Do women pray the eclipse prayer at home, and is it permissible for a woman who recites well to lead them in prayer if none of them has memorized the Qur’an?

The majority of scholars hold the view that it is permissible for a woman to lead other women in prayer, especially for non-obligatory prayers. This is based on what was narrated from Aisha and Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with them, that they led women in prayer, and no Companion was known to have disagreed with them. This opinion is also favored because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded Umm Waraqah to lead the people of her household in prayer, and because women are generally included among those who perform congregational prayers.

The eclipse prayer includes both men and women, based on the Prophet's saying, peace and blessings be upon him: "So when you see them (the sun and the moon in eclipse), stand up and pray." This is a general command. It is permissible for a woman to pray it in her home in congregation with other women, or in the mosque.

If women gather for prayer, the one among them who is the most proficient in recitation and most knowledgeable about the manner of prayer should lead them. If they are equal in recitation, then the one most knowledgeable about the Sunnah should lead. If they are equal in Sunnah, then the one who embraced Islam earliest should lead. If the eclipse prayer is held in one of their homes, the hostess should lead them if she is proficient in recitation and knows the manner of prayer. Otherwise, she should permit the one among them who is skilled in that to lead.