I live in the US. At the mosque we have an executive committee elected by the people of the community. Can women get involved in these elections? A) As a voter? B) As a candidate?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

A woman is allowed to do any lawful work that constitutes an interest on behalf of Muslims as long as there are no prohibitions. Thus, if Muslims need a woman to work in some mosque concerning women's affairs, then there is no harm provided that nothing forbidden could be committed.

But, if such work could be achieved by men, then there is no need for women to do it, since according to the fundamental teachings of Islam, a woman should stick to Allah's Orders to stay at home to take care of her husband and children.

It is well-known to us that executive committees of mosques in the West are not in need of women and there is no interest to be members in such committees since such a work is related to Muslims' public interest not only to women.

As for women's participation in election, there is no problem as long as there is nothing forbidden, and so mixing with men. There is no objection since it is a form of participation.

Allah knows best.