Is it permissible for a woman to lead other women in prayer while wearing a tunic that is above the knee and trousers? And is the prayer of the congregants valid behind her?
A woman's prayer in tight trousers is severely disliked (makrooh), and may even reach the point of being forbidden (haram), but it is valid if the trousers conceal the skin color. It is preferable for a woman to pray in loose garments that cover the entire body except for the face and hands. Many of the early Muslims (Salaf) and imams emphasized the dislike of a woman wearing tight clothing during prayer. As for praying behind her, it is valid, but it is more appropriate for the woman who leads the prayer (imam) to be dressed in the prescribed Islamic attire, and to continue advising those who pray in tight clothing. Furthermore, a woman going out in such clothing in front of non-mahram men is among the abominable acts that may subject her to the warning mentioned in the noble Hadith about "women who are clothed yet naked."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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