Question Summary:
How much distance should be kept between the feet for females in Salah? Should any surahs be read behind an Imam? How may women preach Islam to others?

Question Detail:

 
I am a convert and follow Hanafi madabh.
I have some questions about Salah.
1. While standing in the Salah, how much space should there be between feet for women. I have heard from some people that it should be four fingers gap and from some people that there should be no space between the feet at all.
2. If praying behind imam, should surahs(surah fathiha and other surahs) be recited during dhuhr and asr salah as well as last two rakat isha and last rakah of maghrib? Or is it enough that the imam is reciting silently anad hence we don't have to recite any surah and just stand.
3. Dawat is very important in Islam. What are the ways that women give dawah to other people (like men going to jamat and going to other's houses). Please let me know.
Please let me know if there are any hadiths for all of these questions.
Jazak Allah Khair.

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
1) The distance between the feet for women in qiyaam (the standing position) is also four fingers (similar to men).^[1]  
2) In principle, the muqtadis (followers) will not recite surah fatiha or any other surah when following an Imam, regardless if it is a vocal prayer or a silent prayer. They will remain silent and wait for the Imam to say the next takbeer.^[2]
3) There are numerous ways on how a woman may spread the teachings of Islam to others. The responsibility of dawah is for every ummati, male and female. The forms of dawah depend on situations and circumstances. The two fundamental principles of dawah are employing wisdom and avoiding any violations of Shari’ah.
There are many sincere people around the world, male and female, who are engaged in the work of dawah in their own way. Although the present method of tableegh is very effective and recommended, dawah is not confined to that method. Every person engaged in the work of dawah compliments one another provided it is done within the limitations set out by Shari’ah.
We advise women who wish to engage in dawah to consult their local ‘Ulama and seek their guidance on dawah related issues.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
AbdulMannan Nizami
Student Darul Iftaa
Chicago, IL, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.