Q 10: Is it considered congregational Salah (Prayer) when a man and a woman pray together? Does the woman stand beside the man in this case?

A: Indeed, it is considered congregational Salah but the woman should not stand beside the man, but behind him, according to what is related on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him). It is related by Muslim in his "Sahih" Book of authentic Hadith on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with them both) who narrated, "My grandmother Mulaykah invited the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) for a meal which she had prepared. He ate and said, 'Get up. I shall lead you in the prayer.'" Anas ibn Malik said, "I brought a mat that had become black owing to excessive use and I sprinkled water over it. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stood on it, the orphan and I were behind him (in the first row) and the old lady stood behind us. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) led us in two Rak`ah (unit of Prayer) before leaving." (Part No. 8; Page No. 63) It is also confirmed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) led Ibn `Abbas in the Optional Prayer at night and made him stand by his right side. Moreover, there is no harm in leading a woman in congregational Salah but she stands behind the man, based on what is mentioned in the previous Hadith related on the authority of Anas. This ruling applies to supererogatory prayers, while men should offer the obligatory prayers at the Masjid (mosque) in congregation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Anyone who hears the call (to prayer; Adhan) and does not come to it, no prayer will be recorded for them except with an excuse." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.