Question posed to Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen رحمه الله تعالى:
Q: Is it permissible for a woman to lead (the prayer) and what is the proof (for that)? And what is the ruling when she prays with a group of women? A: The prayer wherein a woman leads other women there is no harm or objection to it. That which is prohibited is that a woman leads men in prayer, because it is not possible for a woman to be an Imaamah (a leader) for men. For indeed, men are the ones that have been placed in charge over women and the Imaam is the one in charge of those behind him (in the prayer), so she can not be an Imaamah (a leader in the prayer) over men. As for (among other) women, then yes, she can lead them (in prayer). Also, the scholars have differed into two opinions regarding if praying together is recommended for the women that are praying separately from men or not. In any case, if the women do pray together then it is incumbent upon them to line up just like the men. So (in that case) it is not allowed for a woman to line up by herself behind the rest of the women when she has (available) space in the row. Also, it is required of them to straighten the row while being close to each other and to fill each row after the other exactly just like the men. As for a woman that is praying alone with the men, then (in this scenario) she stands by herself, as there is no place (legislated) for a woman in the row(s) of the men. - Fataawaa Noor Alaa Ad-Darb lil 'Uthaimeen 5/318-9
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