Pronouncement of Adhan by women

Q: Your Eminence, some female students in classes of illiteracy elimination in our district announce the Adhan (call to Prayer) and the Iqamah (call to start the Prayer) loudly. They have been informed by some of their colleagues in the center that this is not permissible. I hope Your Eminence will send us a written Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) in this regard so that we can inform them about it and post it on the bulletin board in the center, if Allah wills. They also offer Salah (Prayer) in congregation being led by one of them.

A: The Adhan and Iqamah have to be announced by men. Women are not required to announce either the Adhan or Iqamah lest their voice is attractive and attracts men. Only the men among the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) announced the Adhan whereas women did not.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.