Woman Leading Jummah Prayers: Why am I Silent?
I have received several inquiries on why I have not made any statement regarding the issue of whether a woman can lead both men and women in obligatory prayers and Friday prayers. Here is my brief and general response to them. Click here.
10 Comments:
Men are supposed to be protectors of women, see to it that they are given their rights as ordained by God. Quran is the book of guidance for those who believe and Quran makes all things clear. So why, Muqtedar don't you take a stand on women imamship? Quran is very clear about who can and who cannot be Imam. God chose Abraham (AS) as Imam over the nations and when he asked about the people of his house, the house of Islam, he was told that it is not for those who are evildoers. SO the only one not acceptable to be Imam over a congregation is an evildoer. Believing women are not evildoers and therefore can take the honourable position of Imam. As far as Amina Wadud is concerned, a scholar who has made waves by declaring openly her rejection of certain verses of Quran she should not have been chosen as Imam. It is evil to suggest that there are satanic verses in Quran which must be rejected.
Rehana
Sr. Rehana, AA.
Honestly, I have not found the progressive arguments convincing on this issue, and on a few others. I support progressive thinking in Islam, and issues of gender justice, but on this issue I am simply not in a position to make a judgement.
Perhaps, when I finish reading all the arguments, I may make up my mind.
But Sr, until then go easy on Amina Wadud, agree or disagree, she is brave women, who has made history, give her due respect.
Asalaam alaikum,
There is consensus of ALL scholars of Islam that a woman can not lead the Jummah prayer for mixed congregation. I don't know why this is even an issue? Alhumdullilah by now, people must have read all the fatawas condemning what Amina Wadud did. Please read Sheikh Qaradawi, Sheikh Jamal Zarabozo, scholars from Saudi Arabia, Fiqh Council of North America, Usatadh Abdulla, and more, either by links on my site or directly on there:
http://members.cox.net/arshad
Arshad thanks for the link it is very useful. I am glad that someone has collected all the opinion in one place, it is very useful for those who may want to study this issue.
Hmmm, the folks over at MWU don't seem to be too impressed by your (rather reasonable) stance - most unpleasant
Some more links for your collection:
http://www.shariahboard.com/fatwa/Faith%20&%20Beliefs/4679.php
http://www.livingislam.org/o/wbm_e.html
http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Questions/QA00005261.aspx
http://www.sunnisisters.com/sunnisister/?p=340
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tariqul-Islam/message/853
The folks over at MWU were disappointed that I did not cheer Amina Wadud. On this issue, they are exaggerating the impact of this one-off event and they really have no arguments to justify their act. They are reacting by merely ridiculing those who disagree, another example is Hussein Ibish's response to Hina Azam.
For a group that is extremely critical of the salafis for their intolerance, progressve Muslims are tending to be as intolerant as the salafis.
I think Dr. Azam's response was the best commentary I have yet to read on the subject and yet all Ibish can do is to attack her without once discussing the substance of her arguments.
The goals of PMU are worthy of pursuit but increasingly the style is becoming problematic -- occaisionally childish and even boorish. It takes away from the seriousness of the issue.
But the recent response by Mohja Kahf on the Jilbab issue is a good reminder of the potential of MWU and PMU.
Qur'anic ends can only be achieved by Qur'anic means. Unless of course one does not even care for Qur'anic ends :)
Liaquat, what do you meas by Quranic means? Care to expound. I have often heard people claim a Quranic minhaj, but bever really read a good explanation of what it is.
Liaquat,
If as you say "Qur'anic ends can only be achieved by Qur'anic means" I assume you also mean that this would be in tandem and interfaced with the Sunnah of the Prophet.
Dr. Khan,
Is not the Qur'an the foundation while the Ahadith sciences provide the scaffolding for the visible aspects of the belief system?
Also, should you dare.... Would you personally attend prayers led by a woman? If you care to address that with me in person I shall be at the SMU conference in a couple of weeks.
Tammy Swofford
VICTORIA
I read Sr Wadud's Woman and Qu'ran, and I found her reasoning impeccable.
REHANA
Could you share which particular verses Ms. Wadud suggested are satanic? I do not recall such a contention from her book, but that is my only familiarity with her writings.
She had criticism for some verses and their translation and interpretation, but did not reject the verses, but their traditonal patriarchal interpretation.
I must comment Mr. Khan, that I appreciate the fact that you do not have an opinion until you have heard all sides. Too many scholars weigh in before making considered investigation.
I also look forward to hearing more arguments on this subject.
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