one who differs in subsidiary matters, even if he does something that you consider unlawful. This is among Allah’s blessings; for if we were to say that prayer behind one who differs in subsidiary matters is invalid, that would result in hardship and difficulty.

Nor may a woman or a hermaphrodite lead men in prayer, …

His statement, “Nor a woman,” means that a man’s prayer behind a woman is invalid.

The evidence is what has been narrated from the Prophet ﷺ: “A woman must not lead a man in prayer.” (1) This hadith is weak, but its ruling is supported by the Prophet’s statement: “A people who entrust their affairs to a woman will never prosper.” (2) The congregation has entrusted the matter of leadership to the imam; thus, a woman cannot validly be their imam.

Another proof is that the Prophet ﷺ said: “… the best rows for women are the last of them.” (3) This indicates that they have no place at the front, whereas the imam can only stand at the front. If we were to hold that their leading men in prayer is valid, the proper order would be reversed: she would stand ahead of the man. This is not supported by the Sacred Law.

Moreover, there may arise a temptation that disrupts a man’s prayer if she is beside him or in front of him.

His statement, “Nor a hermaphrodite for men,” means that a man’s prayer behind a hermaphrodite is likewise invalid.