What are the characteristics of a woman's imamate, and is it permissible for any woman to lead the worshippers in prayer even if she is wearing trousers and a jilbab for prayer, or wearing makeup? And is her prayer valid with makeup after leaving the house with it on?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A woman's imamate (leadership in prayer) for other women is permissible, and the imamate should be for the most pious among them and the one most observant of Allah's limits, not for one who is immodestly dressed or unveiled. However, the prayer of women behind an immodestly dressed woman is valid, and they should advise her. As for a woman's prayer with makeup, it is valid, with the caveat that a woman going out with makeup and an unveiled face is considered displaying forbidden adornment according to Islamic law. Therefore, she must adhere to the legal .
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/45031
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 45031
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy