Consequences of a Woman standing in the Row of Men
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is disliked (*makruh*) for a woman to stand in the row of men during congregational prayer. However, her prayer and the prayers of those next to her are not invalidated. This is the established position of Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
Abu Bakr and Abu Hanifa held that the prayers of those next to her and behind her are invalidated, similar to when one stands directly in front of the Imam, as a prohibition exists against standing beside her. The counter-evidence is that if she stood in a non-prayer setting, her action would not invalidate others, and 'Aishah used to lie across the area in front of the Prophet while he prayed. Furthermore, the prohibition is upon her regarding standing with men, yet her prayer remains valid, so the prayer of those next to her should certainly remain valid.