Woman Imam Leading Men and Women in Salat

Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Women Topics: Gender Equity, Prayers (Salah), Women Views: 60635
60635

Islam places no restriction on women to teach, preach and guide both women and men. "Men and women are supporters of each other. They command what is right and forbid what is wrong... (Al-Tawbah 9:71) There are many women today who are fully qualified to be jurists (faqihah) and give religious opinions (fatawa). They do issue fatwa and teach Qur'an and Hadith in schools, colleges and universities all over the world. Many Islamic organizations, Islamic centers and mosques in America also have very learned and knowledgeable sisters who participate in their Masajid's boards and involve themselves in administration, teaching, preaching and counseling. Muslims should give them more opportunities, allow them and encourage them to become full partners in Islamic work. 

Leading Salat, however, is restricted to male Imams only when the congregation consists of men and women both, whether the prayer is performed in the mosques or outside mosques, whether they are daily Salat or Friday and Eid Salat. Women are not allowed to lead such prayers. 

This has also been the practice of Muslims all over the world since the time of the Prophet . This Shar'i ruling is not because of any notion of spiritual deficiency among women. Men and women both are equal in the sight of Allah and both of them must be fully respected and honored. Women are allowed to lead the Salat when the congregation is all females. They are also allowed to lead the Salat in their homes among their family members, if they are more knowledgeable of the Qur'an and Islamic rules. 

Recently some people have started a controversy about this matter of Shari'ah. Questions are being asked about the Islamic reasons why women are barred from leading the prayers of men and women both. In order to understand the rules and wisdom of Shari'ah in this matter, following points are in order:

There is a difference between Salat and Du'a in Islam. Salat is a fixed and formalized form of prayer. Its timings, positions, postures, style including the wording and recitations are all fixed by the Prophet . It is not permissible to introduce any new style or liturgy in Salat. Du'a, however, is another form of Islamic prayer that is informal and there is no restriction as to who performs it and how and when it is performed. It can be performed in any language. It can be done individually or collectively. It can be led by males or females. In Salat we are supposed to follow the Sunnah. We cannot add or delete anything from the Salat if we want our Salat to be valid and acceptable to Allah. 

About Du'a one can say that since we are not forbidden to do our Du'a in a particular manner we are allowed to do it the way we want it; but in Salat every thing is forbidden unless it is allowed. For example the Prophet did not say that Salat cannot be performed in English. He did not say that you cannot have Salat in congregation six times a day. Now based on this argument we cannot start having our Salat in English or six times every day.

In our Salat we stand very close to each other or as we say "shoulder to shoulder and ankle to ankle" almost touching each other. We stand in straight lines. We make ruku' and sujud. We are supposed to pray with sincerity and devotion concentrating our heart and mind towards the prayer. For this reason the Prophet told us that men and women should have separate lines. The lines of men should be in the front area, then the lines of children and then women. The Imam should stand in front of the congregation and should make ruku' and sajdah before the congregation and they should follow the Imam. 

The ideal way in this structure of prayer service is to separate men from women and not allow a woman to be ahead of all men and bow and prostrate in front of them. Haya' is a special character of Islam. It is emphasized that men and women both must observe Haya' (modesty) always and especially in their places of worship. Prophet's wife 'Aishah and his Companion Ibn 'Abbas are reported to have said that a woman leading other women in prayer should not stand in front of them like a male Imam, but in their midst. 

Some people refer to the Hadith of Um Warqah who was allowed by the Prophet -peace be upon him- to lead the Salat. According to the Sunan of Abu Da'ud, the Hadith says: "Umm Waraqah wanted to accompany the Prophet to the battle of Badr, but the Prophet told her to stay in her home." Further in this Hadith it is said that the Prophet used to visit her in her home. He appointed a person to give Adhan for her and he told her to lead the prayer for the people of her house (Ahl dariha). Abdur Rahman ibn Khallad (the reporter of this Hadith) said, "I saw her mu'adhin who was a very old man." (Abu Da'ud 500). In another reports of this Hadith it is said that the Prophet told her to lead the prayers of the women of her house (nisa' dariha). (Reported by Dar Qutni). 

This Hadith does not give permission to women to lead the Salat of men in the Masjid, it is restricted to the home and according to some only for the women of the home. Most of the scholars of Hadith and Fiqh did not use this as a general permission of the Prophet for women to be Imams of the Masajid and lead men and women in prayers. If this would have been the general case then many other very able and qualified women in the time of the Prophet and after him would have been leading Salat in the Masajid. 

We pray to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala that we sincerely follow His Din (prescribed way of life) without any innovation or exaggeration.

Join the discussion forum on this issue


  Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Women
  Topics: Gender Equity, Prayers (Salah), Women
Views: 60635

Related Suggestions

 
COMMENTS DISCLAIMER & RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
The opinions expressed herein, through this post or comments, contain positions and viewpoints that are not necessarily those of IslamiCity. These are offered as a means for IslamiCity to stimulate dialogue and discussion in our continuing mission of being an educational organization. The IslamiCity site may occasionally contain copyrighted material the use of which may not always have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. IslamiCity is making such material available in its effort to advance understanding of humanitarian, education, democracy, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.


In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and such (and all) material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.


Older Comments:
DIYA FROM USA said:
Women leading prayer and being and Imam in an all women mosque is fine. But when a women wants to stand in front of men and lead the prayer that goes against modesty... How can a women feel comfortable bending infront of men... We must be modest at all times. I'm all for a woman being an Imam in the correct setting (a women only-mosque). Shariah Law is Shariaj law.
2007-12-06

AJMERI WARISH RASULBHAI FROM INDIA said:
Ausalmoalaykum.I m very sock this listen news 1st time. I M not agree. I m very un happy.Pls. any Alim gave to soul the solution.KHUDA HAFIZ.
2005-04-09

MOHIDEEN BAWA FROM SRI LANKA said:
We should not give any prominent of this matter,she is trying to get popularity among the non muslims. Almighty Allah knows what is and what is not wrong. Let that woman lead prayer, she will lern a lession later.
2005-04-06

MEHBOOB ELAHI FROM PAKISTAN said:
Dear All,

I am really wondering that West is promoting the discussion on the issue of woman Imam.I am sorrow fully saying that I think that west want to make Islam Just like Christanity.InshaAllah we muslims will all ressist and no change imported from west will acceptable to us even a muslim of week believe can never accept these changes.

Mehboob
2005-04-06

SISTER HAZA FROM SINGAPORE said:
Assalamu'alaikum all. I admit I'm nothing near knowing all about Islam. This is just a humble thought of mine.
The prayer hall for women in all the masjids here in Singapore is either on the upper floors or behind. WHY? Men in general would likely to give more than a 2nd look at women and then having some "silly" mild thoughts later. So should women lead the Salat, do you ever not THINK that your Salat would not be a peaceful one???!!! Ladies while we are doing the ruku' and sujud... our behind - the men will somehow indirectly BUSY staring at that! NO PEACE AND PROPER CONCENTRATION ON THE SALAT! And what if the so called women Imam would have menstruation period dates that gone astray, and they are leading the Salat... IMAGINE! The Salat would have to restart all over again! yadaa yadaa HELLO!!! ALLAH has bestowed upon us this gadget "Brain - Intellect" - use it properly if not wisely...
ALLAH is ALL Knowing and Knows Best. There are reasons as to WHY some can or cannot be done. They are for our own good and benefit. ALLAH do not need any needs at all. That's WHY the LA ILLA HA ILLALLAH is!
All improper/bad from me... All good from ALLAH Almighty... Assalamu'alaikum.
2005-03-31

MIRA FROM INDONESIA said:
Assalamualaikum,

Let us be ever wary of so called 'Progressive Muslims' deviating from Islam true teachings. It was a sad day for Muslims and the ummah.
2005-03-26

MR SOE WANA FROM UK said:
Assalam Moralaikum
Dear Brother and Sister...
I just want to know about one question to who wrote this issue. The question is the end of sentence ( we sincerely follow ''His'' Din ), so the means was Allah are ''Male'' , but in my the whole life I am never think about who is Allah. Now today I saw in one words '' His Din'' .
I am really to sorry to say about this reason.
I think you should better to change this words to ( we sincerely follow Allah's Din...) .
PLEASE... May Allah Bless You.

Soe Wana ( Nasir Armed )
2005-03-25

AASIYA said:
This is an extreme and IT WILL BACKFIRE!Now the extreme conservatives will have a good example to completely limit women.
2005-03-25

UMM ABDULLAH FROM PAKISTAN said:
i would say no one should pray behind her and let her lead salah, and she should be given punishment for misleading the ummah....
2005-03-25

KSYED FROM KSA said:
Actually as far as this fitnah "woman leading prayer" is totally fitnah.But i am disagree with the point that woman can give DAWAh to men and women.Actually Woman is allowed to work among the women..She can talk to men if some need arises.But this should not be regular practice.If this should be allowed ,Women giving lec. to men,we must have found a lot of examples in QURN-e-Awla.Hazrat Ayesha lec.to sahabh was exceptional..Coz she was the one who has information of the life of PROPHET(P.B.U.H),which other Sahabah didn't have.So we can not gernalised that women can give Dawah to Men..We have enough men who can work in this field...So plz consider it .coz if we practice unislamic Act (even of lower level) we will fall in a serious Unislamic ACT.I remember when i was in states,some islamic centers allowed woman to sit side by side with men (but in seperate rows)during lectures.So we shouild not give allowances.other wise we can not draw a line ,that where we should stop..
2005-03-25

MALIKANAYEEN (MUSLIMAH) FROM SINGAPORE said:
assalamualaikum,

i was really terribly shock to hear the news regarding woman lead the prayer as immaam, i disagreed her being a scholar of islamic nation.Its a terrefic way of misleading the islamic umah to satanic way, well as we all know the way she has p[ractice is a way of diverting to bidaad. pls as a request to the muslim organization to give her a severe punishment to lead the muslim umah in wrong ways.


thanks
wasalam
2005-03-25

MOHAMMAD FROM SAUDI ARABIA said:
That is what it is like .I fail to understand as to why does ms Wadud indulge in such a practice.I dont think it is to earn women the liberty or equal rights.I want to ask is this the parameter of the liberty and rights to be an Imam ?NO ,OF COURSE.Islam is the Religion of Fitra,the way of life,and ,therefore,had it been in quite confirmity with the Fitra for a woman to lead the joint prayers it would have definitely had been mentioned by the Truthful and trustful Prophet,SAW. Furthermore, there is abosulutely no need to have a woman lead a joint prayer at all.What purpose does it serve except that to please the west.

thank you
M.Ibrahim
2005-03-25

YUSAF ALI FROM CANADA said:
This event of a women leading the Salat and publishing it in media seems to be an attempt at dividing the Muslims and creating controversy. We as Muslims have to very careful not to fall into this trap. I fully agree with Dr. Siddiqi.
2005-03-25

SHAMIL HOTEE FROM MAURITIUS said:
Salaat is the greatest and most loved Ibadaat by Allah and questions about Salaat will be the first ones which each one will have to answer in front of Allah. Each one has this responsility to acquire good education as to how salaat needs to be offered and at the same time behind whom these need to be offerred. The Imam has a great responsibility of taking charge of the salaat of all muktadis and if his salaat is void, then he will be responsible for all these salaats. What will happen if you find yourself over burdened on the day of judgement with all these salaats? and the worst if you have gone against the tradition of the beloved prophet (saw)? I pray to Allah so that we all follow the traditions of the prophet (saw) in terms of offering Salaat so as one day we really live as one Ummah and we don't further divide ourselves with new practices.
2005-03-25

AISHA FROM AMERICA said:
I am totally against this. Islam is totally different from Cristianity where they have women ministers. And the quote tooken from the Quran is completely out of context. He should read the entire Quran and so should the "women imams".Its wrong. Where do they think that the idea of women praying behind the men came from. Allah (SWT)
2005-03-25

YUSUF ALI FROM U.S.A. said:
As-Salaam Alaikum!

First of all Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi's article most eloquently expresses my position on the matter. I will only add the following.

Given the fact that women have been leading prayer for women since the time of the Prophet and there is a 1400 year old tradition established by the Prophet himself on the proper structure of the public prayer - with a male Imam leading - I beg to ask the question, who were these 'men' so eager to fall in ranks with and behind the women?

Being from California we have a famous governor who has popularized a phrase "Girlie Men."

Ms. Wadud's demon-stration would have been futile had not the 'men' showed up.

If this is all a publicity stunt to promote her upcoming book - don't be suprised if her next stop is San Francisco...

Peace!


2005-03-24

ANGIE ALI FROM USA said:
Alhamdullillah! A very good article, which my family, friends and I totally support.
2005-03-24

GIRL.. FROM USA said:
answer to MR. Rahim's Question.....
ok! Mr. Rahim in meccah women and men do umrah together BEACUSE THAT ALLAHS HOUSE AND ITS OPEN ALL DAY! SO MEN AND WOMEN GO WHENEVER THEY WANT! but, when prayer takes place women go behind men and pray! that is the right way! and muhammad(pbuh) said that it is better for women to stay at home and pray leading a prayer is FAR FAR FAR away! right? yeah! i don't know what kind of people agree about a women leading a prayer! THEY SHOULd READ QURAN! in Quran it tell you role of women and men! we are not christians. they changes their seprate prayer to mixed gathering that is because they changed their BIBLE too. we did not and we are not going to! im not letting any women come and change our religion, and tradition. she should be stoped!
2005-03-24

HAFSA M M, FROM SOMALIA said:
This is totally finah (subhana lalah ) how can she do that when allah and Nabi peace be open him told us everything about the riligion . she has to follow what allah says in the koran ,or she will be out of this religion
2005-03-24

VRY ANGRY GIRL FROM USA said:
leading a prayer in masjid is not allowed in islam! but, that does not mean that women in islam have no right! i don't know by leading prayer what is that women trying to proof! i love my religion, and tradition. im not going to let any women come and change that! let me clear one thing may be we live her, talk like them, dress like them but, we are not christian! and we should not forget our values and realigion. she shoud be stoped! we have all the RIGHTS...what kind of equal right do women want! that men should stay at home have kids and take care of them! in Quran women and men have their roles let us stay with that! leading a prayer is mens job let them do it! and Dr. womens husband should stop her if she have a husbad if not then her family should (yeah i dont know if she is married or not and i don't want to know) i thk we should not let her enter the masjid she want to lead the prayer tell her to stay at home and lead the prayer to her family members! she should be stoped!!!!! :(...
2005-03-24

K.SYED FROM KSA said:
About Fitnah of Amina Wadud'

Dear Muslims,AOA

This fitnah should ALARM all of us,and we shoud wake up .learn the lesson from this FITNAH which is the result of Doing own interpretation of Quran And Hadith without consulting Our JAmhoor ULLma of Ahlay sunat waljamat,Actually we need to stick to our ulma,s

Tafseer Quran and Explaination of Hadith.If we will not do that Aoozobillah,we will get trap of these type of fitnahs...MAy Allah give us strength to fight these fitnahs...Ammen
2005-03-24

VRY ANGRY GIRL :( FROM USA said:
I would like to say that what are Muslims trying to do re-write Quran, hadith..or what? Muslim women have education, they work. but, now they want to be like men. that can't happen! i disagree a women leading a prayer is not right? thats not what our Quran told us! if people can't see that they don't read Quran or hadith right? READ IT OVER PEOPLE~!! Allah told us clearly about men place and womens pleace in islam, leading a prayer is not womens job! but, i would like to clear that women in islam have all the rights. some people think that women in islam have no right but they do have rights. also, we are not christians. Christians used to have seprate places for women but, they changed it to mixed! but, they change their BIBLE too...and let me tell you we did not! I love my traditions, culture, religion. I am proud to be Muslim! and i am not going to let any Dr.Women change that! she should be stoped im serious! people should stop her or her husband should stop her...what does she think that shes educated and a Doctor. she can change our religion, traditions. LEADING A PRAYER IS MENS JOB! let men do something nowadays women has taken over everything givr birth, work. what men do just ...??? you people are smart! i would like to know about people who agree on this! WE SHOULD GIVE THEM SOME CLASSES ABOUT ISLAM including that DR. Women! standing in front of men and leading a prayer!! men would not be attention on prayer they would be busy looking on her ASS!!! ok that it! STOP HER!!!! im angry how can she do that she knows our religion.!! if people knew that she was flyin high they shouldv'e cut her wings!!! men should lead the paryer and women should be behind men. not in front or next to men! thats what our realigion told us and we are staying that way! im not going to let any women come and change our Quran values, traditions.!!!
2005-03-24

ALIYA FROM USA said:
people should stop that women! that is not right? leading a prayer is mens job! she should think about who is going to lead the prayer when she have her ...!! lols thats joke! but, really i don't like what is going on! people should stop her. She should know her religion. i just want to say that we should not forget what our religion tells us. God gave us all the rights.
2005-03-24

ADIYA FROM USA said:
i agree with dr siddiqui,,he is correct. we should all agree with him, may allah bless him
2005-03-24

MUSTAPHA KAH FROM GAMBIA said:
It was as disapointing as anything to hear that a woman was leading friday prayers in the United States. From which Islamc teaching could she justify what she did together with her followers? It is high time Muslims wake up from their slumber and fight some of these unislamic behavoirs.
2005-03-24

SM FROM USA said:
Salaams,

The author is correct. This is how innovation in pure and true Islam starts. The actions of amina what's her name should not be supported by any true Muslims anywhere in the world. Allah SWT has already perfected Islam and revealed that perfection through the Quran, Hadith/Sunnah. True Muslims beware of mixing man-made ideas with divine revelation and guidance!
2005-03-24

J SIDDIQI said:

I agree with the article. Women are not allowed in Islam to lead Salah in masajid or where men are present. May Allah give guidance to those who are creating these inventions in Islam.
2005-03-24

AFTAB MOHSIN FROM INDIA said:
'Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world' - a statement which cannot be easily digested by the enemies of Islam. This is another attempt of diluting Islam. Muslim women should come forward and actively participate in all activities connected with Masajids except acting as Imam of male members of the community for obvious reasons as outlined in Qur'an and ahadees, quoted extensively by Dr. Zakir Naik in his lectures and Q/A sessions on the topic: 'Women in Islam'.
2005-03-24

AFTAB MOHSIN FROM INDIA said:
'Islam is the fastest growing religion' - the statement which cannot be easily digested by the enemies of Islam. This is another attempt by them to dilute Islam.
2005-03-24

KASHIF JAMAL FROM PAKISTAN said:
this fitnah of amina wadud and asra naumani is a fitnah like qadiyani fitnah and other fitnahs .how can a woman like asra naumani who is mother of an illegitimate child tell us what to do,she should be stoned for her zina in the first place,a woman of loose morals like hers can only create fitnahs in islam,so these people should be considered outside islamic fold and their actions to defame islam should be discouraged and stopped with force.
2005-03-23

HAMID SAID FROM TANZANIA said:
salam alaykum! hey muslim get up now,this totally fitna from the enemy of allah its mockery to islam and muslims. Islam is a complete religion so people must stop their fabrications towards islam.To my opinion that types of mosques have to be watched very carefully before causing any more trouble.This woman must be punished according to sharia.
2005-03-23

AHMED FROM USA said:
The idea of women leading prayers in a msjid has a western influence. If we want to follow west, we will become like them. Just look at the state of Christianity. Though Christianity preaches modesty, you will not see it among the Christians, I doubt if they really understand the meaning of modesty. Christianity forbids sodomy/homosexuality. But you have "gay
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"!
2005-03-23

AHMED FROM USA said:
The idea of women leading prayers in a msjid has a western influence. If we want to follow west, we will become like them. Just look at the state of Christianity. Though Christianity preaches modesty, you will not see it among the Christians, I doubt if they really understand the meaning of modesty. Christianity forbids sodomy/homosexuality. But you have "gay
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"!
2005-03-23

BASHIR KHAN FROM LAND OF ALLAH SWT said:
Asalmoalikum:The Momineen truely fearing from the accountability on the Day of Judgement, will consider this issue as Fittnah / Innovation staged by a group of people with muslim names with the support of intolerant enemies of the Deen of ALLAH SWT [Islam 3:19,85;9:32;61:8]. The Friday and Funeral prayer not obligatory for women.She should say Zuhar on usual time at home to get more reward.Ibn Majah, Abu Ya`la, `Abd ibn Humayd in his Musnad,Abu Nu`aym in the Hilya with different chains from Jabir, and al-Tabarani in al-Awsat from Abu Sa`id al-Khudri,narrated that the Prophet SAW said "Lo! Let absolutely no woman lead a man in prayer!".The Prophet SAW said "I am leaving behind two things,one Al-Quraan and other Al-Hadith;you will never go astray if you act (tread) on them".Think for a moment! do we judge and decide human matters/issues according these two things.The Prophet SAW asked Maaz bin Jabbal RA at the event of his departure for Yamen as Governor " How you will decide if a person brings you a case. He replied that I will decide according to the Quraan and Sunnah if not then through Ijthad.He SAW became happy with his reply and added that those who follow my Sunnah are closer to me though living at far distant places but those neglect my Sunnah are far away though living in Madina"..Momineen pass this preparatory life span with focus on life Hereafter and tread on the straight path as commanded [11:112;49:15;
61:11] but others trade eternal life for mortal one [2:86,159,174,200;5:44;9:9;14:3;16:107;42:20;
53:29]. The Second caliph said " Reconcile your accounts before to be accounted for".Repent before death and make yourselves deserve for the promise of ALLAH SWT for the success in this world and Hereafter as proven by the companions and true followers;that is still possible if you act according these Ayat 112-113 of Al-Hud and 44,45,47 of Al-Imran.O!mankind choice is with you to join Hizbullah or Hizbushetan for which you are accountable soon.Salam o Duaa
2005-03-23

ZINEDINE FROM MOROCCO said:
Salaamu alaikum,

I beg to differ on this one. I know well that we Muslim men especially Arabs are worse than the East/South East Asian, Orthodox Jews, Christians or Australian men when it comes to overt maleshauvinism. It's in our die hard Jahilia tradition to view women as inferior; some of us still disrespect the prophet in practise by beating their wives and still do practise "honor killing" I call it dishonor killing. My stand on women leading prayers is that if women constitute a majority in a mosque, a qualified female Imaam should be able to lead the prayer. This may be an innovation but if Khalifa Omar innovated in our deen (He initiated Salaat Tarweeh in Jamaat). Although, praying Ramadan's Taraweeh collectively in the mosque is neither found in the Quran nor in the Sunnah our Muslim scholars still call it Bid'a hassana meaning good innovation because it is. A woman Imaam (Imaama) if I may innovate an Arabic word for it please in cases where men form a minority in a masjid should not be cause for controversy. As far as mixing is concerned, we mix in Hajj and if you only open your minds, you would not forget that we mix in Almasjid Alharam in Makkah during Tawaaf Al'ifaada in the greatest mosque in the world. So Brother change your prayers: "We pray to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala that we sincerely follow His Deen (prescribed way of life) without any BAD innovation or exaggeration." because good innovation like Khalifa Omar's Taraweeh are good for the Muslim community; rigidity of the intellect in Fiqh and Sharia will do nothing good but more harm to Islam and the propagation of the greatest religion in the world.
2005-03-23

ZAHRAN FROM SRI LANKA said:
I think the mixing of men and women will create fitnah and men should always lead
2005-03-23

RAHIMAH FROM SINGAPORE said:
We don't need this person to stand up for the muslim women......We need unity in Islam.We should work together to achieve it...May Allah give us His guidance...amin.
2005-03-23

YAHYA said:
It is good to see Muslims having a discussion about things. The general overall atmosphere is that we must listen and ask no questions in many Masjids.
2005-03-23

SOMEONE FROM CANADA said:
Im totaly against the idea of women leading prayers in prayer rooms with men pand women mixt together. We need to progress in islam and have new knowledge . This is changing the face of our religion...what do we think for our muslim sisters and brothers in the coming years they would not be praying the same way we did our salat.
I hope the founder of that corrupt decision will remember that they are totaly changibg the base of Islamic Prayer

2005-03-23

MELANY FROM US said:
While women are in no way incapable of being great leaders and teachers in Islam it is clear from the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet(pbuh) and the Qur'an, our highest authority, that women are not the ones to lead salat for men. If it is something permissible now then it would have been during the time of Nabi salallahu alayihi wa salam. Men and women are equal in the sight of Allah as far as our worship and belief but we are clearly made different and thus have different roles. Salat is for men to lead and I think some people are trying to be "equals" on levels they aren't meant for when they could be elevating and perfecting the roles they were meant to play. Women have an advantage over society because we are the primary caregivers to children- we need to focus on raising pious muslims and spreading dawa before delving into this "sex war" over salat!!!
2005-03-22

ASIM FROM USA said:
this is totaly wrong, i think Miss. Wadood needs to think who are on her side, people from church. I beg god to help her.
asim
2005-03-22

ALI FROM USA said:
While I agree that men are supposed to lead salat, I also believe women have both the capability and the right to give academic lectures, lead discussions, and hold opinions at our masjids. There are so many examples from the Prophet's sunnah that support this notion, and yet the masjid today has a vacant feeling because women rarely attend, and, when they do, you never hear their voices. We speak on how we're losing our youth, but have we realized that we may be losing our wives, daughters, and mothers because we refuse to let them speak?
2005-03-22

ASIMA YASIN FROM USA said:
I agree to the writer.May Allah guide us to the right path and save us from going to either extremes.
2005-03-22

ASIF ZAIDI FROM USA said:
Zaheerudding Ahmed:

1) Wrt your question if a woman leading prayers attime of prophet occured: the answer is no. It never occured.

EG: after the prophet died, when Ayesha (ra) was in the battle of camel and time of jumu'ah came, the people asked her who should lead. She chose a man (I could not remember who). Now tell me after the prophets death, who would know as much as Ayesha (ra). When this esteemed woman would not dare to give the khutbah, who is this amina wudud to do it simply because she feels that Islam is too patriarchical?

You are right that we cannot judge ones actions but what amina wudud and this progressive muslim group have done is absolutely shameful. What next - having a woman imam marry a couple (BTW this is next on their agenda and it is going to happen in the next few months).

The founder of progressive muslim has roots with RAND organization - if you haven't read their report, I suggest you go to their web-page and download the article. It points out the strategies that the West should employ against the Muslims.
2005-03-22

PHILIP EARLY FROM UNITED STATES said:
I have met the Dr. Amina, it she appears to be a confirmed feminist. This in itself does make her opposed to the principles of Islam, however it does raise questions about other feminist issues that are likely to come up next on her agenda. I think that if this broder question regarding her agenda, is addressed, first, it will put some light on where she is headed with this.

But this debate is certainally a debate that needs to be had in Islam. In the end, I believe, it will be good for Islam. This should be a wak-up call to all Muslims, that if Muslims do not address and eradicate gender inequality and racial inequality, others will use these issues to serve there agenda's. As exemplified in the book "What's wrong with Islam"; those who have personal agenda's will attack at the weakest points by highlighting shortcomings in the faith.
(i.e., we must act instead of react for justice.)
2005-03-22

DISAGREE WOMEN (EVER1 READ PLZ) FROM USA said:
I disagree women leading a prayer! that is wrong in hadit Muhammad(pbuh) said it is better for women to pray at home...i don't think people are aware and if your not aware read Quran. and i want to say that Miss Mary. what right are you talking about we have all the rights we need. Allah gave us all the rights? I don't understand what KIND OF RIGHTS do women want? that men should give birth? that would be equal rights but that can't happen right? yeah..and in Meccah when prayers take place women go behind men..thats how its done...and that is the right way...i don't know what that women is trying to proof by leading a prayer.? that is totally wrong and should be stoped! In Quran it tells you the role of women and leading a prayer is not one of them.
2005-03-22

MAIRA FROM USA said:
A women leadin a prayer...:(... what is next? Whatt kind of rights do women want? i don't understand nowadays they work outside they do as they please. what kind of right? thats what i want to know, that men should give birth? or what???:( she should know the place of women and men in islam? maybe we live here in USA, talk like them dress like them. but, we should not forget our culture, religion, and values. buy leading a prayer what is she trying to proof that she is a better muslim. In islam women should be behind men. everone knows that! even in Meccah when prayer takes place women go behind men? and thats the right way to do it. How can she lead the prayers, and people actually stood behind her and prayed...I think this should be stoped? what is she spreading buy doing this? what are we trying to be Christians where women can talk standing in front of everyone. this should be stoped! women should know there role in islam, leading a prayer is not one of them...!
2005-03-22

JANE FROM UGANDA said:
It is craze,people are mad I dont mean wadud,she is ok in her mind,she chose to deny the Lord ok
but I wonder those who were behind her even so called men, are they??? and those ignorant who have courage to be netural,no way you are either
with the truth or against the truth...this is not multpart buziness, it is TWO PART ONLY,Islaam
from Allah and explained by His Prophet as it was understood by sahaab,not Drs&Profesors like
those who write their minds no knowing Islam,Allah said that(if you have no knowlege then ask those who have knowlege,UHAMMADF s.a h
said Ulamah are inheriters of prophets..
2005-03-22

AHMAD NYIRIGIRA FROM AUSTRALIA said:
No wonder as fir'aun of his time denied his Lord,
musalamah alkadhaab(liar)and the lady from Iraq and others claimed prophethood when MUHAMMAD(s.a.w)was alive,British made another prophet from Pakstan/India,(nation of )their own Islaam
and now we have a payee from the anemies of Islam
this makes me feel sick,I rather go back where I came from(christianity)than having a second of thinking of this evil product,anemy of her self
may Allah seal their hearts till they meet Him,Alhamdulillah rabil'alamin Islaam is true and is for Allah to protect it,let them go too far and over board,they will regret and wish
2005-03-22

MUHAMMAD IDRIS BIN MUHAMMAD SHAFIEE FROM MALAYSIA said:
we must follow the sunnah.never deviate
2005-03-22

NEETAM FROM PAKISTAN said:
At this time enemies of islam i.e america,israel etc want to crush muslims physically , spiritually/religiously and morally(depending upon the situation).One technique which these enemies use is to divide the muslims. for this they create and spread these issues for discussion to hide the actual/original issues.The actual issues of today's muslims are palestine , iraq , iran and cultural attacks by these enemies. The muslims of world must must join their hands against these enemies and donot entangle in such by issues which are created and spread by these enemies.
2005-03-22

A MUSLIM WOMAN FROM USA said:
AS SALAMU ALIKUM
I WAS SHOCKED AND VERY SAD TO KNOW ABOUT THE WOMAN LEADING A MIXED GENDER PRAYER . WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE LIVING IN A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE ARE WAITING TO SEE US DIVIDED AND DESTROYED AND WE INSTEAD OF DOING OUR OWN DUTIES AS ISLAMIC MEN AND WOMEN ARE GIVING PEOPLE A CHANCE TO MOCK AT US AND ARE MAKING THEIR BURDEN LESS OF SEPERATING US
WE HAVE TO FIRST UNDERSTAND THE WONDERFUL STATUS ALLAH (SWT) HAS GIVEN A WOMAN AND THE UNIQUE DUTIES OF A WOMAN IN THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE RATHER THAN FIGHTING FOR FALSE FREEDOMS JUST TO SATISFY OUR EGO
A WONDERFUL CONNECTION BETWEEN ALLAH (SWT) AND ABELIVER LIKE SALAT HAS BECOME A TOPIC TO COMMENT IT REALLY HURTS
2005-03-22

A MUSLIM WOMAN FROM USA said:
AS SALAMU ALIKUM
I WAS SHOCKED AND VERY SAD TO KNOW ABOUT THE WOMAN LEADING A MIXED GENDER PRAYER . WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE LIVING IN A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE ARE WAITING TO SEE US DIVIDED AND DESTROYED AND WE INSTEAD OF DOING OUR OWN DUTIES AS ISLAMIC MEN AND WOMEN ARE GIVING PEOPLE A CHANCE TO MOCK AT US AND ARE MAKING THEIR BURDEN LESS OF SEPERATING US
WE HAVE TO FIRST UNDERSTAND THE WONDERFUL STATUS ALLAH (SWT) HAS GIVEN A WOMAN AND THE UNIQUE DUTIES OF A WOMAN IN THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE RATHER THAN FIGHTING FOR FALSE FREEDOMS JUST TO SATISFY OUR EGO
A WONDERFUL CONNECTION BETWEEN ALLAH (SWT) AND ABELIVER LIKE SALAT HAS BECOME A TOPIC TO COMMENT IT REALLY HURTS
2005-03-22

ZAHEERUDDIN AHMED FROM USA/PAKISTAN said:
My question to all the eople who have drawn a conclusion without asking Dr. Amina Wadud directly what her motives are, is as follows:

1) Has it ever happened in the time of the Prophet (S) that a woman led prayers?

2) If the answer to the above question is, yes then, the next question we must ask ourselves is whether the Prophet (S) allowed it or disallow it?

3) Again, if the answer is that Prophet (S) allowed it, then we as the followers of the Prophet (S) have no right to assume the prohibition of such an act.

While I do not know the intention of Dr. Amina Wadud and whatever she is trying to prove, I also would not go far enough to outright call this act prohibited unless, we have a clear evidence from the life of the Prophet (S) and his saying.

We have no right as Muslims to call an act prohbited, only Allah (SWT) has that right. If we would do so, we might be acting out on our desires more so than establishing the true Islam.

While we might question Dr. Amina Wadud's intentions, which she has obligation to identify, we all must dig deep into our own hearts and judge our own intentions.

May Allah show us all the right path and guide us.

Ameen
2005-03-22

NAUREEN FROM USA said:
women in Islam feel that they are not treated equally, well ofcourse islam actually treats women like a flower in the garden, like the queen of the house and if she feels underpriveledged then that is her lack of knowing her own deen, before propagating what islam doesn't give her she should look into what islam gives her and weigh both out, then only she would feel special, regarding the women beeing an imam is she ready to go out five different time of the day to do imamat, when men feel lazy in doing so, is she going to appoint someone in those days when she is not allowed to do salah. leave her kids to the babysitter to go do imamat whereas islam giver her three times darja over men beeing a mother, why is it that muslim women feel this way, when we have the finest examples in the ummhat-ul-mominnen, why is it that she is trying to impress the west when they have already made up their mind for us muslims, whether muslim women do imamat or not they will always let you down.the christian and the jews and all the other religions have male priests, so where did this come into muslim women's head. true muslim women should have the qualities of khadija and ayesha who served allah by standing behind their husband and their names are still noteable in history.do they only see people who are standing behind them when they are doing prayers and not allah in front of her.if women feel they need to imamat make your house you mosque, your sanctuary, by reading few books on quran and not actually feling the words and lesson in quran we donot become muslims, we need to implement quran the way prophet did and if we cannot, we donot have a right to be muslim. start a cult those who think they are not treated equally that is what people do when they leave the truth behind . people will bow down behind you like people do in front of a stone, meaning you are no different then a stone to them.god will always have a way . he is greatest.allah-o-akbar
2005-03-22

RAUF FROM CANADA said:
Wonder if the learned lady is on someone's payroll?
2005-03-22

RAUF FROM CANADA said:
Wonder if the learned lady is on someone's payroll?
2005-03-22

RAHIM AKBAR FROM JAPAN said:
Allah'a words never changes but he also said He is the all planner. he forgives whom ever he pleases and punishes whom ever he wants. We have to be very carefull the way we talk as muslems. In the eyes of many, the Sister is in error but in the end Allah is the final solution.

The prayer leading men have failed, that is why the Sisters are saying why don't you try our lead.

Why do men and women pray side by side in Hajj???
2005-03-22

HABID KHALIQ FROM UK said:
a/a

those who are happy that this woman has chosen to ignore Allah and His Messenger pbuh, please take shahada again.

if your not happy with what Allah has given us in Islam, are you really a muslim?

i mean no offence, but consider this, who are the best of people? The Prophet Muhammad pbuh and his Companions, all agree? did this group of people do this? are we better than them to do this?
2005-03-22

B. ATEFA SHAH FROM US said:
I respect Amina's interpretation of the Quran to support the prayer and I attended it.
2005-03-21

ALAA FROM CANADA said:
Salam. Knowing that she is an Islamic Studies Professor, it just makes me feel...cannnot describe. Like she should know that in Islam, women are not aloud to give the Khutbajs obviously and lead in prayer. Maybe God does not say specifically that women cannot do this but he said that Man are the ONLY ones allowed. I mean what is this. Where is Islam going. What, are we starting to lean onto the wrong side. We got to get a firm hold of ourselves!
2005-03-21

SACDIYA said:
Dr. Muzammil, Peace and Blessing of God be upon you where ever you are in the world, and ay the Almighty help you in every aspect of your life.
2005-03-21

ZABED FROM USA said:
zazakallahu khairan. for the explanation. we all need to understand the sirah of Muhammad ( PBUH) and observe our prayers accordingly. Please write in more more indetail about the dos and don't of salat and about rights of Women in Islam. I think we need much much more education on this topic. Only then we won't confuse ourselves with what is right and wrong.
thanks again to Islamicity for putting an emphasis on this issue.
2005-03-21

FARRUKH FROM UNITED STATES said:
I have to give it to muslims, the way they portray Islam in the midst of western culture is just beyond my limited understanding. I want to remind the meaning of the hadith of the Prophet(S.A.W) that whoever innovates something new into this religion he/she will be reponsible for that innovation uptil it is practised.We all know that we are in times when knowledge is dissapperaing and information is rapidly spreading throughout the globe.
I hope that we may be guided to the betterment of Islam and not be of the people who are misguided.
2005-03-21

SHANAAZ FROM USA said:
Shukran for this artcle. I am a woman but in no way do I feel inferior to my husband or any man. Allah SWT created men and women equally intelectually, but we are different beings with different emotions and roles. Women mave their set of duties in society and men have their set of duties in society, but we are all equally accountable for our actions to Allah SWT.

I do not support women leading prayers of mixed congregations and I must say this new development was quite shocking to me.

Muslims must be very weary of the tactics and political motivations behind these un-Islamic acts. Do not be pulled into these "feminist" or "modernist" believes. Sure there are many places in the world where women are treated as inferior but it not because of Islam, it is despite of Islam.

Muslims, please be aware of what is driving these newfound ideas. Yes, there are certain issues in the Muslims comunity which needs resolution. There are groups who seek these issues out and are using it to cause division amongst us. It is like throwing a stone in the crowd and sitting back and see what happens. Do not be sucked into this vortex that is trying to destroy our beautiful religion.

May Allah SWT protect out deen from its enemies.
2005-03-21

AMNA FROM USA said:
what is going on in this world! i can't believe she lead the prayer! and people let her do it! maybe we live in USA but, we have our own values and culture let us not forget that! it doesn't say anywhere that a women can lead a prayer...in hadit muhammad (pbuh) said it is better for women to pray at home! and LEADING is far away...whats next men should give birth. :(:(:(:(
2005-03-21

MUHAMMAD SHOYAB FROM BANGLADESH said:
Alhamdulillah IslamiCity has focused on this hot topic of today. The least harm that this act has done is to create a bida't, doing something which RasulAllah (saws) didn't do. Islam is what the Quran says it is and what RasulAllah showed us - it's not what some professor feels about it, or wants to prove about it. The idea of "equal rights" is a very recent day invention - it is highly unlikely that Islam would address the issue exactly as we face it today. Still, Amina Wadud declares that Islam has given equal rights and she wants to establish it. The second least wrong thing she did was to establish salat in a church, which Khalifa Umar expressly avoided on his take over of Jerusalem. Thirdly, a jamat of Jumu'ah cannot be held just anywhere - it must be a regular masjid (unless under extreme difficulties), and it must give access to the general Muslim mass - not a poice protected sanctuary where people with a particular idea would pray. Fourthly, it is not allowed to establish a separate jamat just because of a small disagreement, or as in this case, to establish the feelings of some professor. It appears that this is the conspiracy of the enemies of Islam to uproot Islam by Muslims, now that their propaganda and stuff have failed. May Allah protect our Iman, and save us from the harm of what we do and what we say. Wa salam.
2005-03-21

WOMEN FROM USA said:
what is she trying to proof! people should have stoped her! world is coming to END!! i can't believe she did that!! OMG!! in Quran it didn't say that women can lead a prayer! women should be behind men! these women who go to masjid should be thankfull that they can go!! otherwise i think they should stay home and pray!!! i don't know what is she trying to proof that is totally wrong!!!!!!
2005-03-21

WOMEN FROM USA said:
women should pary at home! thats what i think...going to masjid and pray what is all that about men should go to masjid and pray! over here in masjid i see kids running around making noises women doesn't know what there kids are doing..they just want to go to masjid and pary!!! I SAY STAY HOME AND PRAY..and take care of your kids!! women come to masjid with 6months old babies!!! stay home in quran it didn't say that women HAVE to go to masjid..Muhammad (PBUH) said it's better for women to pray at home.
2005-03-21

WOMEN FROM USA said:
that DR. women i don't know what is she tryin' to proof...we have all the rights we need what do you women need more!! im a women i think we have all the rights...and if people knew that DR.whatever her name is..is going to give juma' prayer they shouldv'e stoped her!! i tink world is coming to end!! i think next year these women are going to protest that men should give birth...what was she trying to proof im mad!!!! and TOTALY DISAGREE!!!!!!!!!!!:(:(:(:((((((((((((
2005-03-21

MUMTAZ FROM U.S.A. said:
I am for this article, but I am totally against the idea of female imams. What is the real reason for such notions? Did she actually think that she was doing a service in Islam? Shame and disgrace on her. Islam, as practiced during the time of the Phophet (p.b.u.h.), was perfect in the sunnah; Who do they think they are to try to change this! May Allah save and guide us all away from the wrong path---Inshallah!

P.S. I am a female that has lived in the states over 32.
2005-03-21

AISHA FROM AMERICA said:
As salaa,ou Alaykum,
This woman is knows this is not right!! I wonder does she think by doing this it makes her gain any good. She doing like the Christians with dealing with Women in the church , What she must know Allah's laws and Will does not change because she wants to prove she is a muslim or more of an imam than a man. She must know the place of the MAle and female in islam. if she knows it are not she cannot divide islam make a woman thing out of it by brings us together in prayer, we all alreayd togetherwe pray to one God. no matter seprated or not, Allah has made certain things to order and no man or woman can change them. Just we want to make a point....
2005-03-21

MARY LAHAJ FROM USA said:
I am an American Muslim-born here,as my parents were born in America.I want to weigh in on the discussion over women leading mixed gender prayer.I have read some of the letters & I want to respond to what I have read thus far.There are some particular points:First,women leading mixed gender prayer,in my opinion, is not necessary,but is her right. I agree, as an ummah, we cannot waste time debating the issue when more important issues are laid across our doorstep.If we want an all women's mosque, we are free to build it.On the other hand, women's issues are always extremely important & central.So,underlying this fantastically courageous act by Sister Amina is the real issue for me of mysogeny with impunity in the Muslim community. For example,Muslim women as denizens of the basement mosques.This low attitude emanating from men was too shameful for me to articulate,until now, and I thank you Amina for giving me the courage to call it-institutional mysogeny. Also, underlying Sister Amina's courageous act is the obvious reason why little is done to help women become literate.Because once they are literate,they can read Qur'an, once they can read & study Qur'an, they will know their rights. Sister Amina has studied the Qur'an and the next logical step for any scholar is to lead. As far as the hadith are concerned, the one I saw quoted from Abu Dawud-how a woman can lead people in her home.Well,it is easy to see how this hadith could be used to keep women from going to the mosque.And this is another obvious problem-with the hadith.About changing Islam.For me,this situation is not about changing Islam.It does not threaten me.There is a fine line between changing Islam(innovation)& purifying it from cultural accretions that distort it.Fact is,Americans are indigenizing Islam with a new cultural expression.No more accepting someone elses cultural expression-this is progress.It's a new century.Get out of the new road if you can't lend a hand.Bob Dylan said that.
2005-03-21

KHALED FROM USA said:
Alsalamu ALikum,
I do agree. It seems to me that Muslims have confronted their enemies, supported their prosecuted bothers and sisters living under occupation and under aggressive regimes and monarchies. It might be far-fetched idea; but such act of woman leading the prayer has caused so much Fitna and Beda'a. It looks like the work of CIA or entities that want to harm muslims (Please do not laugh at me saying that). It is unbelievable that Muslims (Women or Men) forget about the suffering of Muslims Worlwide at the hands of dictators and at the hands of the US government and dwell on matters that undermine the basics of Sunna and Sharia. Despite of what these ignorant Muslims do, Islam will never touched and will be forever protected. Muslims will suffer NOT Islam. We will suffer from our enemies who are attacking us from every side....Are we ready to fight back!!! or just Kill Each others.....
2005-03-21

LENA SEEDE FROM US said:
I appreciate Dr. Siddiqui's comments and would like to pose this question, "Why is it then if this is the case that men and women pray side by side in Hajj - a man may be behind, beside or in front of a women?
2005-03-21

ADELI FROM MALAYSIA said:
Hadith of The Prophet Muhammad S.A.W is shine about this matter.
2005-03-21

STAR (A WOMAN) FROM USA said:
Salaams,

I would like to know for those who are for this idea, who believe it is right, and there is no clear ayat or hadith against it, and that Islam is overall negative and oppressive towards women: "Why Be Muslim???" If you detest the purdah system, being behind curtains, veils, praying behind men, or not on Friday at all, then why not make a new religion for yourselves? You can lead salat, eat non-halal, not wear veils, have girlfriends instead of husbands, drink, and do whatever else you prefer. The "wise" degree holders among you can write a Quran however you like, and you won't have to worry about such oppressive males, because your religion will have women as the Leaders, and men will submit to them. And of course everyone will go to paradise without reckoning because answering to Allah and facing the torment of hell just sounds scary...so maybe you should change that part too. If you think Islam is against women try learning the truth instead of listening to Shaytan who's job it is to get you as far away from the truth as possible by falling into the pitfalls of "Feminism" and how badly you've mistaken it as having a place in Islam.
2005-03-21

RAHIM AKBAR FROM JAPAN said:
The Prophet, may peace be upon him said three generation after him will not be of him. Islamic men have faild them selves their wives and children as well as their comunity and county. We are concerned about female leading failed men in prayers? since we are no more of the prophet why don't we as men, comunity, and country try the agent (FEMALE) that Allah uses to bring all the failed men we have leading us in to this world.
Only Allah knows who's prayer is valid and not.

We should all seek refuge in Allah and help the Female in what she want to with the leaf of Allah

Peace.
2005-03-21

PETER FROM USA said:
Asalaamu Alaikum, I am new to the deen and may be missing some of the finer points. But I believe that if tradition established by the Prophet (pbuh) restricts women from leading prayer before mixed congregations, then we must respect that tradition. With no tradition how can we say that we have a religion or system of belief?
Perhaps to some today this prohibition seems against the grain of modern humanism, but it is important to avoid moral relativism. Secular beliefs of right and wrong may change with the times, but the Word of God does not change and as submitters to that Word, we must respect and obey its dictates as revealed to us through the prophets. Otherwise, what are we doing saying we are following Islam?
Inshallah!
2005-03-21

KADIJAH SMITH FROM USA said:
Islam is the one community that allows women to still be women. The western world has abandoned the concept of women as mothers, sisters, daughters and wives. What we are now in the west are whores, or short men with lumpy chests. I hate it! How can I live without Islam?? I can not live without being a woman! How can men love a woman who isn't a woman at all??
2005-03-21

DR.NAIYER HABIB FROM CANADA said:
Assalamo Alaikum WRB,
I am for it but---, I have difficulty in knowing the truth of the Hadith coming from Men. I have read the book- "The veil and the Male Elite by Sr.Mernissi. I advise those who have not read the book to read it.

I congratulate Sr. Sarah Eltantawi and her associates to take a much needed and a very leading role for Muslims Women. Is it extreme as noted in some of the articles debating the issue in the Islamicity or the result of oppression by the Mike Holders of the Mosque across the world including the West specially USA and Canada.

We in the early 70's had kept the Mosque very open for Women. There was no resentment.It was the influx of the AALIMS later that drove them out.

Where were Dr. Muzammil Siddiqui,Dr.Aslam Abdullah,Dr.L.M.Safi and others when these women were uprooted or being uprooted from the Mosques across USA,Canada and elsewhere.
They held good position including the presidency of ISNA.

I have mentioned in one of my address "Muslims women are being forbidden to enter the Mosque, being Curtained, and being given most rejected places in the Mosque, while their fathers, brothers and husbands sit and listen as obedient disciples of the Imams who rule the mosque and hurl awy these Muslim Women"

So these are the net results of such oppressions.
I wish them the best in their efforts and not be discouraged by more discouraging obstacles yet to come. How ever they must exercise their judgement with in the parameter of Islam.

Can these writers of the Articles and leaders come with help to reach a reasonable solution?

Of course I am a man!
Wassalaam,
Dr.Naiyer Habib
2005-03-21

A MUSLIM FROM U.S. said:
Now this comment you posted almustapha is what makes muslim woman do the things they are doing.
)"A people whose affairs are in the hands of a woman will not prosper". You should know that christians are already weakining the muslim society by telling them that the muslim men think they are better and woman are a load of garbage. And that comment you posted is what can really flip a females mind.
2005-03-21

NINA FROM CANADA said:
Inna Lila Wa inna Raju'oun
Subhanallah.....it really breaks my heart to know that Islam has reached that level
this is pure DISGUSTING!!!
SUBHANNALLAH!!!
YA ALLAH LEAD US TO RIGHT PATH BUT NOT THE WRONG...AMEEN
2005-03-20

NINA FROM CANADA said:
Inna Lila Wa inna Raju'oun
Subhanallah.....it really breaks my heart to know that Islam has reached that level
this is pure DISGUSTING!!!
SUBHANNALLAH!!!
YA ALLAH LEAD US TO RIGHT PATH BUT NOT THE WRONG...AMEEN
2005-03-20

ABDUL FROM US said:
Dear Brother:
VERY NICE ARTICLE.
I believe this congregational prayers was lead by Amina Wadud- Islamic Studies professor of Virginia Commonwealth University.ALLAH KNOWS THE BEST.Is it a CONSPIRACY or so called FREEDOM or LIBERTY?. Please read an article on THE SEATTLE TIMES - Nation & World SECTION (on Islamicity main page link).

In Islamic history, no woman including Prophets' wives, daughters or mothers has led the prayers with men behind. They have had good status and honor in other branches including some Islamic areas & they were highly respected.

I am quoting some hadith and references from religious books, May ALLAH forgive me If I do any mistake.
(1)"The best rows for the women are the last two rows & the worst are the front rows". The further a woman is from men ,the better & more chaste that is for her person & honor.
(2) It is not legally sanctioned for women to give adhan or the iqama as they are only obligatory upon the men".(therefore woman leading the prayers ???).
(3)"A people whose affairs are in the hands of a woman will not prosper".( woman cannot lead prayer even for her husband or son or brother even she is more knowledgeable of the Quran.)
(4)Women are forbidden to recite Quran loudly during congregational prayers with men in front rows.
(5)Friday salaat is not obligatory for women but they can go to the mosque and offer as stated above.

ALLAH has divided society into two parts MEN & WOMEN, with duties, responsibilities, status, rights etc. No religion except ISLAM has given so many rights, good status to women, Then why this fitna, controversies,confusion etc.Do not fall into trap. Nobody is forcing you to stay in Islam.

Women cannot change their instincts and the way of their anatomy(body figure), physiology(monthly cycles, pregnancy) and strength. Such women can fight with these.
MAY ALLAH show such people and the believers the right path and bless us with his mercy.
THANKS.




2005-03-20

ALMUSTAPHA FROM NIGERIA said:
This is not stated in the holy Qur'an that women should be leading men in prayers and further more, that is why almighy God created men before women and with this i am strongly disagreed with this issue and may almighty Allah protect his religious with full hand against this wizards that are trying to destroy our religion because they are the one's planning for this things God protect your religion amin.
Best regard.
2005-03-20

MOHAMMED UMER ANSARI FROM USA said:
Assalam-o-Alaikum
i read this whole article i am fully with it. Hazrat Aisha was the master in Islamic Knowledge after the death of Holy prophet. Even Hazrat Umer and other great Sahabah use to come to her for answers about their questions and according to the great ravi of Hadfith [which i do not remember his name]said that i did not find any amoung men and women having more knowledge in Islam and other Subjects than Hazrat Aisha. so it she and other women like her came later did not started leading as Immam than how come women can lead know. May Allah show right path to those who introduced it and those who are following it and also those who are supporting them.
Allah hafiz
2005-03-20

MUSTAFA FAMOUS FROM U.S.A. said:
There is a Hadith That says Muslims will follow Christians in everything. We are seeing the fulfillment of that prophecy!
2005-03-20

AZAD ISLAM FROM USA said:
It is puzzling to notice that there is NO clear ruling as "NO" from the Hadith literature on this issue. I can see a severe problem from a woman imam suddenly menstruating at salat without warning! I think this would spoil everyones's salat!!!!
2005-03-20

MUHAMMAD ISA ABDUL-ZAHIR FROM U.S. said:
This should have been stopped. If people knew that a woman was going to try to do juma, thats where you have to forbid the wrong.She should have been talked out of it, but if this really happened she had support of ignorant, mislead, or mischief seekers, who share in such acts the burden and punishment. This would also fufill a hadith where the prophet p.b.u.h. said you would follow the ways of the people before span by span that if one of them went in the hole of a magisture you would to. His companions asked do you mean the Jews and the Christians and he replied whom else? We have seen through time that we muslims have imitated the ways of those in error more and more. Thier are plenty of woman preachers in christianity leading congergations and it will be sad when it becomes common amognst us as far as the imam. the whole muslim ummah will weaken a further as a result of such tolerance of things being done against the sunnah.
2005-03-20

SHEREEF FROM US said:
The way of living Islam is truly in following the Prophet and of course, the first few generations after him, who lived among his midst and are therefore the most likely to emulate him exactly. Certainly, if the practice of women leading a mixed-gender prayer was perfomed by a multitude of the sahaba and authorized specifically by the Prophet, then there would be no harm in doing so. But the Prophet never authorized the practice nor was it ever recorded in the Saheeh Books of Bukhari and Muslim -- the two most trusted sources of the Prophet's living record.

It would reasonable to say the least that such practice will lead to fitna, not because it is not conventional. The Prophet said wherever there is wisdom or knowledge seek it. And as such, trench digging was an introduction of new defense strategy/practice to the Arabs which the Prophet authorized for adoption. More importantly, the Prophet performed the authorization not on a grounds of liberalization but rather because the introduction was helpful and was not an innovation into spiritual principles/practices.

This new practice that Dr. Amina is trying to introduce will lead to fitna because of the fact that women will prostrate in front of men with her outline being exposed. Her 'iffa (respect of men and women towards her) may be harmed because an ill-intentioned man will take the opportunity to stare at her outline.

In terms of the man, his 'iffa is also at harm because an ill-intentioned lady in front of him may make a subtle movement to lure him into staring at her outline.

Even if we assume that the men and women congregate for the prayer without ill-intentions, such mingling during prayer where men and women are in complete view of each other's bodies during prostration makes both vulnerable to lustful interaction. And any situation with a sexual connotation does not have any place in a spiritual gathering.

Jazak Allahu khair.
2005-03-20

SHEREEF FROM US said:
The way of living Islam is truly in following the Prophet and of course, the first few generations after him, who lived among his midst and are therefore the most likely to emulate him exactly. Certainly, if the practice of women leading a mixed-gender prayer was perfomed by a multitude of the sahaba and authorized specifically by the Prophet, then there would be no harm in doing so. But the Prophet never authorized the practice nor was it ever recorded in the Saheeh Books of Bukhari and Muslim -- the two most trusted sources of the Prophet's living record.

It would reasonable to say the least that such practice will lead to fitna, not because it is not conventional. The Prophet said wherever there is wisdom or knowledge seek it. And as such, trench digging was an introduction of new defense strategy/practice to the Arabs which the Prophet authorized for adoption. More importantly, the Prophet performed the authorization not on a grounds of liberalization but rather because the introduction was helpful and was not an innovation into spiritual principles/practices.

This new practice that Dr. Amina is trying to introduce will lead to fitna because of the fact that women will prostrate in front of men with her outline being exposed. Her 'iffa (respect of men and women towards her) may be harmed because an ill-intentioned man will take the opportunity to stare at her outline.

In terms of the man, his 'iffa is also at harm because an ill-intentioned lady in front of him may make a subtle movement to lure him into staring at her outline.

Even if we assume that the men and women congregate for the prayer without ill-intentions, such mingling during prayer where men and women are in complete view of each other's bodies during prostration makes both vulnerable to lustful interaction. And any situation with a sexual connotation does not have any place in a spiritual gathering.

Jazak Allahu khair.
2005-03-20

SHEREEF FROM US said:
The way of living Islam is truly in following the Prophet and of course, the first few generations after him, who lived among his midst and are therefore the most likely to emulate him exactly. Certainly, if the practice of women leading a mixed-gender prayer was perfomed by a multitude of the sahaba and authorized specifically by the Prophet, then there would be no harm in doing so. But the Prophet never authorized the practice nor was it ever recorded in the Saheeh Books of Bukhari and Muslim -- the two most trusted sources of the Prophet's living record.

It would reasonable to say the least that such practice will lead to fitna, not because it is not conventional. The Prophet said wherever there is wisdom or knowledge seek it. And as such, trench digging was an introduction of new defense strategy/practice to the Arabs which the Prophet authorized for adoption. More importantly, the Prophet performed the authorization not on a grounds of liberalization but rather because the introduction was helpful and was not an innovation into spiritual principles/practices.

This new practice that Dr. Amina is trying to introduce will lead to fitna because of the fact that women will prostrate in front of men with her outline being exposed. Her 'iffa (respect of men and women towards her) may be harmed because an ill-intentioned man will take the opportunity to stare at her outline.

In terms of the man, his 'iffa is also at harm because an ill-intentioned lady in front of him may make a subtle movement to lure him into staring at her outline.

Even if we assume that the men and women congregate for the prayer without ill-intentions, such mingling during prayer where men and women are in complete view of each other's bodies during prostration makes both vulnerable to lustful interaction. And any situation with a sexual connotation does not have any place in a spiritual gathering.

Jazak Allahu khair.
2005-03-20

JOHN FROM AUSTRALIA said:
Peace! This is an excellent article. Whoever agress that women can lead the prayer or give the Friday khutbah has taken a deviated path. May Allah help us in this period of trials.ameen
2005-03-20

AZIM FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
Excellent article that hadith should be enough throughout the life of the prophet pbuh there were no Women leading men nor throughout Islamic history she should withdraw her position and seek tawbah.
2005-03-20

RAHSHEE ABDUL said:
may Allah(SWT)guide our ummah with proper leadership in reflection of the sunnah and prevent any innovation. Allah u Akbar
2005-03-20

SHAH ALLY FROM CANADA said:
Good article

The Prophet upon him blessings and peace said:

1. "Lo! Let absolutely no woman lead a man in prayer!"
Ibn Majah, Abu Ya`la, `Abd ibn Humayd in his Musnad, Abu Nu`aym in the Hilya with different chains from Jabir, and al-Tabarani in al-Awsat from Abu Sa`id al-Khudri.

2. "No nation shall succeed that is led by a woman." Al-Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Bakrah, Allah be well-pleased with him.

This is even more binding in Salat, since the imamate of Salat requires a far more slavish imitation and following than the greater imamate. Further, the imamate of prayer is a delegatory function of the latter.

3. "The best of the men's prayer-rows is the first and the worst the last, while the best of the women's prayer-rows is the last and the worst is the first." Muslim, the Sunan, and Ahmad from Abu Hurayra, Jabir, and Abu Sa`id al-Khudri, Allah be well-pleased with them.

I.e. the contrary of imamate, which means "leading from the front."

4. `Ali said, Allah be well-pleased with him:

"A woman does not lead as imam." Mudawwana, I`la' al-Sunan.

Imam al-Bayhaqi mentioned all the above but the last in his Sunan and said: "This is also the School of the Seven Jurists of Madina among the Tabi`in then those that followed them."

This is also the position of the Four Schools. More, Ibn Hazm in Maratib al-Ijma` and Ibn Qattan al-Fasi in al-Iqna` fi Masa'il al-Ijma` listed it among the rulings that muster unanimous consensus :

"They concur one and all that a woman cannot lead men in prayer with their knowledge of her being a woman and, if they do, their prayer is invalid by consensus."

Second, it would not be right for one upon whom congregation is not incumbent to lead one upon whom it is obligatory.

Third, the best salat of a woman is in her house without contest, and it is not right that the leader of the Salat be precluded from excellence to begin with.

2005-03-20

AZIZAH FROM MALAYSIA said:
Ireally do not know what that lady is trying to show
2005-03-20

MUJTABA ALI FROM USA said:
As salamu alaikum,

We must hold on to the Qur'an and Sunnah in matters of religion. This controversy over woman imam leading men and women in salat has been started by a group of deviant minded Muslims, who seek discord and disunity among Muslims, and they are supported by the enemies of Islam.

May Allah ta'la guide us to the straight path. Ameen!
2005-03-20

SAYEED FROM BANGLADESH said:
Women in the Muslim countries are being abused in the name of Islam. They were never given the respect they deserved. When we saw the women were abused in Afghanistan, most of us kept quiet. The story is still going on. And we are still quiet. Most of the time, we talk about women's modesty in Islam, but never talk about men's modesty. I personally see this issue as a natural reaction. Going from one extreme to another.
2005-03-20

FAZEL FROM USA said:
Yes. Instead of women competing the responsibilities of men, they should try to excel in the islamic responsibilities given to them as we see in the life of our beloved prophet peace and blessings be upon him. This is the only way of achieving the pleasure of Allah.
2005-03-20

HERJIHAD FROM USA said:
I don't agree with everything, but I appreciate the respectful manner in which the brother chose to address a difficult topic.
There are many real life situations that need to be addressed as well, however. We need women leaders, so a good option is for them to lead us in Du'a as suggested. In my experience, women have been afraid to lead the prayers even in a group of women because a man may enter the mosque late even though when they started no men were there. And since it was a curtained off area of the mosque, I really can't understand that. We have a group meeting; it is time for prayer: Lead! Otherwise, we can't get the benefit of praying together!
2005-03-20

KHADIJAH MUHAMMAD FROM USA said:
It is a sad day when someone uses Islaam for their own desires when clearly Islaam has given more rights to women and it needs no improvement. Islaam is perfect, alhamduliAllaah. What this "sister" did was give the impression to the entire nation that women were indeed oppressed by Islaam and those praying behind her are now accountable. What will be the next innovation?
2005-03-20

KHADIJAT FROM U S A said:
Aaslam alikun , I pray inshall ALLAH that should never happen again and may alimghty ALLAH giude us to the right part.beacause this is not a fredom.
2005-03-20