Fatwa #132919 August 2005Saudi Arabia
Provide references from Quran and Hadith which prohibits women from leading Salaah
Question
Please provide the references from the Qur’an and Hadith, that directly prohibits a woman leading the Salaat.
Answer
Nabi (S.A.W.), while delivering a sermon, directly prohibited women from leading prayers, "Behold! No women should lead a man in prayer." (Sunan-e-Ibne Majah)
The Qur’an speaks, "And whatever the messenger assigns to you, you should accept, and whatever he forbids you from, you should refrain. And fear Allah, certainly Allah is severe in afflicting." (Surah Al-Hashar, Verse 7)
An Imam holds the position of a leader amongst the people. Women, however, have been banned from assuming the position of leadership, as emphasized by Rasoolullah (S.AW.), "How can a people lead by a woman, ever prosper."
The Jurists have unanimously agreed that women are not allowed to lead the prayers. (Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 2, Page 280, Al-Mughni li Ibne Qudamah, Vol. 3, Page 19-32-33, Al-Muheetul Burhaani, Vol. 2, Page 185)
And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf