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
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.