What is the ruling on following the imam in prayer when one does not see him?

Question : This questioner says: We have a congregational mosque, and there is a prayer area for women at the edge of the mosque courtyard. The women never see the rows of men, and they pray following the imam’s voice through the speakers. Is this valid?

Answer : Yes, it is valid. That is, it is permissible for one who is in the mosque to follow the imam even if he does not see him or anyone behind him, because the mosque is one single place. So if the women are in a part of the mosque and they hear the voice through the loudspeaker, then their prayer with the imam is valid, even if they do not see the imam or any of the followers. As for one who is outside the mosque, the scholars say that prayer outside the mosque is not valid with the imam unless the condition is met that he sees him or sees one of the followers. Each one, each one. May Allah reward you.