𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (509)

Is it Permissible for a Woman to Correct the Imam in Prayer? Question: In another question, if the Imam makes a mistake in his recitation and no men respond to correct him, is it permissible for a woman to respond? Sheikh Ibn Baz rahimahullah: Yes. It is permissible to alert him. If men are present and alert him, that is [sufficient] praise be to Allāh; otherwise, she may alert him. Her voice is not considered ‘awrah, because what is forbidden is flirtatious and submissive softness in the voice—this is what is prohibited. Allāh says: “O wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other women. If you are conscious of Allah, do not be soft in speech so that one in whose heart is a disease may desire [you].” [Al-Ahzab:32] Here, submissiveness refers to softness and breaking in the voice, which arouses the desire of someone with impure intentions. A normal voice is permissible. This is why Allah says: And speak in an upright manner” [Al-Ahzab:32] Meaning: speak in a way that is free from obscenity, harshness, flirting, brokenness, or submissiveness—just ordinary speech. She may alert him with normal speech that is not submissive, not harsh, and not severe—just customary, ordinary speech. “Speak in an upright manner” means to use ordinary, proper speech, not submissive, even when instructing men. She may enjoin good, forbid evil, call to Allāh, and guide others—even men—with kind words, without submissiveness or harshness. Likewise, she may teach her brother, her son, her daughters, and young children under seven, instructing and guiding them in the Qur'ān. The point is: she may call to Allāh and teach with a voice that does not involve submissiveness, especially if the learner is someone who might have desires, such as an adolescent or a man. The point is also: she should not refrain from speaking the truth just because some people claim that a woman’s voice is ‘awrah. It is not ‘awrah. The ordinary voice is not forbidden. Women used to speak to the Prophet ﷺ, ask him questions, and he addressed them; he did not say their voices were forbidden. There was a time when he taught and guided a group of women, answering their questions. This is well known. What is prohibited is submissiveness that causes temptation or leads someone to think ill of her. Ordinary speech is permissible. Presenter: May Allāh reward you well.