Women offering Salah outside the Masjid behind the Imam

218

Q: Is it permissible for women, in the congregational and Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer, to follow the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) by hearing his voice from microphones without either seeing him or the Ma'mums (persons being led by an Imam in Prayer)? If so, does it apply to the two following situations?The first situation is where the women perform Salah (Prayer) in the smaller Masjid (mosque) which has recently been attached to the larger one. The two Masjids are separated by a house, and the larger one is allocated for men.The second situation is where the women perform Salah in a hall in the back area of the Masjid. This hall is separated from the men's hall by rooms and other halls of the Masjid.

A: Regarding the first situation, it is impermissible, due to the house which separates the women from the Masjid, for them to follow the Imam who leads people in the said Masjid.As for the second situation, it is permissible for women to follow the Imam if they are able to hear his voice. The things separating them from the Imam have no effect because they are part of the Masjid. (Part No. 6; Page No. 270) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.