Wa `alaykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

 

While discussing this issue, we should be clear of two things:

 

1- Islam makes a distinction between formal worship (i.e. Salah) and prayer in the sense of supplications. Most of those who speak about this issue fail to distinguish. If we are speaking of informal prayers or supplications, there is nothing objectionable in Islam for women leading males and females.

 

2- The formal worship or Salah, however, is different.  Salah in Islam involves postures and bodily movements; a woman leading men in prayer may lead men who are weak or sickly to nurture lustful thoughts. Humans have been created weak, and hence Allah’s laws are intended to save us from the evil inclinations inherent in our nature. Therefore, women are not allowed to lead strangers. However, there are traditions from the Prophet (peace be upon him) stating that he allowed Umm Waraqah to lead the members of her household in prayer.

 

Therefore, based on report some scholars have made exceptions to the above rule.

 

For details, you may access detailed answers posted on this site.

 

Allah Almighty knows best.