Is it true that some leading Arab scholars have stated that it is permitted for women to lead m

In the Name of Allah, the Inspirer of Truth

Assalamu alaikum,

The answer may be found in the words of Imam Ghazali,

“Whoever determines the truth from people alone will remain lost in the plains of bewilderment. Rather, know the [f: way of] truth, and you’ll know its people.” [Ghazali, Ihya `Ulum al-Din, ‘The Book of Knowledge’]

The scholars explain that this means is that the seeker of knowledge and awareness should know the methodology by which to determine whether something is true or not, whether it is sound or not, whether it is right or wrong. Then, we weigh matters according to this.

Doing this would make one aware of those whose words and ways one can generally follow without hesitation; those we can following after deliberation can follow or in some matters and not in others; and those whose words and ways one is wary of and only accepts with much caution… [from: http://blog.masud.co.uk/2004/09/who-is-this-habermas-guy-jurgen.htm]

Women Leading Prayers and the Way of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)  
http://www.sunnipath.com/Resources/Questions/QA00005284.aspx

Women Praying At the Mosque
http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Questions/QA00001310.aspx

As believers, our concern is to increase in faith and piety (iman and taqwa), through beneficial works of the heart and limbs. One impediment to this–as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him, his family, and companions) explained–is engaging in polemics.

However, it is important to be clear about what the way of Sunni Islam is. The way of those who are on soundly on the sunna and guidance of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is clear, and has always been clear. It is the way of the overwhelming majority of Islamic scholarship in all its branches. It is represented by the Ashari and Maturidi schools in matters of faith; by the four schools of Sunni law in matters of worship and practice; and by the traditional schools of spirituality in matters related to spiritual excellence.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “I have left you upon the clear way. Its night is like its day. None will veer from it after me except that they will destroy themselves.” [Ibn Maja (43); Hakim in al-Mustadrak (331); Tabarani in his Kabir (619); Ahmad (17182)]

The way of Sunni Islam is a way of tolerance and moderation; a way of methodological clarity tempered by pragmatism and wisdom; a way of enabling the believer to deepen their faith, to become realized in piety, and to become a person of spiritual excellence. It is the trodden way of those who followed on the footsteps of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

The articles by Shaykh Nuh Keller, Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad, and others on madhhabs, spirituality, innovation, and belief on Sidi Mas’ud Khan’s site–www.masud.co.uk–are a must-read in these times of widespread methodological confusion.

And Allah alone gives success.

Faraz Rabbani.