoin the good and forbid the evil. This responsibility is upon the Muslim man as well as the Muslim woman.

Indeed, the Mothers of the Believers are amongst those who responded to that command and thus an example for us. Allah Subhaanu wa Ta’aala says:

“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah) then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire but speak in an honourable manner” (33:32).

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas says regarding the explanation of Allah’s statement ‘and speak in an honourable manner’: ‘He (Allah) ordered them to enjoin good and forbid evil’ (Tafsir al-Qurtubi 14/178)

It has become common to see male teachers and du’aat educating our sisters on all matters, even on the most basic female sensitive subjects. Al Mu’minaat aims to make a major positive change by equipping our sisters with the correct knowledge and training to become teachers and daa’iyyahs themselves so that they may conduct courses, regular halaqahs, give da’wah and deliver lectures at female only seminars and events.

Without a doubt, teaching and passing on beneficial knowledge is a praiseworthy act and its reward lasts even after one’s death, as the Prophet (SalAllahu ‘Aaihi wa Sallam) said, ‘When an individual dies all of his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity; beneficial knowledge; and a righteous son who will pray for him’ (Muslim)