Q. Since Islam gives equal rights to women, is it permissible for a woman to lead a congregational prayer? If so, then why so many condemned what was done in the US when a woman led the congregational prayer?
M. Rehan
A. Social rights are different from acts of worship. When we speak of ordinary life and what it may involve of action, right or duty, we know that Islam gives equal rights to men and women in all these.
However, certain adjustments and amendments are needed because of the different roles man and woman play in society.
Acts of worship are determined by what God, to whom worship is addressed, has laid down. We do not ask why prayers are made five times a day, not three or seven; nor do we ask why there are 17 rak’ahs of obligatory prayer every day and 15 recommended ones.
We simply offer them all, addressing our worship to God and following the practice of His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The same applies to all acts of worship. They are defined by God and we practice them as He has determined.
The overwhelming majority of scholars, in all generations since the Prophet’s time, agree that a congregational prayer must be led by a man, even though the congregation has a majority of women.
This is confirmed by the standard practice throughout the Muslim world. Therefore, when a woman broke such unanimity and decided to lead the congregational prayer, her action brought her wide criticism throughout the Muslim world. We practice our faith as it was taught to us by the Prophet.
I should perhaps add that if the congregation is composed of women only, a woman may lead the prayer, standing in the middle of the first row.