[Question: What is the religious ruling concerning a woman leading men in prayer; is their prayer correct? What is the religious ruling concerning the permissibility of a Friday prayer in which a woman leads the congregation? Is it permissible for men and women to pray in the same row mixed together? What is the ruling concerning a woman giving the adhan (call to prayer) and calling Muslims to the Friday prayer or any other congregational prayer? What is the ruling of religious law concerning the new dissenters who want to change fixed elements of the religion?]
Answer:
Islam commands chastity and virtue and it forbids adultery and fornication. It is because of this, we find Islam has commanded both the male and female believers to lower their gaze in the same fashion and it has forbidden seclusion that leads to temptation. Islam has commanded men to cover themselves between their navels and their knees and women to cover themselves entirely save the face and hands. Allah exalted is He says, (Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is Aware of what they do.) (An-Nur 24:30).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said,