Women are not required to pray in congregation

Q: We are more than six women living in one house, and the times for the obligatory prayers pass us by, and we pray individually. Some relatives came to us and advised us to establish prayer in congregation, explaining to us that by doing so we would attain the virtue of congregation. Is this correct?

A: Women are not required to pray in congregation, but if they do pray in congregation, there is no harm. If each one prays alone, there is no harm. If they pray in congregation, we hope for them the virtue of congregation, especially if a student of knowledge is available to lead them and guide them. This is because their gathering for prayer is cooperation in righteousness and piety. The one who leads them stands in the middle of the first row and recites aloud in the prayers where recitation is loud, just as men do.