Is it permissible to obliterate Christian symbols found in a mosque that was formerly a church, and what is the ruling on dedicating a prayer area for women to the right or left of the worshippers with a barrier?

First: Religious images and symbols must be removed from the mosque. If that is not possible, then they must be defaced or the walls painted to erase their features. If they are three-dimensional statues and cannot be removed, then only the head should be removed, based on what Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: "Do not leave any statue but you deface it, nor any elevated grave but you level it" (Muslim 969). In another narration: "nor any picture but you deface it." Jibreel also commanded the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to cut off the head of a statue, to make the curtain with statues into two cushions to be trodden upon, and to expel the dog from the house.

Second: It is permissible to set up a prayer area for women inside the mosque, to the right or left of the men. Following the Imam can be achieved by hearing his voice directly or through a microphone. It does not matter if they do not see the Imam or the male congregants. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him, stated that it is permissible for women to pray in the mosque even if they do not see the Imam or the male congregants, as long as it is possible to follow by hearing the voice.