Question: Is it Sunnah or obligatory to recite quietly in the silent prayers (Salah) and aloud in the audible prayers? If a woman has continuously recited silently in audible prayers, what should she do now? Additionally, how loud should a woman recite during audible prayers – is it sufficient for her to hear herself?
Answer: It is Sunnah for both men and women to recite quietly in the silent prayers (Salah) and aloud in the audible prayers. We must perform the prayers as the Prophet (ﷺ) taught us, following all its prescribed forms. The question of what is obligatory and what is Sunnah should not be the focus; rather, we should perform the prayer with all its pillars, obligations, and Sunnah acts, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Pray as you have seen me praying.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6008, 7246, 631).
If a woman has continuously recited silently in all her prayers, she has only neglected the Sunnah, but her prayers are still valid. There is no issue with what has happened in the past, but from now on, she should differentiate between silent and audible prayers. If she is in a place where non-mahram men are present, she may recite the audible prayers silently due to necessity. However, if no non-mahram men are present, she should recite aloud, and it is sufficient for her voice to be loud enough for her to hear herself, meaning there should be a sound, not just a mental recitation.
Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi حفظه الله ⟨Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah, Saudi Arabia⟩
Delve into the profound Islamic wisdom behind why a woman's home is her ultimate sanctuary. This article explores the Quranic… Read More
Explore the divine imperative of chastity in Islam, rooted in Quran and Sunnah, safeguarding dignity, family, and society from zina's… Read More
Discover Islam’s profound teachings on kindness to animals and environmental responsibility, rooted in Quranic principles and Prophetic traditions, promoting compassion… Read More
Explore the clear Islamic definitions and prohibitions of backbiting (Gheebah), tale-bearing (Nameemah), and lying. This detailed explanation from Allamah Zayd… Read More
Explore how women, as mothers and wives, form the cornerstone of family and society through nurturing, harmony, and value instillation,… Read More
Discover the metaphor of spouses as garments in Quran 2:187, exploring protection, comfort, intimacy, and mutual rights for a blessed… Read More