Muslim women are expected to fulfill Islamic obligations, just as men are. Her guardian is obliged to command her to perform acts of worship, something which should be instilled from childhood. The Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Command your children to pray when they attain age seven and hit them over it when they attain age ten -and separate their beds at that age).'' According to Imam An-Nawawi, this Hadith unanimously applies to both male and female children.
A Muslim woman is obliged to perform ritual acts of worship from puberty. She is obliged to perform prayers, fast, to give the annual charity (Zakah), and perform the sacred pilgrimage (Hajj) with the right that no one can prevent her from carrying out these obligations. As a general rule, the beliefs, acts of worship, conducts and rulings that Allah has ordained for man apply to both males and females on an equal basis.
Allah says,
"Whoever works righteousness -whether male or female while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).'' An-Nahl 16:97.
"Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord -Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqat (i.e. Zakat, and alms), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the optional Nawaffil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).'' Al-Ahzab 33:35.
Ibn Abbas narrated the grounds for which the above verse was revealed was when the believing women inquired from the Messenger as to why he frequently referred to the believing men and not the believing women too. So Allah revealed this verse.
It was also reported that Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) said that she asked the Messenger of Allah: "O Messenger of Allah, why are the men mentioned in everything and no mention is made of women?'' It was then that this verse was revealed. In response to the believers' request,
Allah says,
"So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), "Never will I allow to be lost the work ofany of you, be he male or female. You are (members) one of another.'' Aal 'Imrafn 3:195
The reason for the revelation of this verse is the same as the previous verse. Ibn Katheer commented on Allah's saying, ''You are one of another'', as meaning: "You are equal as far as My reward is concerned.''
Allah also explains that those who bother the believing women commit the same sin as those who bother the believing men.
He says,
"And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, they bear (on themselves) the crime of slander and plain sin.'' Al-Ahzafb 33:58.
The Muslim woman, like her male counterpart, is required to promote and enjoin in righteousness, while forbidding and preventing sin.
Allah says,
"The believers, men and women, are Auliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma'ruff (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.'' At-Tawbah 9:71.
The individual obligation of a Muslim woman is extended to warfare Jihad) if the enemy invades the Muslim land. The scholars state that if the enemy invades the territory of a Muslim people, engaging in Jihad becomes an individual obligation upon all the Muslims, both male and female. The woman must participate even without her husband's permission because the right of the husband cannot prevail over an individual obligation.
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