Is it allowed for a woman to lead salaah for other women?
Question:
Assalaamu Alikum,
Is it allowed for a woman to lead salaah for other women?
Answer:
Wa Alaikum As Salaam,
Many scholars have mentioned that it is Makrooh Tahreemi (reprehensible to a grave extent) for a woman to lead Salaah for other women. There is a narration in which the Prophet (SAS) discouraged women from having their own congregational prayer. In this regard, Aisha (RA) has reported that the Prophet (SAS) said ‘There is no good in the congregation of women’. (Ahmad, Tabrani)
It is also reported in a hadith that Aisha (RA) led some women in Salah and stood between them. However, this was the only incident that was narrated, and it did not become an established practice. Hence, many scholars have discouraged this practice of a woman leading other women in salaah and have considered it as Makrooh Tahreemi. If however, a woman led others in congregation, the Salaah will be valid.
And Allah knows best,
Mufti Waseem Khan
9/4/13