Parenting Perspective 

A Space for Focus and Respect 

Explaining men’s and women’s separate spaces at the masjid involves helping your child to understand the significance of these arrangements in Islam, while also emphasising the respect and equality between men and women. You can start by explaining that the separation is not about inequality but is about maintaining a respectful and focused environment for worship. You might say, ‘In the masjid, men and women pray separately to maintain their focus and to show respect during worship. This separation allows everyone to feel comfortable and to concentrate fully on their connection with Allah.’ 

It is important to model respect for these spaces and to reinforce that both men and women are equally valued in the masjid, even if their spaces are separate. ‘Both men and women have an important role in the masjid, and we respect everyone’s space as a part of our worship.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, the separation of men and women in certain spaces, such as the masjid, is not a reflection of inequality but of respect and of maintaining modesty. Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ahzaab (33), Verse 35: 

‘Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women; and the believing men and believing women… and the men who remember Allah (Almighty) excessively and women who also remember (Allah Almighty excessively); Allah (Almighty) has prepared for all of them redemption and a great reward.’ 

This verse highlights the equality of men and women in the eyes of Allah, emphasising that both genders are valued for their faith and their actions. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also supported the idea of maintaining modesty and respect between men and women. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

This Hadith demonstrates that both men and women are equally important in Islam, and that the separation of spaces is a way of maintaining respect and modesty in worship.