Is the listener required to perform the prostration of recitation if the reciter is a child or a woman?

Chapter on the Description of Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 1 · Bab 5

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The listener is not to perform the prostration if the reciter is a child or a woman, according to a single narration, unless that person is qualified to be followed in prayer. Qatadah, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq hold the view that the listener does not prostrate upon hearing a woman recite. Evidence is established by the tradition where the Prophet, peace be upon him, observed a companion recite a verse requiring prostration and stated, "Indeed, you were our Imam; had you prostrated, we would have prostrated." This narration is reported by Al-Shafi'i in his Musnad and Al-Jawzani in Al-Mutarjam.

Supporting text

Al-Nu'ayman stated that the woman's recitation is equivalent to one's own Imam (recitation). The validity of the listener performing prostration rests on the reciter being qualified to lead prayer.