however, it is recommended for a woman to draw her limbs in toward each other, even to press her belly against her thighs while in prostration, so that she is as concealed as possible; this, too, is preferred for her in bowing and throughout the entire prayer. End quote.

[Women praying in congregation with one of them acting as imam: the jurists differ]

4 – The scholars hold divergent views on women forming a congregation led by one of their own. Some forbid it outright, others permit it, and the majority see no impediment, citing the Prophet’s ﷺ command to Umm Waraqah that she lead the people of her household in prayer (1). Certain authorities deem it merely permissible without recommendation; others regard it as disliked; still others allow it only for voluntary prayers, not for the obligatory ones. The stronger view, however, is that it is recommended. For further discussion, consult al-Mughnī (2|202) and al-Majmūʿ of al-Nawawī (4|84, 85).

When no non-maḥram men can hear her, the woman may recite aloud.

[Women may go out to the mosque to pray with the men]

5 – It is lawful for women to leave their homes in order to pray with the men in the mosques, yet praying in their own houses is better for them. Muslim reports that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not bar the female servants of Allah from the mosques of Allah,” and he ﷺ also said, “Do not prevent women from going out to the mosques, although their homes are better for them.” (2) Hence, remaining in their houses and performing the prayer there is superior for them than