Is it permissible for a woman to lead people in prayer, and what is the authenticity of the statement attributed to the school of thought of Imam Ahmad regarding the permissibility of her leading men in Tarawih and supererogatory prayers, or even obligatory prayers if she is elderly? And does the Hadith of Umm Waraqa provide evidence for that?

A woman is not permitted to lead men in prayer, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "A people will not prosper who entrust their affairs to a woman." And leading prayer is a form of leadership. Moreover, a woman's prayer in her home is better, and if she prays in the mosque, there are regulations to prevent fitna, such as praying behind men and not raising her head before them.

Despite this, some scholars have allowed a woman to lead men in supererogatory (nafilah) prayers. This is a narration among the Hanbalis, but with conditions. Abu Thawr, Al-Muzani, and Ibn Jarir Al-Tabari, however, held that her prayer leading men is valid absolutely, citing the Hadith (definition) of Umm Waraqa.

As for Jumu'ah prayer and its sermon, it is not permissible for a woman to lead men in them, by agreement of the Imams, because among the conditions for the validity of Jumu'ah is the sermon, and a condition for the Khatib and Imam is being male.