Men must perform their prayers in the mosque, in congregation,especially if they have heard the call to prayer or have been toldthat it is time for prayer, unless they have a valid excuse not todo so.Women can also pray in congregation in the mosque if they wish,but this is not obligatory for them."A woman's prayer in her house is better than her prayer in hercourtyard, and her prayer in her bedroom is better than her prayerin her house." (Reported by Abu Dawud in al-Sunan, Baab maa jaa'afee khurooj al-nisaa' ilaa'l-masjid. See also Saheeh al-Jaami', no.3833).