What is the ruling on a woman leading women in congregation?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There is variation in the reports regarding whether it is recommended for a woman to lead women in congregation. It is reported that it is recommended, and this view is attributed to Aisha, Umm Salamah, 'Ata', Ath-Thawri, Al-Awza'i, Ash-Shafi'i, Ishaq, and Abu Thur. It is reported from Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) that it is not recommended, and the companions of opinion disliked it, though if performed, it suffices them. Al-Sha'bi, An-Nakha'i, and Qatadah said they can do so in voluntary prayer but not obligatory prayer. Al-Hasan and Sulayman ibn Yasar said she should not lead in obligatory nor voluntary prayer. Malik said a woman should not lead anyone because it is disliked for her to give the call to prayer, which is a call to congregation, so that for which the call to prayer is intended is disliked for her.
Supporting text
Our evidence includes the hadith of Umm Warqah, and because they are obligated with the fundamental duties, they resemble men. Their dislike for the Adhan is due to raising the voice, a matter for which they are not suited. If this is established, when she leads them, she stands in the middle of the row. We know of no difference of opinion among those who permit her to lead them. This is because it is recommended for a woman to be concealed, which is why it is not recommended for her to spread her limbs (*tajafi*). Being in the middle of the row is more concealing for her because she is concealed from both sides by them, making it recommended, similar to a naked person. If she stands in front of them, it is possible that it is valid, as it is a standing position generally, which is why it is the position for a man. It is also possible that it is not valid because she has contradicted the prescribed standing position, similar to a man contradicting his standing position.