Women and the Masjid between two extremes
The masjid, better known in North America as the Islamic center, is the center of spiritual, social, educational, and, most recently, political activities of the American Muslim community. The masjid is also the place where Muslims of diverse cultural and ideological backgrounds meet and interact. The diversity of interpretations of Islamic sources and practices has created tensions, particularly in Islamic centers where the tendency is to impose strict interpretations about the appropriate place and role of Muslim women in the masjid and the community.
An increasing number of young Muslim women complain of restrictive arrangements and practices, impeding their ability to fully participate in educational and social programs. Many masjids today restrict the main prayer hall to men, and assign women to secluded quarters. Women are asking out laud: is this the place Islam assigns for us, or is it the imposition of cultural traditions? Some have even gone to the other extreme of rejecting all traditions and discarding all limits.
For Believing Men and Women
The masjid is a place for spiritual growth and development for all Muslims, and should be equally accessible for both genders. The Quran has set the spiritual and moral equality of men and women in explicit and unequivocal terms:
Allah has prepared forgiveness and great rewards for the Muslim men and women; for the believing men and women; for the devout men and women; for the truthful men and women; for the men and women who are patient and constant; the men and women who humble themselves; for the men and women who give charity; for the men and women who fast, for the men and women who guard their chastity; and the men and women who are exceedingly mindful of Allah. (Al-Ahzab 33:35)
Both men and women, the Quran stresses, have a moral obligation to develop themselves spiritually and morally, and to fulfill their social responsibilities. The masjid is, and has always been, the center of moral and spiritual learning and growth.
Likewise, the masjid is a public place for discussing issues of public concern and to respond to challenges facing the community. The Quran is also clear on the equal responsibility of both men and women for developing the public good:
The believing men and women are protectors and helpers of each other. They (collaborate) to promote all that is good and oppose all that is evil; establish prayers and give charity, and obey Allah and his Messenger. Those are the people whom Allah would grant mercy. Indeed Allah is Exalted and Wise. (Al-Tawbah 9:71)
Promoting public good and opposing evil are public duties equally required from men and women, and the masjid is the place where Muslim men and women can meet to plan community development and devise strategies for promoting public good.
The Prophet Affirms Equal Access
During the formative years of Islam women participated in public services, and shared the Masjid of the Prophet's main hall. Sharing the main prayer hall allowed women to fully engage in public debate and influence decisions affecting their lives and the life of the community. When the second Caliph Umar bin al-Khatab wanted to put a cap on dowry, he was challenged by a woman, who stood up in the middle of the masjid and pointed out that his proposed policy violated Islamic law. He conceded and the proposed policy was never carried out.
Although the Quran is clear on the spiritual and moral equality of men and women, the Prophet, recognizing the tendency of some men to be overprotective of their female relatives, cautioned the Muslim community against preventing women from frequenting the masjid:
Ibn Umar narrated: The Messenger of Allah, peace be with him, said: Do not deprive women of their share of the masjids, when they seek permission from you. Bilal said: By Allah, we would certainly prevent them. 'Abdullah said: I say that the Messenger of Allah, peace be with him, said it and you say: We would certainly prevent them! (Sahih Muslim Book 4, Number 891)
Narrated Ibn Umar: The Prophet, peace be with him, said, "Allow women to go to the Mosques at night." (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 22)
Sidestepping Established Principles
The argument against women sharing the main prayer hall is based on the principle of "corruption prevention" (dar' al-mafasid). The principle states that "whatever leads to unlawful practices (haram) is in itself unlawful." The principle, though not widely accepted by Muslim jurists, has been extensively used to limit actions that are otherwise lawful under Shari'ah. It was invoked by some jurists to reject the use of radio, TV, press, and other inventions because these were used to promote corrupt practices. Indeed, by invoking the principle of "corruption prevention" many good practices and devices could be declared unlawful, including the use of the internet and popular governance, as both are open to abuse.
Employing the "corruption prevention" argument, a number of masjids have decided to assign secluded quarters for women, and have placed many restrictions on women's use of the masjid's facilities. In recent visits to three Islamic centers, several Muslim women complained bitterly to me about their experiences with community leaders. They complained of their inability to participate in general lectures and discussions, of the quality of the quarters assigned to them, and of their reliance on audio and video systems that frequently cut them off from the ongoing lectures or discussions.
Assigning women to separate quarters during lectures and discussions does not "prevent corruption" but rather "prevent education and spiritual growth." I have heard many accounts of women completely immersed in conversations about shopping and cooking during public lectures. The seclusion gives some women, particularly the feeling of distance and separation, and some women conclude that the events that take place in the main hall do not concern them. In such instances, the women's quarters become less friendly to women who want to concentrate on learning and community issues.
Not all masjids embrace a mandatory seclusion policy. Many leading masjids, such as Dulles Area Musim Society (ADAMS), ensure that women share the main hall, participate fully in learning and consultation, and take active role in running the masjid. Women serve on the executive board of ADAMS and on its board of trustees. 5 of the 13 Board of Trustees members are women, and ADAMS vice president is a women. While ADAMS gives full access to women to use its main prayer hall, it still permits women who want privacy to stay in a separate quarter, thereby ensuring that Muslim women with different needs and convictions have place in the masjid.
Preventing women from exercising established rights or undertake duties cannot be justified under argument of "corruption prevention." This argument was used at the formative stage of Islamic society, but was rejected by early Muslims. Abdullah bin Umar rejected this same argument of prevention:
Ibn 'Umar reported: Grant permission to women for going to the mosque in the night. His son who was called Waqid said: Then they would make mischief. He (the narrator) said: He thumped his (son's) chest and said: I am narrating to you the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), and you say: No! (Sahih Muslim Book 4, Number 890)
Problems with Women's Seclusion
Assigning women a separate and secluded space does not only go against Quranic injunctions and the practices and directives of the Prophet, peace be with him, but is detrimental to the spiritual and moral growth of women and the development of the community.
Preventing women from gaining direct access to the main hall of the masjid, where lectures and study circles take place, deprives them from taking active role in learning. In addition to the psychological and emotional feeling of not taking active part in the meetings, the ability to interact with the speakers, to ask questions and offer comments, is impeded.
Secluding women deprive the emerging Muslim community from a growing number of young Muslim women who do expect, and rightly so, that the masjid does not take away their right to take active part in serving the community. When legitimate expectations are not met, and when the customs and cultural traditions are given priority, they often force women to stay away from the masjid, and hence from Islamic learning and activities.
Elevating the cultural traditions and customs of immigrants works against the very mission of the masjid, as it becomes an impediment for educating people of other faiths about Islam. Historically, Islam found home in different communities throughout the world because of its ability to accommodate local customs and cultures, as long as they are not in conflict with Islamic teachings. Immigrant communities would be betraying their mission and trust if they insist on imposing their customs and cultural traditions.
Women and Masjid's Governance
Women's leadership in the community is another contentious issue. Women have assumed, in some Islamic centers, key leadership positions, by serving on the executive board, and leading key committees, while they are kept at arm's bay in others. Although Islam recognized the capacity of women to enjoy equal moral responsibility, as we saw earlier, many Muslim community managed, nonetheless, to curtail women's participation in public duties on social and rational grounds. The degree of limitations placed on women's ability to serve in public capacity varies across historical periods and fiqh schools.
Early jurists disagreed as to whether women can assume public office; while Ibn Jarir al-Tabari placed no limitations on women's right to assume the post of judge in all legal matters, al-Mawardi contended that women cannot be allowed to serve as judges under any circumstances. In between stands Abu Hanifa who allowed women to serve as judges except in cases involving commercial deals.
To their credit, early Muslim jurists recognized women's rights to serve in public capacity at times when many women have limited involvement in public life, and limited exposure to public service. Contemporary Muslim jurists should ensure that the original Quranic position of equal spiritual and moral rights and obligations is respected and advanced in today's society. This is more pressing today as the question of women capacity to exercise leadership and serve the community is put to rest through impressive track record of Muslim women achieving in the academia, professional work, and community service.
Our masjids must reflect the leading role played by American Muslim women by ensuring that they are represented on the masjid board and join the rank of leadership. The importance of women taking active part on the executive board and in executive committees is further underscored by the need to represent concerns that can not be expressed except by women, who feel the impact of decisions made by the masjid on the quality of life and participation of other women.
Swinging to the Other Extreme
Several feminist Muslims, supported by a network of progressive activists, have been pushing the pendulum to the other extreme. Their solution for limiting women to secluded quarters, and their marginalization in ultra conservative masjids, is to open the masjid to a mixed congregation lead by women. The Progressive Muslim Union has already announced a mixed congregation to be led by Amina Wadud this month in New York. It is unfortunate that Muslim feminists are following in the footsteps of their secularist precursors, breaking all traditions, and engaging in experimentations that break out with formative principles and values. For individuals and movements interested in reforming attitudes and practices to take the opposite extreme can only hurt the reform agenda already underway throughout North America.
The recent push to break out with community and tradition goes far beyond any reform agenda. Reform requires that one articulate the foundational principles and then engage the larger Muslim community in dialogue to create a new awareness and to translate the articulated principles into a living tradition. Reform aimed at critically engage Muslim traditions must stick closely to the Quran and prophetic practices, to clarify Islamic injunctions and established prophetic traditions. The Progressive Muslim Union's leaders have apparently decided to push the envelop beyond all limits and operate in revolutionary rather than a reformist mode.
It is quite apparent that Muslim reformers, concerned with evolving the practices of the American Muslim community, and ensuring the full and meaningful inclusion of women in community life, must navigate their way by maintaining a middle ground, away from extremist tendencies: away from extreme conservative tendencies obsessed with preserving cultural traditions even at the expense of distorting Islamic teachings, and from extreme liberal outbursts that want to break fully with all traditions and delve into an empty space with no directions and road signs.
Join the discussion forum on this issue
Dr. Louay M. Safi serves as the executive director of ISNA Leadership Development Center, an Inidana based organization dedicated to enhancing leadership awareness and skills among American Muslim leaders, and founding board member of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy. He writes and lectures on issues relating to Islam, American Muslims, democracy, human rights, and world peace. His is the author of eight books and numerous papers, including Tensions and Transitions in the Muslim word, published by University Press of America, 2003. You can visit his web site at http://lsinsight.org/
Topics: Women
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In view of the abovementioned Hadith, we advise you to perform all your Salaats indoors. However, with regard to the issue of Da'awah, you could ge into contact with other women via your husband/son/brother, etc. who would attend the Musjid and obtain contact details of other Muslim families from the men in the usjid. Thereafter, you could contact them for the purpose of Da'awah.
) It should be taken into consideration that that the Ahaadith regarding women coming to the Musjid have the condition added that there should be no fear of Fitnah. It is further stated under this Hadith that there was no fear of Fitnah at the time of Nabi [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam]. A riwaayat is narrated by Hadhrat Aaisha [Radhiallaahu anha] that, 'If Nabi [Sallallaahu Alayhi wasallam] had to see the way the women of our times are, he would stope them from coming to the Musjid.
ALSO WHERE IS IT THAT TWO BROTHERS MUST BE PRESENT TO LEAD A GROUP OF SISTERS IN SALAT. I WAS AT A MEETING WITH ALL SISTERS AND ONE MALE MUSLIM AND HE WOULDN'T LEAD SALAT BECAUSE HE SAID ANOTHER BROTHER SHOULD BE PRESENT.
AND ANOTHER THOUGHT OR QUESTION DO ANYONE KNOW WHY SOME MUSLIMS SAY THAT A MALE MUSLIM CHILD CAN'T ALL THE ADHAN.
WE ARE SEEING A LOT OF CULTURE INFLUENCES THAT WE ARE ADOPTING AS ISLAM. CAN SOMEONE CLEAR THIS UP FOR ME WITH REFERENCES FROM QURAN FIRST AND THEN SECOND FROM THE EXAMPLE OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD. WE SEEM TO FORGET ABOUT QURAN.
ALSO I DON'T SEE THE PURPOSE OF HAVING SISTER SECLUSED IN A DIFFERENT ROOM. iN THE BACK OK BUT IN THE BASEMENT OR UPSTAIRS I DON'T AGREE WITH.
ALSO IN SOME MASAJID THE MALE MUSLIM CHILD IS IN THE SAME ROW
AS THE MEN. I THINK FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES THAT SOME ADULT MEN SHOULD BE IN THE ROWS WITH THE CHILDREN TO MONITOR THEM AS WELL.
WE TAKE A LOT OF SCHORALY ADVICE FROM SHIEKS OVER SEAS BUT IT WE HAVE SOMEONE AMONG US THAT IS LEARNED AND GIVE GOOD INFO FROM WHAT alLAH SAYS WE FROWN AMONG HIM. I THINK WE STILL SUFFER FROM AN IDENTITY CRISES. RELIGION IS SINCERITY.
WE CAN ALL OBTAIN THE KNOWLEGE FROM ALLAH IF ALLAH FAVORS US. nOT ONE PERSON UNDERSTAND IT ALL. JUST FOR THE RECORD I AM A STRONG SUPPORTER OF IMAM W. D. MOHAMMED'S TASFIR OF THE QURAN. AS WE KNOW THE ARABIC WORDS HAVE MORE THAN ONE ONE MEANING AND WHEN YUSEF ALI GIVE US HIS TRANSITERATION WE THINK THAT 'S IT ONLY AND IT'S NOT.
What next?? Another Amina Wadud in making.
In places like North America , women come ot mosques to learn about ISlam , hence some seperate arrangements must be done for them.
As far as going to Mosque is considered, it is not obligatory for women, and the innermost room of the house is considered to be the best for a woman's prayers.
We see what is happening in Churches and places of worship of other relegions. They have become dating clubs , where men and women forget prayers and start mixing amongst each other.
This should serve as an example to all Muslims.
Wasallam) said, 'When your womenfolk request permission of you to attend the
Masjid at night, grant them permission.' (Sahih Bukhari vol. 1 p. 119,
Chapter on women coming out to the Masjid).
In the light of this Hadith, Imaam Maalik (Rahmatullaahi layhi) said, 'This
Hadith and other similar ones (wherein permission is granted to women to
attend the Masjid) apply to old women.
Allamah Khirmani (Rahmatullaahi layhi) says that permission for ladies
attending the Masjid is applicable to the night time as stated in this
Hadith. And that permission is in the absence of Fitnah or mischief against
women or by women. During the lifetime of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu layhi
Wasallam) the absence of mischief was dominant.
Allama Alayni (RA) says, 'Verily, during our age mischief and evil deeds are
rife. (Footnote of Bukhari Shareef vol. 1 p. 119 Pakistani print).
Hadhrat aisha (Radhiallaahu nha) narrates that if Nabi (Sallallaahu layhi
Wasallam) knew what the women are doing he would have prevented them from
the Masjid just as the women of Bani Israaeel were prevented.' (Bukhari vol.
1 p. 120)
Under this Hadith, Imaam Taymi says that this Hadith contains substantiation
for the view that 'it is not proper for women to emerge (from their homes)
to go to the Masjids when mischief becomes rife.' (Footnote of Bukhari
Shareef vol. 1 p. 120 Pakistani print).
The law will be the same, be it in Makkah or elsewhere in the world because
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) advised the women to read Salaat in
their homes.
I am very proud to have read this piece and may Allah keep this type of substance flowing through your website.
Inna liLaahi Wa Inna Ileyhi Raadji ouna.
New York!, New York!, New York!, Inna liLaahi Wa Inna Ileyhi Raadji ouna. Allahu Akbar!
Me for one, Brothers and Sisters, I am not at all surprised to see something like this to surface in the United State. One thing I am although certain, is that they are only going to do damage to themselves, but not to Islam at all. They are not the first in that country and world wide even, and will not be the last to try and savage this last remaining beautiful way of salvation to mankind. They can do nothing about it, because Islam is a Mercy from The Most High to mankind, He gave His uttermost assurance to save guard it. This is why it is indeed the last of the ways; given to the last of the prophets. Alhamdu Lilah Rabil Aalamina. Brothers and Sisters, Islam is saved sadly for the members of that group, they are only doing harm to themselves. Please no fatwa Brothers and Sister, that will be to add more gasoline to their fire. Let us not play their game, their sights have been altered to the infinite WISDOM and MERCY to Muslims for not mixing both genders during Salat time. There is no need to read all the beautiful Hadiths and Verses that have been cited here, however my adimiration goes out to the Sisters who have wisely answered to this issue, especially sister UMMZIBA, May Allah the Most High, Most Merciful be pleased with you all.
I was worried about America before, but now I am more concerned. America, you want to destroy something that cannot be destroyed, therefore be careful that your hand might turn against yourself. This is what Rome did to early Christianity; changing almost everything in it to suit their life style. A rubbish and childish life style, a decadent, immoral, unethical society, how sad. Truly this is Aahiru-Thaman.Allahu Akbar Kebira
Wassalam
Maoul-Ain
"Do not stop your women from going to the mosque, ALTHOUGH THEIR HOUSES ARE BETTER FOR THEM." (Abu Dawud, Ahmad)
2. Once the wife of Abu Hamid Sa'adi pleaded with the Prophet to be allowed to attend his mosque (the Prophet's Mosque in Madina) as she was very fond of offering prayers behind him. He told her,
"What you say is right, but it is better for you to offer prayer in a closed room than in a courtyard. Your prayer in a courtyard is better than on a verandah, and your offering prayer in the mosque of your own locality is better than your coming to our mosque for it." Thereafter she appointed a room for offering prayers and continued offering prayers there till her death, never even once going to the mosque.
Regarding Imamat; are you crazy!!!!!!!!!!!! Nabi SAW even farbade women from front rows, leave the question of leading the prayer:
It is reported by Abu Hurairah RTA that the Prophet SAW said:
"The best row for men is the first, and the worst for them is the last. The best row for women is the last, and the worst is the first." (Muslim)
A good article on this issue can be found at: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/humanrelations/womeninislam/womeninsociety.html#mosque
So, Safi! Fear Allah and stop misrepresenting Islam per your own whims and follow it as represented by Nabi SAW and wished by Allah SWT.
Salaam
Those Muslims who believe in segregating men & women fearing that men will molest women, they should do some thing to discipline the believing men. 50 lashes, 100 ?
If women (mothers & sisters & daughters) are shut out from practice of religion, from discussions & equal participation, what our children are going to learn ? A mother's lap is a child's first school.
May Allah show us light.
Mukhlis
Allah Save us all from any FITNAH
Regards
azim
We wear traditional clothes and some even grow beards...we learn to recite passages from the Quran and Ahadeeth and openly perform what is required of us religiously. However, we are not fooling anyone, especially not our creator. In truth, we aim to raise up ourselves. We seek the respect and admiration from our community and not he who created us.
To non-muslims as well as our peers we claim we are strong and resourceful, yet we become weak when confronted with the temptation of our sister's. Who are we fooling? She is not to blame, we haven't learned to lower our gaze.
When did my sister become my enemy...why am I so lowly as to blame her for my weakness?
Concerning Women leading Prayer within the Masjid: Although my sister may equal and/or suprass me in religious knowledge, secular knowledge, religious duty and personal character...I believe it is a man's place to lead the community.
Yet, if my sister wants to attend masjid we make it difficult for her by our poor attitudes toward her as well as the level of comfort offered her within the masjid?
We would not feel respected if we were asked to enter the masjid through a side door, to perform salat/namaaz in poorly mainted sections of the masjid. So, why do we expect our sister's to suffer such disrespect and lack of love?
In closing...are we sure that we are not confusing un-Islamic ancient cultural practices with the religion of Al-Islam...especially in matter of dealing with our sister's?
Akil
Soon we will see people having sex in the Mosque.
bishops"! I wonder why these people need a religion to do evil things. Some Christians may find ways to support such individuals by telling that Jesus loves everyone. For them, my question is, do they support and love Satan as
well ? How about Hitler ? Now, coming back to the question of imams, Islam does allow women to lead women in prayers, a woman may also lead her family members (husband, brothers etc.). This is sufficient to prove that there is no double standards. Man and woman are equals in sight of Allah. I hope and pray that Allah lead this lady and her followers to the right path.
You can always find reasons to support whatever you want to and be convinced and convince those who follow you, but it does not change the
truth. If you still do not get it, read "Mein Kampf"!
I fully stand by this article and think more men should follow it. Its the only way we can build stonger communities and allow for interaction among muslims rather than our muslims interacting with other groups.
Men, get a grip and start opening your eyes!
dear musalman,
first iam say iam very weak in english. i get few hadees from few books .i understant that islam give many previlages to lady than others.one hadees say womens more good pray on their home inside.qur an use the word rajulum .the meaning of the word is men only .men are going to masjid in morning and evening for pray.
We means ( both men and women);
As a today we are not able to concentrate in our prayer and we are so busy with worldy needs, at least we have a place to have peace of minds.
Already pleading to Allah Almighty, not through our prayers on our faces.please accept our prayers.If women start mixing the prayer, we cannot say what will happen to our prayers.
It is better to be secular , so that they shall feel free to perform their prayer by keeping their face open , hands and preserve their chasty.
Please sisters, you are all like teasures of Islam and responsiblities to preserve you is being given to men. And treat u with full respect and Honour.
This dos'nt means you shall take the Islamic shariah as a coufin in open procession. So that other relisgious brothers & sisters speak badly about our reglion as though Islam treat women badly.
The only regilion " To give women the equal states with defined Responsibility and authority" is Our Beloved Phrophet's Islam. Hence please take care your self when you talk about Islam.
Think sword is kept on your neck. In such a situation you can speak only the truth .
Islam is safe guarded by Allah almighty , not merely by human being means you and me.
We are given opportunity to serve regilion, but not to corrupt the defined rule.
Try judge yourself, whether i am asking some needs to satify Allah Almighty or to satsfy the beast ( Nafs) of ours.
ur fellow muslim brothers and sisters. Sure we are leading our religion with positive think as what thouht by our Beloved Phrophet (peace be upon HIM) . our we want ot satisfy our Nafs ( beast). Be careful think twice, our old learned scholars are better than todays.
Do not make Mosques like church or temple or any other regilous praying place. Sure all the satans and nafs wants will start from mosque than.
Sisters what is happening to us? what changed in islam? why is it all over sudden we want to make history. we are suppose to be the backborn of islam, educating each other, helping our brothers in areas we are strong at, not trying to introduce subhanallah new practice that is not in the sunnah of our beloved prophet(s.a.w.) Allah (s.w.t) loves the one that brings people together. our prophet left 2 things with his ummah 1) QURAN 2) HIS SUNNAH. Brother and sisther with those 2 practices you can't go wrong. remember we had the best of the best women at the time of the prophet if it was OK for a woman to lead men in prayer i think it would have happend then not now. May allah guide us to the right path.
Asalaamu aleikum.
You guys have no idea what so ever you guys are doing. You are simply playing with Allah and His laws. This is fitna. I think some kinda western power is driving all that non sense.
Islam does not condone the free socialisation of males and females. So if there are women who want to come to the mosque for any reason,they must be separated from the males.
The mosque is Allah's house, not a social club.
Women are allowed to go out to the mosque according to the following rulings:
1-That there is no risk of them tempting others or being tempted 2-That their attendance will not lead to anything that is forbidden according to sharee'ah 3-That they do not jostle with men in the street or in the mosque 4-That they should go out not wearing perfume 5-That they should go out wearing hijab, not making a wanton display of their adornment 6-A door should be set aside in the mosque just for women to enter and exit, as mentioned in the hadeeth narrated in Sunan Abi Dawood and elsewhere.7-The women's rows should be behind the men 8-The best rows for women are those at the back, unlike the case for men 9-If the imam makes any mistake in his prayer, men should say "Subhan Allaah!" and women should clap 10-The women should leave the mosque before the men, and the men should wait until the women have dispersed to their homes, as mentioned in the hadeeth of Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her) in Saheeh al-Bukhaari and elsewhere.
end quote
It was proven that 'Amrah bint 'Abd a Rahmaan said: I heard 'Aa'ishah, the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), say: "If the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had seen the way the women are behaving, he would have forbidden them to go to the mosque as the women of the Children of Israel were forbidden." It was said to 'Amrah: Were the women of the Children of Israel forbidden to go to the mosque? She said: Yes. Narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh.
These texts clearly indicate that if the Muslim woman adheres to proper Islamic etiquette in her dress and avoids adorning herself in ways that will provoke fitnah and affect those of weak faith, there is no reason why she should not pray in the mosque. otherwise she is not allowed to attend the
I am so glad I am not the only woman that is sick and tired of
being sequestere int he basement of my masjid with the
breastfeeders and mothers of tofdlers that they can't seem to
control. With Barney videos blasting on the TV, and chatting
going on in every language about child rearing, I cannot learn
what I come to the masjid to hear in such an atmosphere.
I long to follow the Qur'an and learn what Allah has told us and
the ways of our Prophet - men and women alike are named in
the Qur'an as being owed this privilege.
JaszakAllah,
Salam,
Lori
1. A rebellious feminist,marinated in american culture , seeking to gain cheap fame. What she has earned is cursing from the masses. Even in NY she was refused to conduct her "islamic insurgence" in the local mosques.
2. Professor or no professor...she has tried to "sell" her deen in exchange for cheap fame! She will pay for this evil!
3. Those who follow her are the weak in knowledge.
Islam is such a beautiful religion, there are some people who change it according to their choice.
It is true that many Masjids do not give woman their proper place. While this does need to be changed, women have no right to do things that are not allowed to compensate for harm already committed. Who are we to say that Allah did not know the future when He revealed the Quran? How can anyone say that Allah made a mistake? If women were allowed to lead prayer, how come the Propehet (pbuh) did not allow Hazart Fatima or any of the the Mothers' of the Believes lead prayer? The Prophet by divine inspiration knew of the future. If women were allowed to lead men in prayer, he would have allowed the best of women in Islam to do so. Seeing that the best women did not, neither should us humble sisters. Only the arrogant think they know better than Allah and His Prophet.
Anything I have said correct comes straight from Allah, any errors or misguidance are my mistakes alone and may Allah forgive me.
Allah Hafiz, since we all need Allah's Protection
While I don't think women should lead the congregation, I wish our local masjed used a common hall for the prayers. Even if women are at the back of the hall it will still allow them to better participate and ask questions/express their opinions and concerns. Many common practices in Muslim countries are more a reflection of indigenous culture than the true spirit of Islam. Maintaining these types of practices in countries that are liberal to the point of no restraint (like the US) does nothing to help women stay close to their faith and everything to encourage youth to choose other paths.
You were fine till you showed dis-agreement if not condemnation to Dr. Wadud's leading the 'mixed' congregation. Islam has always - in my humble opinion and Allah knows best - required people to question what it is they do and required ppl to think as this is mentioned numerous times in the Qur'an and in fact more so than the mentioning of all the messengers names COMBINED! Islam requires us to THINK first and formost and make sound decisions based on sound Qur'anic principals of justice, equality, mercifulness and love to all humanity and those will never change.
I think it is impressive and courageous that Dr. Wadud is breaking with the stagnent leadership that is currently leading the muslims of our 'home' countries. It is unfortunate that today we have a 'church' of Imams that are backward and are relyed upon by so many for guidance when we all, as muslims, have the Qur'an and the example of the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions AND FAMILY (Read: Aisha (pbuh) DID lead prayers) AND our faculty of reason and common sense. Its these elements that will help us all act individually with insha Allah good intentions and really allow Islam to reach its full potential and spread as fast as it did back then rather than be impeded by our own, collective backwardnesses.
Salam
Ar-Aramic Term, He-Ancient Hebrew Term, Ara-Arabic Term
Abisha Scroll: The first five books (Pentateuch) of Moses written by the great grandson of Aaron, the brother of Moses son of Amram. See the web page called the Abisha Scroll.
Ablutions: Cleansing ones self with water (order: hands, mouth, nose, face, ears, right and left legs) while reciting verses Lev. 15:31, Deut. 28:8, Gen 2:7, Ex. 15:26, and 40:31-32. Ablutions are performed before prayers, after a women's monthly period and childbirth, by males after sex and after touching a corpse.
can we or should we trust the hadith
hadith on ablution is the same with the samaritan tradition but not with the Quran:
O you who believe when you prepare for prayer wash your faces,your arm,rub your head and wash your feet to the ankles
should I follow the hadith or the Quran?
"But say not - for any false thing that your tongues may put forth, - "This is lawful and this is forbidden," so as to ascribe false things to Allah. For those who ascribe false things to Allah, will never prosper." (Quran 16:116).
I wonder where the principle of "corruption prevention" stands with respect to this Quranic quote. I guess all of us Muslims need to pay close attention to authentic Islamic sources, the primary source being the Quran, in conducting our actions. Any alternatives to this would only qualify us to be called something other than Muslims - for the Muslim is the one who submits to the Will of Allah alone.
May Allah help us all to be good Muslims. Ameen.
Wassalaam
I am sorry but all this will provoke a fight between muslim since some will be against and others will by her sides the best think to do is
to stop argue about it the way you are just doing it,first try to understand first of all Islam is universal not arabic,so noboby have to accept the arabic islamic traditions,all the sholars were great and I respect their work but they still were
human being and they were not affaillible,so they words can not be perfect and keep in mind that the Quran is silent about women leading the prayer
in a man congregation so therefore let be honest and say that this matter is only about tradition
and therefore not a religion matter
WE HAVE THE BEST EXAMPLE IN THE PROPHET (AS)-AND HIS SUNNA IS ENOUGH FOR MUSLIMS WHO TRULY SEEK ALLAH'S MERCY AND PARADISE.
Ask yourself the question: Are the Hadith accurate? The God in the Qur'an does not deny women the right to lead mix congregation, then who is man to do so.
Name one time that the Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (Peace Blessing Upon Him) permitted a women to lead men in prayer.--not one time
In fact the Prophet said and is supported by the Quran Sura Nissa, Al Imram, and many other ayatts of Allah book that both men and women have different functions in which women receive the same blessings as men for a lesser effort. Such women get the blessings of attending Juma even when they pray by themselves away from the mosque whereas men must be the mosque to receive the blessings of prayer of the mosque.
It apppears that most American women want the glory of the non-believers media while ALLAH says all glory belongs to ALLAH.
In conclusion, the beloved Prophet said is Sahid Bukari Hadith that "any group of organization which chooses a woman as its leader or spokesman is doomed.--Pakistan under Banizir Bhutto and not Bangledesh under the Haseena madness.
People whho say that there is no prohibitions in the Qur'an of women leading men in prayer have a pagan understanding of Arabic. --slang Arabic not Qur'an Arabic
May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon the true believing women, children and men of Islam according to the Sunnah. Curses be upon the cult of Amina Waddud and other cults who think that Allah will not punish them in the hereafter for their actions in this life.
Prophet(Sal.) and his wives. Modesty, reserve, respect and fear of wrong-doing are the virtues
which will give us leadership and advancement.
This is our hijab. We must wear it with dignity.
If we want to prove ourselves by going in front
of men what have we gained? We have lost respect.
My dear sisters in Islam. Islam means to be
surrendered to the will of Allah. He sent His
prophets to be the example and to show us that
surrender and guidance. If we do not accept that
how can we ever think that we have surrendered to
the will of Allah.
In our mosque in Philadelphia we have a lace
curtain which separates the woman from the men.
The woman pray behind the men and yet they
can see through the lace and experience the
privacy that is needed at the same time.
We must realize that Allah has given us a
very exalted role to play in the bearing of
children and bringing them up. There are
limitations which prevent us from praying.
Allah in His Mercy gave woman permission to
stay away from the prayer during her monthly
period. This does not lower us or prevent our
hearts from being in a constant state of Zikr
and remembrance of Allah. Indeed we have been
given an even greater oportunity. In raising
children we are very close to Allah. The
Prophet has told us that "Paradise lies at the
feet of a Mother". Let us concern ourselves
with the very exalted and important duties we
have.
We can be leaders in many ways. There is no
prohibition of this. But to go in front of
the men and lead the prayers is forbidden.
This will bring nothing but the degradation
of woman and a greater misunderstanding of
Islam.
The article gyrates between confusing a noble provision of equality of the sexes in islam on one hand and mildly endorsing an extreme innovation by a people given to worshipping their desires, on the other.
Equality of the sexes in Islam is not to be confused with SAMENESS of the sexes. The challenge I guess, is how to generate more good out of a community interation between male and female members. Like all interactions there are ground rules, and our rules - have stood the test of time and is guaranteed to be until the day of judgement. Now it can be said that these new experimentations are following a rule - But are these islamic rules. No one except Allah and Muhammad (SalAllahu alaehim wa Salaam) is infallible. So the challenge before us is simple - Know Islam, Know the truth, and you'd know the people of Islam and people of the truth.
The issue of hijab is a case in point - How many of us know that there is hijab for men also.A muslim man would also find these free-mixing between the sexes challenging from an islamic perspective. I ask, how do we show that we are the best of peoples if we copy that which negates our own beliefs. My advise to all is not to know Islam through a people. But to strive to know Islam as revealed and practised by Muhammad (SalAllahu Alayhim waSalaam) and our pious predecessors, and then strive to apply what we know. This is similar to what we see with Science and it'sapplication. Islam, like science is beneficial only when applied. And even when we strive our best, we know we will not be perfect, the point however is not to water-down the science but to keep applying it as best as we can, knowing that the ultimate is to achieve the pleasure of Allah..and Islam teaches us how to achieve this - this goes back again to seeking beneficial knowledge and applying it.
We ask Allah to grant us beneficial knowledge and safeguard us from the mischiefs of our souls. Amin.
Assalam alaikum
Assalam Alaikum
As salaam alaykum wa Jazak'allah khayr! This is a very well thought out and well written article about a subject that is being given far too much emotional play. I think you have hit on a good balance of stating the facts. I hope that this article spurs more discussion in the Umma and that the forces of extremity on both sides will pass away, leaving room for the progress of Muslim Women and Men both toward a closer relationship with Allah (SWT)
Salim Chishti