It is permissible for a woman to

Q 1: Is it permissible for a woman to lead her husband and the rest of her family in Salah (Prayer) if she can do it better and knows the rulings on Salah better than them? Is it permissible for a woman to act as an Imam (leader of congregational Prayer) for her family?

A: First, the Islamically competent men of this woman's family should offer Salah congregationally in the Masjid (mosque). It is impermissible for them to be absent from the congregational Salah unless they have a legitimate excuse. This was established in the Qur'an, verbal and practical Sunnah, and the way of the Caliphs, the Sahabah (Companions, may Allah be pleased with them) of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and the Salaf (righteous predecessors). As for the children who have not reached the age of puberty yet, their parents should urge them to offer Salah congregationally in the Masjid, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Order your children to offer Salah at the age of seven, and beat them for neglecting it at the age of ten. Commanding to offer Salah means offering it in congregation, as the evidence of Shari`ah indicate. Second, it is impermissible for a woman to lead men in Salah, as leadership in Salah is a form of `Ibadah (worship) which is Tawqifiy (bound by a religious text and not amenable to personal opinion). The practical Sunnah shows that a man should lead men in Salah. There is no evidence which shows that a woman can lead (Part No. 7; Page No. 392) men in Salah. However, she can lead other women in Salah. This was done by `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and Um Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her). It was also reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered a woman of the Sahabah to lead her family in Salah. (i.e. among the women).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.