Is it permissible for men and women to pray in the same row in Masjid al-Haram?

When performing congregational prayer, men stand directly behind the imam, followed by boys, and then women form their rows behind them. This arrangement was taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). (Muslim, Salât, 132 [440]; Abû Dâwûd, Salât, 98 [678]; Nasâ’î, Imâmah, 33 [820]; Ibn Mâjah, Iqâmat al-salawât, 52 [1000]) Observing this order between men and women is obligatory, while between men and boys it is considered Sunnah. (Marghinânî, al-Hidâya, 1/58; Kâsânî, Badâ’i, 1/159)

In congregational prayers, men and women standing in the same row is referred to as “muhâzât al-nisâ,” meaning a woman praying side by side with men or ahead of them. According to all schools of thought, it is not considered correct for men and women to pray together in mixed rows in this manner. However, there is a difference of opinion regarding the effect of this situation on the validity of the men’s prayer.

According to the Hanafi school, if a woman or a girl who has reached or is approaching puberty prays in front of or beside a man in a congregational prayer, and there is no barrier or similar separation, or a height difference of at least a man’s height between them, the prayer of the men behind or beside her is not valid. (Ibn ‘Âbidîn, Radd al-Muhtâr, 1/573-574)

According to the Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, if a woman and a man pray side by side, it does not invalidate the prayer of either party, but it is considered disliked (makruh). (Râfi‘î, al-‘Azîz, 2/174; Ibn Qudâmah, al-Mughnî, 2/179; Khattâb, Mawâhib, 2/107; Buhûtî, Kashshâf, 1/329-330; Jazîrî, al-Madhâhib al-arba‘a, 1/268) In the case of the Ka‘bah, however, due to necessity, even this dislike is waived, as it is very difficult for men and women to pray in completely separate areas there.

Therefore, during the Hajj season, if men and women who follow the Hanafi school cannot find separate places to pray, they may follow the aforementioned opinions and perform their prayers accordingly.

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu