Religious bodies say women Qazis in Jaipur cannot ‘judge men’ | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Religious bodies say women Qazis in Jaipur cannot ‘judge men’

Hindustan Times | By, Jaipur
Feb 10, 2016 12:01 PM IST

Two women who were first to complete a course for Qazis among 30 students are facing a backlash from Muslim religious organisations who say they cannot “judge men”.

Challenging a male bastion, two women who were first to complete a course for Qazis among 30 students are facing a backlash from Muslim religious organisations who say they cannot “judge men”.

Jahanara (extreme left) was one of the two women who were the first to complete a course for Qazis, in Jaipur.(HT File Photo)
Jahanara (extreme left) was one of the two women who were the first to complete a course for Qazis, in Jaipur.(HT File Photo)

The women are being trained by Darul Uloom Niswaan, a centre for Islamic learning and theology started by the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA).

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

BMMA founder Zakia Soman says the training programme for the 30 women began in Jaipur. The initiative is part of the larger feminist movement by some women activists and scholars who want to present a humane, just and peaceful face of Islam, she says.

Inspired by the works of progressive and feminist Islamic writings, Soman and BMMA co-founder Dr Noorjehan Safia Niaz framed the curriculum for the programme.

“Till now, the Quran has been interpreted by men and they have given a patriarchal interpretation. The growing instances of triple talaq, halala, polygamy, denial of alimony are results of patriarchal interpretation,” Soman told HT.

Dr Niaz says Ulemas and Maulvis interpret the Quran in a conservative, patriarchal manner. “They haven’t addressed problems of women nor responded to needs of a changing society.”

In Jaipur, Jahanara and Afroz Begum are facing a backlash from Muslim religious organisations for their decision to become Quazis. But they remain unfazed.

“I have been working for Muslim women since a long time. I understand their daily trials and tribulations, and I realise there is a need to view issues in the Muslim community from women’s perspective,” Jahanara said.

Afroz says the Quran gives both men and women the right to education and encourages them to gain knowledge. “I wanted to learn more about my religion so I took up this training.”

But Muslim religious bodies such as All India Muslim Personal law Board, Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and Anjum Educational Welfare Society are up in arms.

“In Quran, it is written that women cannot judge men. So how can they become Qazis and give rulings?” All India Darul Qazat national president Khalid Usmani said.

“The Quran also states that women cannot lead men…so women cannot perform Namaz.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind secretary Mohamed Iqbal says the Darul Uloom Niswaan has no authority to appoint Qazis. “Qazis can only be appointed by certain bodies like All India Muslim Personal Law Board or Government of India under the Qazi Act,” he said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Urvashi Dev Rawal is assistant editor with Hindustan Times Rajasthan edition and is based in Jaipur. She reports on politics, development journalism and women’s issues. She has reported from Delhi and Gujarat previously.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On