What is the ruling on a man praying behind a woman as Imam?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is not valid for a man to pray behind a woman as Imam at all, neither in obligatory nor voluntary prayers, according to the majority of jurists. Our evidence is the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): 'A woman shall not lead a man in prayer,' and because she does not give the call to prayer (*Adhan*) for men, she may not lead them, similar to a madman.
Supporting text
Abu Thur holds that there is no need for repetition if one prayed behind her without knowledge, which aligns with the analogy of Al-Muzani's opinion. Some of our companions permitted her to lead men in Tarawih prayer, provided she stands behind them, citing the report about Umm Warqah bint Abdullah ibn Al-Harith, whom the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) appointed a caller (Mu'adhin) for and commanded her to lead the people of her household. This is general to men and women. However, the sound position is that the hadith of Umm Warqah is specifically about her leading the women of her household, as narrated by Ad-Daraqutni, which must be accepted as an addition. If this was not mentioned, the report would necessarily be interpreted as permitting her to lead in obligatory prayers (as indicated by appointing a caller, which is legislated for obligatory prayers), but there is no dispute she does not lead men in obligatory prayers. Furthermore, restricting it to Tarawih and stipulating her backward position is an arbitrary imposition without evidence. If the permissibility for Umm Warqah were established, it would be specific to her, as no other woman is legislated to give Adhan or Iqamah.