QUESTION: Is it permissible for a woman to lead prayer of a group of women in a gathering?

ANSWER: Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu

It is Makrooh Tahrimi (serevely reprehensible) for a woman to lead the Salaat for a group of females. This is stated clearly in the books of Fiqh (see Tabyeenul Haqaaiq vol. 1 p. 13; Darrul Mukhtaar vol. 1 p. 528)

The reason for this severe Karaahat (reprehensibility) is the following Hadith: It is related from Hadhrat Áaisha (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, 'There is no good in women performing Salaat with Jamaat except in a Masjid where the Salaat of the males is performed with Jamaat.'

It is reported from Áli (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) that he said, 'A woman must not lead the Salaat.' Hence, it is incorrect for a woman to lead the Salaat and for other females to follow. We find that this practice was not encouraged (that women make their own Jamaat) from the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). If an incident or two can be found where this occurred, it was an absolutely rare case which cannot be used to justify the procedure of a woman leading the Salaat. We also cannot find any mention of this practice taking place in the time of the Khulafaa-e-Rashideen. Instead, Hadhrat Áli (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) clearly forbade women from leading the Salaat.

Therefore, the Hanafi (jurists) have, on the basis of the above mentioned Ahaadith, stated quite clearly that this practice is Makrooh-e-Tahrimi. Salaat is a means of earning the Mercy and blessings of Allah Taãla. These two aspects therefore cannot be reconciled. Hence, women should totally desist from it. They should perform their Salaat individually in as much privacy as possible, in the light of what has been mentioned in various Ahaadith.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai, www.ask-imam.com
FATWA Dept.