Imaam making intention for the females following him in salaah

Q: If ladies are following the imam in a separate area from the men, does the imam still have to make niyyat for their imamat for their salah to be valid? Behishti zewar suggests that even if the imam doesn't make niyyat, their salah will be correct, in the situation where they won't be coming next to the men.

A: As far as we know the imaam has to make niyyat for their namaaz to be valid.

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

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)