{"id":738,"date":"2015-09-06T20:58:31","date_gmt":"2015-09-07T01:58:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/commonwordcommonlord\/?p=738"},"modified":"2015-09-06T20:58:32","modified_gmt":"2015-09-07T01:58:32","slug":"its-about-time-muslims-launch-initiative-for-woman-friendly-mosques","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/commonwordcommonlord\/its-about-time-muslims-launch-initiative-for-woman-friendly-mosques\/","title":{"rendered":"It’s About Time: Muslims Launch Initiative for Woman-Friendly Mosques"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the Name of God: The Eternally and Everlastingly Loving and Caring<\/i><\/p>\n

I was blessed to attend the 52nd Annual Concention in Chicago this past weekend. Among the many great sessions was the launch of the campaign<\/a> to make mosques in America more woman-friendly. It was an electrifying session. <\/p>\n

Yet, not only did I witness the launch of this initiative, but I was blessed to add my own signature on both forms of the document: online and on paper. <\/p>\n

 \"\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

For a long time, Muslim women have complained that their spaces were woefully inadequate. They were absolutely right. In fact, despite the beauty of the mosque in Paris, which I was blessed to visit recently, the women’s space was terrible. <\/p>\n

For such a long time, it seemed little was being done about it. Well, now things have changed. The Islamic Society of North America, the largest American Muslim organization, is trying to do something about it. <\/p>\n

The statement ISNA released reads as follows: <\/p>\n

We, the undersigned Muslim scholars, leaders, organizations and concerned Muslims, voice our strong commitment to uphold and realize the Prophetic ideal of masjids being open and inclusive of women. Striving to realize the Prophetic model, we call upon all masjids to ensure that (1) women are welcomed as an integral part of masjids and encouraged to attend, (2) women have a prayer space in the main musalla which is behind the lines of men but not behind a full barrier that disconnects women from the main musalla and prevents them from seeing the imam; and (3) women actively participate in the decision-making process of the masjid, best realized by having women on the governing bodies of masjids.<\/i><\/p>\n

The full statement outlines the theological basis for their stance. <\/p>\n

It’s about time! <\/p>\n

This initiative is the result of the hard work of scores of Muslim women (and men) who have strived to make mosques and Islamic institutions live up to the Quranic ideal: <\/p>\n

The believing men and the believing women are awliya\u2019 (supporters, helpers, protectors, patrons) of one another: they (both) enjoin what is known to be good and forbid what is known to be bad; they establish salah and pay zakah; and they obey God and His Messenger. These are the ones on whom Allah will bestow mercy\u2014indeed Allah is exalted in power, wise (9:71).<\/i><\/p>\n

There is no way to live up to this ideal if our sisters, who are at least half of the community, have to enter the mosque from the side or pray in a terrible space. <\/a><\/p>\n

I’m so proud to be a signatory. I’m so grateful to have been there to witness the launch of the campaign. And I pray that these noble words of truth and commitment translate into concrete action and results. Our sisters deserve as much. <\/p>\n

It’s about time. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Hassaballa","description":"Hesham A. Hassaballa is a Chicago doctor and writer. He has written extensively on a freelance basis, being published in newspapers across the country and around the world. He has been a Beliefnet columnist since 2001, and has written for the Religion News Service. He is also a columnist for Patheos. His articles have been distributed worldwide by Agence Global, and he was also a guest blogger for The Chicago Tribune and has blogged on ChicagoNow\" . In addition, Dr. Hassaballa has appeared as a guest on WTTW (Channel 11) in Chicago, CNN, Fox News, BBC, and National Public Radio. Dr. Hassaballa is co-author of The Beliefnet Guide to Islam (Doubleday), and his essay, \u201cWhy I Love the Ten Commandments,\u201d was published in the award-winning book Taking Back Islam (Rodale). His latest book, Noble Brother, is the story of the Prophet Muhammad told entirely in poetry, and it is now published in its second edition. In 2007, his blog \"God, Faith, and a Pen\" was nominated for a Brass Crescent Award for a blog that is \u201cthe most stimulating, insightful, and philosophical, providing the best rebuttals to extremist ideology and making an impact whenever they post.\u201d \"God, Faith, and a Pen\" has also received an award for being one of the \"Top Muslim Blogs for 2010\" by Awarding The Web. In addition to writing, Dr. Hassaballa helped found the Chicago Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations and currently serves on their board of directors. He also co-founded the Bayan H. 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