Large gap between saffs in jamaat salaah

Q: For the saffs of the men, we understand that there should be continuity, and a gap larger than 2 saffs between saffs will cause the link to be broken, thus the salaah of those behind the gap will not be valid. (In the situation where there isn't any river, etc. inbetween).

What is the ruling regarding saff continuity for ladies? If a masjid has a room at the back, but between the last saff of the men and the women's room is a large gap, would the ladies salaah be permissible behind the imam? (assuming all other conditions are fulfilled such as the imam making niyyat for leading the ladies).

A: This rule of two saffs does not apply to a musjid or to where the salaah is being read in the same building and place in which both men and women are performing salaah.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)