Question:

I am told that women are not allowed to fight on the battle field and only elderly women can tend to the wounded. However, I have also heard about women who actually did fight during the time of the Prophet (SAW) and after this period.

Could please identify these and explain whether it is haram or halal for women to actually fight in battle (with reference please).

Answer:

When there is a need then it is permitted for women to participate amongst male soldiers. It was usually in these circumstances that the Sahabiyat participated in the battles of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. Some elderly women would also accompany the armies to help look after the wounded, and becuase they were in the area of the fighting they would often take part in it.

Mufti Mohammed Sajjad

Wallahu Aalam bis-sawab

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The answer to this question is the opinion of the scholar and does not reflect the opinion of other scholars of As-Suffa Institute and As-Suffa Institute as an organisation.