Q: Is it permissible for a Muslim woman to lead her husband and sons in Salah (Prayer), whether or not she is more knowledgeable religiously than them? Please explain this to me. (Part No. 6; Page No. 293

A: It is not permissible for a woman to lead men in Salah. This is asserted according to the Four Madh-habs (the Four Schools of Jurisprudence: Hanafy, Maliky, Shafi‘y, and Hanbaly). It has never been known in the life of Muslims in their practicing of Islam that a woman led a man or men in Salah, acting upon the general meaning of the Hadith narrated by Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Never will succeed such a people who place a woman in charge of their affairs.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Leadership in Salah is certainly one of the greatest charged responsibilities and forms of ‘Ibadah (worship) that is based on Tawqif (a religious text and not personal opinion) and pursuance of the Prophet’s example. If a woman leads a man in Salah, his Salah is not valid.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.