There is a difference of opinion among Muslims regarding the circumstances in which women may act as imams, i.e. to lead a mixed gendered congregation in salat (prayer). The orthodox position is that women cannot lead men in prayer, which is justified by various Quranic verses and Hadith about the roles and responsibilities of men and women.
Egyptian demonstrators in Tahrir Square, Cairo at prayer. Unusually, the women are in front of the men.
Salah, is the principal form of worship in Islam. Facing Mecca, it consists of units called rak'a, during which the Quran is recited, and prayers from the Sunnah are typically said. The number of rak'a varies from prayer to prayer. Minor details of performing salah may differ according to the madhhab of the person performing it.
The prayer room in Khonakhan Mosque, Uzbekistan
Various prescribed movements in salah, which collectively constitute a rak'ah. From left to right: rukū', qiyām/i'tidal, sujūd, takbīr and qu'ūd/julūs.
Women performing the Friday prayer at a mosque, Ohio, US
A Sunni Muslim (left) and Shia Muslim (right) performing the Friday prayer in Tehran. Some Sunnis perform salah with the hands clasped ("qabd"), while Shia offer salah with their hands at their sides ("sadl").
