If a woman leads women in prayer, does she turn toward the left or the right?
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The questioner : What is the ruling on a woman turning away from her prayer toward the women praying behind her, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) did? And which is stronger, turning to the right or to the left?
The Shaykh : I did not understand the first phrase.
The questioner : What is the ruling on a woman turning away from her prayer, meaning after the taslim, toward the women praying behind her, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) did? Or does she face them with her face if she is the imam?
The Shaykh : If she intends to be the imam?
The questioner : She is the imam, but she did not mention it.
The Shaykh : Ah, that is why the matter was confusing to me. There is no doubt that the ruling is as in the general meaning of his (peace be upon him) saying:Sunan Abi Dawud 236 So if a woman leads women in prayer, she may turn to the right or to the left, whichever she wishes. All of this is established from the actions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
The questioner : And which is stronger, turning to the right or to the left?
The Shaykh : It depends on the purpose. There is no specific intention required. For example, if the door is on the right and she wants to exit through that door, she turns to her right. Or if the door is on the left, she does not strain herself by turning around to the other side. The matter is lenient and easy.
The Shaykh : I did not understand the first phrase.
The questioner : What is the ruling on a woman turning away from her prayer, meaning after the taslim, toward the women praying behind her, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) did? Or does she face them with her face if she is the imam?
The Shaykh : If she intends to be the imam?
The questioner : She is the imam, but she did not mention it.
The Shaykh : Ah, that is why the matter was confusing to me. There is no doubt that the ruling is as in the general meaning of his (peace be upon him) saying:
Woman are counterpart of men.
إنما النساء شقائق الرجالThe questioner : And which is stronger, turning to the right or to the left?
The Shaykh : It depends on the purpose. There is no specific intention required. For example, if the door is on the right and she wants to exit through that door, she turns to her right. Or if the door is on the left, she does not strain herself by turning around to the other side. The matter is lenient and easy.