I write with regards to a letter by Miss S Moore, the revert as to why females do not attend mosques for prayers.

Islamically, it is regarded more virtuous for a woman to pray at home.

In the hadith it says that even if is the smallest room in the house it would be more virtuous to pray in the furthest corner.

Although I do not doubt Miss Moore's good intentions and understand her point of view I must say - You have to be aware of the Shaytan's (devils) evil plot.

I assure you if women went to pray in the local mosques with the men, the devil would find a way of distracting the youth from their religious duties and even leading them astray.

Believe me some unfortunate people would abuse the system.

Aysha (RD)the wife of the prophet (PBUH) herself said (and she was talking about these women in the days of the prophet (PBUH) death, who wouldn't dream of the type of sins that are widespread in todays society) "If the prophet (PBUH) saw the women in the mosques today, he would never have let them pray at the mosque" (not exact wording)

Even if women were to pray in the mosqes, then these particular mosques would have to be designed to accommodate them.

Finally many Islamic institutions have classes dedicated to educating women about Islam, such as 'New Muslim' classes or 'Alimah' classes.

Information about this could be can be acquired by ringing the right mosques or simply asking around.

So my dearest new Muslim sister I do not think the Imams and scholars make their decisions.

They bear in mind the best for the Ummah and assess the situation wisely.

May Allah guide us in the straight way.

PS: I also think the article 'A simple smile can make all the difference' was also biased.

Maybe if the writer associated a bit more with practising Muslims the stereo-typical image in his mind would change.

Name and Address withheld