{"_id":"6aa1794abf4316437a3994b8","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Can men and women pray side by side with a barrier between them?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"What is the ruling on men and women praying side by side behind the imam, with the men on one side and the women on the other, separated by a barrier? The Muslim chaplain at a university near me implemented this practice. If this arrangement is used regularly for congregational prayers and Jumuʿah, are the prayers valid?\\n\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"The prophetic model we’ve inherited for congregational prayer is for women’s rows to be positioned behind the men’s rows. Therefore, arranging rows side by side, even with a barrier down the middle, is discouraged (makruh) because it departs from the established Sunnah.\\n\\nDespite being makruh, the prayer is valid. Those who have prayed in this setup do not need to repeat their prayers.\\n\\nWhile physical space constraints or extreme crowding may excuse unconventional arrangements out of necessity, this should not become standard practice. The layout of ritual prayer is divinely regulated through Prophetic practice; which is the standard that we must always adhere to.\\n\\nI advise you to have a respectful dialogue with your chaplain. You can appreciate his pastoral efforts to ensure everyone feels welcome, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Prophetic tradition.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668d9fe60b76658b4c232875","tag":"Salah: Congregational","count":101}],"createdOn":"2026-09-09T15:20:42.576Z"}