Third: those behind him may think that he is trying to recall something he forgot during the prayer, and this may confuse the congregant.

Turning away to the left or to the right—both are reported from the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. It is reported that he would turn to his right and then face the people (1), and it is also reported that he would turn to his left and then face the people (2). Thus, if you wish, turn to the right; and if you wish, turn to the left. All of this is sunnah.

His statement, “If there are women present,” means: if there are women in the mosque.

His statement, “he should remain briefly,” means that he should remain facing the qiblah for a short while.

His statement, “so that they may depart,” means that the women should leave before the men, as is established from Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, who said: “When the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, concluded with the salām, the women would rise as soon as he had completed his salām, while he would remain in his place for a short time before rising.” He said: “We think—and Allah knows best—that this was so the women could depart before any of the men caught up with them.” (3)

This is because, if the men leave before the women, men and women will inevitably intermingle, and this is among the causes of temptation. Indeed, the Messenger, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The best rows for women are the last of them, and the worst of them are the first of them.” (4) This is because the first row is closer to the men than the last row, and is therefore more likely to lead to intermingling.