women friendly mosques

Allah forgive me
i forgot to say this at the start of this blog journey:

bismillahir-rahmanir-rahim

…

“A masjid that is open to women’s access and participation is a masjid
that welcomes present and future generations of Muslims.”

i’ve been trying to read it for months now
ishaq printed it out for me
HE found it for me:

women friendly mosques and community centers:
working together to reclaim our heritage

ameen!
but before i start my ranting
the links:
http://www.cair-net.org/pdf/text.pdf
http://www.cair-net.org/pdf/intro.pdf

it was thoughtful, clear, concise
and backed up with evidence

shall i share a few quotes:

Sharing the main prayer hall allowed women to fully engage in public debate and influence decisions affecting their lives and the life of the community…

Preventing women from exercising established rights, or undertake moral duties and social obligations, cannot be justified on the basis of “guarding against corruption.”…

In addition, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, practiced an adab or etiquette for women attending the masjid. His guidelines about where women stand relative to men during prayer (in rows behind) indicate that his practice was for women and men to pray in the same room. Out of his compassion for women and children, the Prophet, peace be upon him, would shorten his prayer when he heard a child crying. After the compulsory prayers, he would remain seated for a few moments along with the men in congregation, to allow women to exit the masjid first(6). Also, he asked women to attend the masjid without wearing perfume(7). In addition, recognizing that some subjects were more easily discussed in separate gatherings, he, peace be upon him, occasionally taught women separately from men(8). Muslims should rush to emulate his flexibility,
openness, and respect for women’s presence in the masjid…

(6) Bukhari (81:826, 83:831)
(7) This hadith is agreed upon. See for an example, Ibn Hanbal, 2:438, 2:475
(8) This hadith is agreed upon. See for an example, Bukkari (36:101)

One of the unfortunate consequences is that women and their children are losing the knowledge about adab al masjid or rules of attending the masjid and congregational prayers. In addition, an entire generation of women (and children) is moving away from the masjid and finding other avenues for their intellect and training…

The alienation of women from the masjid must be addressed at the local level. Each masjid must gradually, but in a determined fashion modify its architecture, governance, and programs to be inclusive of women and children. The leadership at each masjid must be proactive in initiating
and supporting these changes…

Throughout the world, the kursi, or scholar’s chair, for regular lectures
is at the side of the masjid, and the front is reserved for prayer, indicating that the adab for prayer is different than the adab for other educational sessions…

To operate as one ummah or Muslim community, we must treat all its members with respect and accord each person dignity as a human being. Women will value the right to pray in the main prayer hall. They will value the opportunity to have their views represented in the way that the masjid is run and to have an active role in programs. They will enjoy the full benefits of learning about Islam. These changes will enhance women’s participation and nurture their souls and empower them as equal members of the ummah. When we empower women, we will empower future generations of Muslims and fortify their Muslim identity. Insha Allah…