Written Vs. Not Written Stuff: Where Are Muslim Women Spaces in Mosques?

Part I Written by Saadia Haq

The theme for this collab is much closer to heart as it voices the issues focusing on the Muslim women’s role and participation in religious institutions and specifically in mosques. Like in most Islamic states, we note that mosques are part of a daily lives of practicing Muslims however we note that across Asia and Africa the majority of mosques activities are men-led and women presence and participation are not encouraged.

In many Muslim countries, prevailing attitudes are a norm where societies are operating on the mere notion that “there’s no place for women at the local mosque.” As a Muslim feminist encountering these mentalities are not only outraging but also speak volumes on the misinterpretation of Islamic teachings. Our cultures and traditions continue to dictate men and women segregated roles and most annoyingly deny women their rightful place within the religion’s central institutions as in case of: mosques.

On the whole large scores of Muslim women pray at homes and are hardly encouraged to go in mosques though the population density is in majority Muslim countries and mosques are given high preference thus, they are built in almost every street.

Alone Indonesia has the largest number of mosques approx eight hundred thousand, then India comes second with approximately 3 hundred thousand, then comes Bangladesh with 2.5 hundred thousand, Pakistan with 1.8 hundred thousand mosques.

In my own country, Pakistan we have minimum three to five mosques in any given small neighborhood. But they are male dominated and women prayers are quite a no-no. I really don’t think any other Muslim nation is obsessed with construction of mosques as are Pakistanis, but given the patriarchal mindset they like to keep mosques doors closed on women. Of course it also speaks volumes on how men hold tightly on the reigns of almost all decisions on behalf of women that are considered objects and gulps, without rationality and sentiments.

Like a majority of Pakistani women, I never went to a mosque for the Eid namaz. I always heard that men go to mosques while women are supposed to pray indoors and at home. Growing up in such an environment, I was always struck by the fact that we culturally, do not think about traditions; we just follow them. More than often, we don’t even know why we are doing a certain thing for instance take the issue of career women and entrepreneurs. So called clerics harp on and on inside mosques teaching men that women need to stay indoors and only do household work and child bearing as per Islam.

There is nothing Islamic in pushing male dominant agendas in the name of religion particularly when Islam’s first business personality was Hazrat Khadija (radi allahu anhu) the wife of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu aleihi wassalam) a successful successful entrepreneur 1400 years ago, setting the bench mark as a role model for women of all centuries.

Muslim women are faced with a lot of hostility in spearheading bussiness and economic ventures that further aggravates their social exclusion mainly due to different interpretations of religion. For countering such complex issues, Muslim states need to address the issue of women’s protection in the workplaces and public life.

Moving forward

With passing time, we have observed that within South Asia and other east Asian countries, a small but increasing number of women have started going to mosques. But over all mosques are not equipped to handle women prayers. As we know for predictable reasons; for one, not many mosques have proper arrangements and nor the will to build women’s wings inside the structure.

Though most mosques in question do not forbid women from coming, they simply do not allot a women’s section, and thus there is no space for women to pray. The women by default are forced into a difficult scenario where they are forced to accept the exclusion.  Until mindsets do not change for the better, and organizers of mosques show more willingness we will lag behind.

We should return to our rich history to draw the lessons since Islam came as a religion, it has always protected the rights of women in all ways possible and education was made compulsory for both men and women. Islamic teachings support the Muslim women economic empowerment and political participation but in name of misguided culture and traditions we continue to struggle.

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Part II Written by Papatia Feauxzar

Bismillah.

Our beloved Prophet (sallallahu aleihi wassalam) said, “If the wife of any one of you seeks permission to go to the Mosque, he may not prevent her.” (Sahih Muslim)

Look for any authentic source that states that women are FORBIDDEN to go to mosques and you won’t find ANY. So why do we women go along with this treatment from these patriarchal Muslim communities? It’s because of the community pressure; the mental conditioning we have been subjected to. Let’s try to break that string that keep the elephants (us) in the room rooted in not leaving the spot we have been planted at; praying at home especially on Eid.

I grew up going to the mosques on special occasions like Eid or Layla-tul Qadr. I saw my grandmothers walk to the mosques daily for EVERY prayer in their humble and clean garments.

That was until I married into another culture. In this culture, women do not pray with the male congregation. They have been conditioned to think that their praying spot is at home and that if they want to pray in the mosque, they have to do it when the main prayers are not in session.

If those are the limits, you might as well pray at home because you are not welcomed for the fard prayers. I mean what’s the point then to go there for just nafila prayers? They have an exception for salat time finding you outside. Under these circumstances, you can go pray to the nearest mosque while you are travelling, carrying or minding your business. And they will tell you to AVOID the jamaat (the men crowd) prayer at all costs.

So imagine my shock and surprise when you are told, “Women pray at home. Allah didn’t ask women to mandatorily attend Eid prayer.” That didn’t sit well with me. I asked my mom and she explained that praying at home has more baraqat for a woman. And I found ahadith supporting that. Of course, patriarchal societies leave that part or the explanation out of their marching orders. More baraqat or not, isn’t fair to leave the choice to pray in or outside the home to women themselves? We have free will. Why are they so concerned with women’s well-being in the after-life when they are often lousy spouses?

Didn’t Rasool (sallallahu aleihi wassalam)also say, “…the best of you are those who are best to their women.”(At-Tirmidhi) How many ideal Muslim husbands do you know? Anyway…

If the mosque is being transformed into a catwalk or a fashion establishment, then that’s another discussion, WOMEN need to address themselves. Exception made for the Messenger of Allah. And the following statement from Aisha (radi allahu anhu) one of mother of the believers came about that.

“If the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu aleihi wassalam) was alive to see what women are doing now (in A’isha’s time), he would surely have prevented them from attending the prayers in the Mosque just as the women of Banu Isra’il were prevented.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Now, if you as a man think that a woman is causing you fitna because of her looks, you have been given a simple command by your Lord; Lower Your (damn) Gaze! Apologies, I paraphrased a bit with ‘damn.’ But seriously, beautiful women crossed the path of people of the stature of Rasool (sallallahu aleihi wassalam) with his companions often staring and he ordered them to lower their gaze. He didn’t fault the women. So, please understand that most women don’t dress up for you fools. They dress for their Lord, to celebrate. If you are a woman and you pamper yourself up all to attract losers, compete with other women, show off, check yourself because you’re bordering on the behavior of the the women of Banu Isra’il. Your total devotion is to your lord. Beautify yourself more for Allah (subhanahu wa ta ala) than the creation. If the hubby loves what he sees, masha’Allah alhamdullilah too.

Above all, the issue of women allowed in mosques, praying in mosques, having equal space in mosques will not be resolved until women take matter into their own hands. Muslim women in communities, seek the women in your communities who have authentic Islamic knowledge, financial freedom, socio-political power, any kind of power and gravitate toward them. Gather with them and start a movement. When chauvinists and misogynistic community leaders come to your strong platforms to ask for your money to support the community or the mosques, state your demands. Don’t let them ignore women issues any longer.

When they start to:

• Make equal space for you in your local mosques

• Give you your Islamic rights as a woman

• Start treating you like a human being and not like a walking fitna

• And make etc. etc. changes in your favor

You may assess if they are worth your financial donation or any other help sought from you.

Dropping mic… Allahu alim.

‘The Written vs. NOT Written Stuff’ is a copyrighted collaborative feature series highlighting serious issues of and within the global Muslim communities. It’s a joint initiative of two Muslimah writers, Papatia Feauxzar of Djarabi Kitabs Publishing and Saadia Haq of The Human Lens. As always we would love to hear your feedback, here at wordpress or through email which ever medium works for you.  Copyrights @2015 – 2018. 

Bio: Papatia Feauxzar is an accountant. She blogs at Between Sisters, SVP! or A Ducktrinor Mom.

Bio: Saadia Haq is a human rights journalist and feminist trainer, plus the mayhem force behind this blog!

Original article.

TAGS: PAPATIA FEAUXZAR, SAADIA HAQ, THE WRITTEN VS. NOT WRITTREN STUFF, WOMEN IN MOSQUES

The Written Stuff vs.The Not Written Stuff: Women in Islam - Part I and Part II

Part I, Written By Saadia Haq Of The Human Lens

Women were the first pioneers of Islam – without whom the history of this Muslim Ummah wouldn’t be what it is today. For if they weren’t there; the Muslim men would not have been able to achieve the feats they did and Muslim societies would have no examples, no role models to follow. What I am going to tell you about the role of women in Islam in the next ten minutes or so is going to change your opinion of the most misinterpreted religion Islam or at least I aspire to.

When Muhammad (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) started receiving his first revelation from Angel Gabriel or as we say; Jibril, among his first believers were various women. In-fact the first person to accept Islam through Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was a woman – his first wife Khadijah ale salam also known as “Mother of the Believers.” She accepted the faith and supported the Messenger of Allah SWT in the earliest period of trials and persecution he faced.

Being the wife of Muhammad was one of the many aspects of Khadijah ale salam – for she was a well established and powerful businesswoman. In her we find the ultimate and perfect example of a strong Muslim woman with an equally powerful career. She wasn’t afraid to pursue her interests in business, capitalize upon excellent opportunities, and invest her wealth in the worthy cause she and her husband believed in. Following her, amongst the other first believers in Muhammad (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa salam) and his message were women of his own household; his daughters Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah. All these women are worthy of particular mention in their own right for their participation in laying the stones for a newly born Islamic society.

I am proud to be part of an Islamic Ummah full of powerful women and through them I can set right those who argue Islam is anti-women and doesn’t believe in equality like the western world does. In part ii, coming soon, my co-author will digress particularly on various aspects and roles of women within the Islamic societies with specific references from the Quran and Sunnah. For now,  today I will take you on a virtual journey with me to meet several young Muslim personalities in other words, woman of power.

Islam’s First Female Muslim Teacher – the illustrious Al Shifa whose real name Shifa bint Abdullah bin Abd Shams bin Khalaf bin Shadad al-Qurashiyah al-Adawiyah was literate and skilled in medicine during the Jihalah times. Al Shifa holds a strong presence in early Muslim history, she embraced Islam before the Hijrah, by boldly taking the pledge or Bayah to the Messenger, declaring loyalty to him before witnesses at a time, when it was most dangerous thing to do. She migrated from Makkah to Medina where she sought Prophet’s blessing to make use of her skills for the betterment of the new Muslim society. She approached the Prophet and said, “Oh Messenger of Allah, I used to do preventative medicine for antbites during Jahiliyyah, and I want to demonstrate it for you.”

He said, “Demonstrate it.” Al-Shifa reports, “So I demonstrated it for him, and he said “Why don’t you teach this one [indicating Hafsah] the preventative medicine against ant bites, just as you taught her how to write? And the mother of the believers Hafsah Bint Umar ale salam learned with her new teacher Al Shifa. At the personal request of the Prophet, Al Shifa continued to practice her medicinal work, healing Muslims community of sicknesses and teaching preventive medication. Along with this she continued teaching Muslim women how to read and write thus earning the position of first female teacher in Islam.

The Prophet’s wisdom is encouraging a capable woman such as Al Shifa brought fruits beyond imagination. Along with her medicine and teaching, Al Shifa attended mosque to become a great scholar in her own right. She impressed Caliph Umar who appointed her as a market controller in Medina, point to be noted is in 7th century Islamic society started off with women’s active role in public spheres women. Following her success, Caliph Umar replicated the same in Mecca where he appointed another woman; Samra bint Nuhayk. In contrast to the perceived ideas of Islamic world, such moves show that there were women shopkeepers and women shoppers in early Islamic society. For if the market place been largely a man’s place, these women would face challenges in their duties as controller yet neither Al-Shifa nor Samra’ encountered such difficulties. Later on Al Shifa was appointed as the head of health and safety in Basra and she continued to serve the Islamic society till her last days.

The next treasure of Islam is a special female hero of Islam whom I completely adore and look up to. Nusaybah bint Ka’ab. A true warrior, personal bodyguard and women right advocate who is one of the few female companions of Prophet that physically fought in battle in the defense of Messenger of Allah (SWT). After taking the pledge to become Muslim, this mighty woman took place in numerous major events including The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Battle of Uhud, Battle of Hunayn, Battle of Khaybar, and Battle of Yamamah.

The Quran records, when the Battle of Uhud turned into defeat due to Muslims disobeying the command of Muhammad, Nusaybah went forward with her sword unsheathed and her bow in her hand, to join the small group who were standing firm with the Prophet, acting as a human shield to protect him from the arrows of the non-believers. In her praise, the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad said, “Wherever I turned, left or right, on the Day of Uhud — I saw her fighting for me.” Near the end she was inflicted with 13 wounds but didn’t run away from the battle ground rightfully so earning herself the title of “The Shield of Muhammad at Uhud.”

Her courage on the battle ground doesn’t yet define Nusaybah bint Ka’ab for she was a loving wife and strong mother. She fought actively as an advocate for Muslim women, once she asked the Messenger of Allah SWT as why the Quran only mentioned men and not women? Soon thereafter, Ayat 35 of Surah Al’Ahzab was revealed.

Her actions further teach Muslim women to learn self-defense skills as opposed to waiting for any rescue from some knight in shining armor. They also show the inherent core of Islam that doesn’t discriminate between the sexes.  Her valuable services to Islam received praise and were rewarded by Allah SWT and his Messenger alike.

In times, when women were considered inferior, Nusaybah R.A’s active participation in community treaties and battles show that Islam encourages both women and men to play their roles for a just Islamic society. Yet, today’s Muslim communities and countries are plagued with many discriminatory traditions against women; don’t you feel its time for us sisters to take some lessons from our own true hero the possessor of ambition, courage, loyalty and empowerment. Say yes to Muslimah power and just bring out your Nusaybah bint Ka’ab, now.

***

Part II, written by Papatia Feuxzar of The Djarabi Kitabs Publishing

Women of Islam. What can I tell you about these strong pillars who were and are the cornerstone of faith and divine grace. For a start, they are indeed a multitude and start at the very beginning with Eve (Awa aleihi salam) our first mother who if you read the transliteration of the Quran wasn’t accused of leading Adam (aleihi salam) to doom. It was their unanimous decision to listen to the whispers. But this is where the blaming game was inferred. Women aren’t evil temptresses. Both men and women have the ability to seduce and tempt! To prove this, the holy verses say :
“But Satan caused them BOTH to stumble therein, and thus brought about the loss of their erstwhile state. And so We said: “Down with you, [and be henceforth] enemies unto one another; and on earth you shall have your abode and your livelihood for a while.” (Quran 2 :36)

They repented and Allah made them vicegerents of earth. They ruled it peacefully until their time was up. Now speaking of peace, Bilqis (Queen of Sheba) comes to mind. She is considered a valiant governor and a democratic Queen. We know her story from surah 27 of the Quran. King Solomon sent messengers her way to announce the message of Islam (Submitting to One God). As the diplomatic ruler that she was, she consulted her advisers first.
“She said, “O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me.” ” (Quran 27: 32)
“They said, “We are men of strength and of great military might, but the command is yours, so see what you will command.” ” (Quran 27: 33)
The advisers implied that they were ready to fight off the Prophet of Allah because they had the means of their politics but she was wise not to go that route.

Since the final decision rested upon her, Bilqis decided to test King Solomon with a gift from Dunya. She wanted to know if he was after this materialistic world or if his cause was truly above that. Long story short, Bilqis (Barakissa in certain languages) and Solomon saw eye to eye and got married. In fact, Solomon was quite infatuated with her!

The hadith “Never will succeed such a nation as lets their affairs carried out by a woman.” was uttered in a very specific and isolated case about a treacherous nation (Neo-Persian Empire) whose tyrant ruler died and his daughter took over doing the same thing he was doing. The success of Balqis, the former idol worshiper, who converted to Islam after the presence of Allah was made evident to her goes against the fact that this hadith was meant as a general rule of thumb like many religious clerics and some Muslim men make it sound like. Who do you think counselled great kings and men behind closed doors when no one was/is at ear shots? Women of great morals of course! In my opinion, if a nation doesn’t do well because its ruler is a woman it’s probably because the men surrounding her don’t have her back, give her the evil eye, or perhaps undermine her authority because they can’t seem to get acquainted with the idea that a woman is above them. Plain and simple. Idiosyncrasy when a woman gives birth to you…

To continue with another Muslim woman, how about Mary (Maryam aleihi salam) mother of Jesus (Issa alehi salam) ? She was a spiritual woman whose mother (Hanna) prayed that she only become a servant of Allah in a time where only boys were allowed to become monks. Her name actually means just that too. She was so close to Allah that her name is mentioned in the Quran masha’Allah and the law changed because of her and she entered in the service of Allah when she reached the age. Even back then, gender disparities were present. The other great women of Islam aren’t mentioned in the Quran by name but their stories are still known by His might.

Hanna, mother of Maryam aleihi salam was also very religious. She made immeasurable prayers to have a pious boy devoted to the service of Allah. But Allah had a plan and gave her a girl instead to make groundbreaking changes in regard to gender discrimination! So always pray for your children and the sake of the ummah as it is Allah only that guides people and fix all our affairs!

“[Mention, O Muhammad], when the wife of ‘Imran said, “My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service], so accept this from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Quran 2: 35)”
“But when she delivered her, she said, “My Lord, I have delivered a female.” And Allah was most knowing of what she delivered, “And the male is not like the female. And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of Allah ].” (Quran 2: 36)”. See, women are just as capable of doing what men do and the real Islam doesn’t preach discrimination between the sexes.

Feeling like many of the early verses revealed always addressed men or were perhaps vague for her, Umm Salama (aka Hind bint Abi Umayya) spoke up about her concern to her husband Rasullulah sallallahu aleihi wasasalam. Then the same day by Zhur prayer, Surah 33 verse 35 was revealed. How special would you feel when a verse is addressed to you just because you spoke up? I bet fabulous will be the word! So speak up about what bothers you and bring about a change! Surah 3 Verse 195 was also revealed under the same circumstances of brave women demanding inclusion and recognition for their tireless efforts in spreading the message of Islam under the harsh times the Ummah faced at the time.

And in the time of Rasullulah sallallahu aleihi wasasalam, there were such ‘things’ called mubayiat (the involvement of women in politics) and shura (consultation between the head and the constituents of the community). Women participated in many events in the communities notably the bayat annisa. Umm Umarah aka Nusayba bin’t Ka’b mentioned in part I was actually in one of the stages of the bayat al-Aqaba. She was what you call a true warrior never falling short of her duty and allegiance to protect the Prophet Rasullulah sallallahu aleihi wasasalam. She lived the life of a bodyguard for him.

With all that being said and as you might suspect, anything related to women evolving has to be stopped, reduced, hidden, and diminished by closed-minded people. Many women entered Islam and pledged allegiance to the Prophet sallallahu aleihi wasasalam because non-believing Arabs at the time didn’t treat women well. Here is a religion that put women on a pedestal, what do you think I would do in those times? I would join to and surah 60 verse 12 was revealed to protect these enlighted and chosen women to siratal mustaqeem. However, this women’s revolution was cut short when our beloved Prophet sallallahu aleihi wasasalam died and many of his successors went retrograde. Women were pushed back to the sidelines and dismissed from social and political involvement. A women revolution is on its way and nothing will stop it because it was written long ago.
In conclusion here, without women society will collapse. Without men, it’ll collapse too. So give us credit where it is due and see us not as handicapped and invaluable.

Part 2 Source : Women in the Quran by Asma Lamrabet.

Note: ‘The Written vs. NOT Written Stuff’ is a copyrighted collaborative feature series bringing forward attention towards serious issues within the global Muslim communities. This is a joint initiative of two Muslimah writers, Papatia Feuxzar of Djarabi Kitabs Publishing and Saadia Haq of The Human Lens. We will be pleased to hear your feedback, here at wordpress or through email which ever medium works for you.  Copyrights @2015 – 2016

Women In The Qur'an - A Bold Read Review

Women in the Qur'an by Asma Lamrabet translated by Myriam Francois-Cerrah is a VERY bold read. This book of 177 pages is divided in an introductory section, a part one that deals with 'When the Qur'an speaks OF women' and a part two 'When the Qur'an speaks TO women.'

The author Asma Lamrabet is a pathologist in Morroco's Avicenna Hospital. She's also an award winning author of many articles tackling Islam and Women's issues. On the other hand, the translator, Myriam Francois-Cerrah is a writer, broadcaster and academic with a focus on current affairs, France, Islam and the Middle East. She writes for many accredited news magazines and channels like Al Jazeera English.

To continue, I found this read particularity bold and daring because it's a tafsir-exegesis- of the holy verses we have been exposed to all our lives about the women we already know but by a women's perspective that is very dismissive of many popular and biased male's interpretations of the Qur'an which at some point were deeply ingrained to us as a collective as the norm for nearly 15 centuries.

Some of the women cited are Awa (as), Bilqis (as), Maryam (as), Hagar (as), Sarah (as). You get the gist, women after which great miracles were bestowed upon, holy rituals were fashioned after or great doom descended upon because of their betrayal such as the wives of prophets Lut and Noah (as).

I'm sure there is a history of books that critically interpret the scriptures from a women's perspective but this is the first one I read. I have always thought that certain religious Muslim men since the time of rassullulah sallalahu aleihi wassalam to today were and are bonified dictators, patriarchs, and who could never see a woman as their equal even if their faith in Allah and Islam were/are steadfast. It's an oxymoron indeed. Thus, I'm sure many of them made sure to reduce the meaning of certain verses pertaining to fairness and equality toward women. I also have this strong feeling that many works by Muslim women weren't promoted and subsequently died out or weren't preserved the same way men's works and stories were. It's a shame.

Now, did I find Women in the Qur'an blasphemous at times? Yes! But is that because I have never challenged and critically analyzed my past exegeses about women in the Qur'an written by prominent Muslim scholars? Probably. The book is thought provoking, makes many valid points, and also supports exegeses by Muslim men who support Lamrabet's point of views.

With all that being said, this book is needed because no matter how much the Qur'an and the Sunnah vouch for an equality between the sexes, for the fair treatment of women, for the inclusion of women in social events, the reality on the terrain is different. There is a big majority of Muslim women who are still oppressed by imposed and cultural patriarchal ways when it should be the Muslim woman's choice to decide to work, to go pray at the mosque, to have children when in a marriage, to accept or refuse a suitor, to pick her own husband, to wear hijab, to be educated, etc. Unfortunately many Muslim women can't escape their husbands and families (in-laws, biological or even elder non-relatives) making choices for them.

I also believe that this wrong will be right as we all speak up and ask about a change like Lamrabet started. In my opinion, there is also a reason why women will start to outnumber men at the crack of doom; a thing that is already noticeable as the numbers of baby girls born are slightly over the baby boys born. Now, when the women have the majority, it's imperative to stay fair to men, to not act like non-Muslim feminists who can't seem to accept or recognize Muslim Feminists. Jahannam will have a larger number of women and I hope none of the ummah will dwell there because they left sirat-al mustakim.

Furthermore, just because an increase of independent women is a sign of the end times, it doesn't mean women should be kept under a tight leash. I actually see men controlling everything a woman does as a way to stop times. I see it as a way to worship dunya. Everything has an expiration date and things will follow their course no matter what. It's the qadr of Allah. It's been written eons ago. Why fight it?

Above all, get your copy of Women in the Qur'an at Kube Publishing. It has a different insight!

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Women in the Qur'an is also available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble .

Thank you for reading,

Papatia Feauxzar