The ḥadīth is authentic and is found in both Al-Bukhārī and Muslim, among other sources.

From a jurisprudential perspective, the ḥadīth indicates that the presence of a woman in front of a man during prayer does not invalidate the prayer, contrary to what some may infer from the apparent meaning of the ḥadīth “Three things break the prayer”.

Additionally, the ḥadīth implies that touching a woman does not invalidate ablution, as per the Shāfi῾ī school of Islamic law.

It also suggests that performing actions that are not part of the prayer is permissible if there is a need, such as directing a child, signaling engagement in prayer, or even opening a door if it is in the direction of the Qīblah.

Fatwā issued by Dr. Khālid Naṣr