Shaykh Akram Nadwi
Muhaddith & Islamic Scholar, Dean of Cambridge Islamic Sciences
Answered on
Yes, according to the majority of classical scholars, it is permissible for a woman to lead other women in prayer. This is supported by reports from the companions and the practice of early Muslim women. The evidence includes the hadith narrated by Umm Waraqah, whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) appointed to lead her household in prayer. The Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools all permit this, though they differ on minor details such as where the imam should stand. It’s important to note that this applies specifically to women-only congregations. The position of women leading mixed-gender prayers is a separate discussion with different scholarly opinions.
