Q. Imaam shafee allows for woman to perform prayers no different from that of men. Imaam  Abu Hanefaa says that she cannot pray like men. Abu Hannefas method is like a woman that prays like a dog. Imaam shafee is like a human. Can you explain why? Is this a indo pak thing? Or am I wrong?

A. The accusation placed on Imaam shafee (kindly excuse us for occasionally saying Rahmatullullah Alay) is an insult to ones basic understanding of salaah, an accusation that has no basis and stems from sheer ignorqance. You are confusing the opinions of neo-salafees to that of Imaam Shafee. To our dismay, many counterfeit shafees also attest to this false assertion and place similar bogus claim(s) upon Imaam Shafee (Rahmatullullah Alay.)

The prayer of men and woman remains different, just as they are different in many other regards. Female salaah has little to do with emulating a dog, cat, rabbit or a mouse. Female salaah has to do with concealment in the aspects of her body and showing her inherent nature of modesty even whilst in salaah despite no person at times being able to view her in salaah.

Proof:

For example, even in the confinement of her home, a woman’s salaah gains greater virtue if she remains properly concealed. Allahmah bayhaqi states: The salaah of a woman is void unless she wears a head covering (proper concealment of her body). (Bayhaqi). Bayhaqi also stated:  The distinguishing factor between the rulings of salaah of men and woman is (the issue) of concealment. A woman is prescribed to do all actions (like men, however with an added dimension) which is additionally (to be)  concealing (of) herself. (Bayhaqi)

Hadith counters your ‘dog’ claim

On the dog emulation issue: Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) commanded men to not spread their arms on the ground like that of a dog (Imaam Muslim).  As for woman, Yazid bin Habib (RA) reports that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) passed by two women who were performing their salat and he said to them: . He said to them: When you prostrate, make the parts of your body touch the ground for the reason that a woman is not like a man in such characteristics.

The real thruth about Imaam Shafee (RA)

In Al-Umm, Imaan Shafee (RA) reports that male and female prayers are identical expect for the fact that a woman is to be more concealed in the aspects of ruku and sujood. Thus her ruku is not like that of a man, in that she slowly bows down and places her hands on her knees, in a none man like grasping manner. Her sujood is not stretched out like her male counterpart either. This is the opinion of other fuqaha as well. Imaams Hambal and Haneefae.

Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA) (as can be viewed in Jami’ al-Masanid) it is reported that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) ordered woman to draw themselves closer together and lean onto one side by merely resting on their left buttock whilst completely contracting themselves.

What is the origin of these predecessors that agree with us!

Sahaba and other eminent scholars within the ranks of mujtahids  have also contributed to the above. They include: Sayidinah(s) Ali, Umaar, Ibraheem Nakaee, Ibn Abbas, Hasan al Basi, Yazid bin Habib (RA), etc.  Hadith supporting such facts are found in the works of Bukari, Muslim, Bayhaqi, Abu Dawood, Musannif Abul Razaq and ibn Abi Shayba, etc. (As can be astutely observed, none of these persons are of indopak origin. We stand to be corrected with your power points of wisdom, should we be in error regarding their origin — should it matter when it comes to facts representing sunnah!)

We got no gripe with your salaah, so let us pray and take your fuss elsewhere

Although salaah goes through for both methods. Persons choosing wrongful analogies should not impose their whimsical methodologies on concrete data. They should also minimize their vilification of innocent mujtahids. Corrupted ideas and pursuits lacking depth should be avoided – be it intentional or otherwise.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.