Women following Jumu`ah Prayer on the radio

A: It is not obligatory upon women to perform any of the five daily prayers in congregation. It is best for them to offer prayer, whether Fard (obligatory) or Nafilah (supererogatory), at home rather than in the Masjid. However, a woman is permitted to perform prayer in the Masjid, if she wishes, provided that she abides by the Islamic codes of propriety when going out and when offering prayer. She must cover her body and not wear perfume when leaving her home. She should pray behind the rows of men. If the women pray in congregation at home, it is preferable. The female leading the prayer stands in the middle of the first row, and should be the best in terms of memorizing the Qur'an and knowledge of Islamic rulings. (Part No. 8; Page No. 214) Also, it is not obligatory upon the weak due to illness or old age to attend congregational prayer in the Masjid, for Allah (Exalted be He) states, Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. And ...and He has not laid upon you in religion any hardship It is impermissible for men and women, weak or strong, to pray in their homes, individually or collectively, following the Imam praying in the Masjid by listening to his voice over the loudspeakers. This applies to a Fard, Nafilah, Jumu`ah, or any other prayer; regardless, as to whether their homes are located in front of or behind the Imam. Congregational prayer is obligatory in the Masjid only and on able men, excluding women and the weak.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.