If a woman is the imam of the women, how does she turn away from her prayer, to the right or to the left? And does she face the women with her face?

The questioner : What is the ruling on a woman turning away from the prayer toward the praying women, as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) did? And which is the stronger position regarding turning to the right or to the left?

The Shaykh : What is the first phrase? I did not understand it!

The questioner : What is the ruling on a woman—meaning after the taslim—turning away from her prayer toward the praying women, as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) did? That she faces them with her face, if she is the imam.

The Shaykh : Do you mean the imamah of women, not men?

The questioner : Imamah, but she... if... this.

The Shaykh : ... Therefore, the matter was unclear to me. There is no doubt that the ruling is as it is in the general statement of him (peace be upon him): . So if a woman prays as the imam of the women, she may turn to the right or to the left if she wishes. All of this is established from the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

The questioner : And which is the stronger position regarding turning to the right or to the left?

The Shaykh : It depends on the purpose. There is nothing specific intended. 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 should not strain herself by turning around to the other side. The matter is lenient and easy.