A woman offering Salah before a man in Al-Haram

Q 1: This year, 1418 A.H., I performed Hajj to Allah's Sacred House as a guide. I exerted my best to make the pilgrims who traveled with me on the bus, perform perfect Hajj (pilgrimage) without sin, disobedience or dispute, giving them the noble image of the place and showing them the concern of those who provide assistance for the pilgrims. Unfortunately, there were some notes which I should refer to in order to feel tranquil and secure; which is mostly, mixture between men and women during Salah in the Sacred House. I searched for a place to offer Jumu‘ah (Friday) Prayer but I did not find any except with a woman beside me or in front of me which forced me to offer Salah in another Masjid in Makkah; could you kindly advise?

A: It is permissible during the days of intense crowdedness to offer Salah in Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) even if there are women standing beside men or in front of them in rows out of necessity. Men should lower their gaze and not come into contact with the bodies of women as much as they can. (Part No. 6; Page No. 331) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.