The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has submitted before the Supreme Court that women are free to enter mosques, but feels that the Supreme Court should not rule on such matters. The SC is hearing petitions related to entry of women into Sabrimala, mosques and Parsee agiyaris (for women who marry outside the community).
In a counter-affidavit filed before the apex court, the AIMPLB says, “It is submitted that, essentially the questions as raised in the petition are relating to the doctrine of Islamic religious principles. The questions are directly in relation to tenets of Islam as professed and practiced by followers of Islam in different Islamic religious denominations in India. The questions in the present petition are in relation to purely religious principles/ beliefs 2 and it shall not be appropriate for this Hon’ble Court to enter into the religious practices based upon beliefs of the religion by invoking Articles 14, 15, 21, 25 and 29 of Constitution of India. It is further clarified that the issues raised in this petition are not the issues pertaining to statute(s).”
It adds, “Hence, the Respondent is of its firm view that the averments/ pleadings in relation to Articles 14, 15, 21, 25 and 29 of the Constitution of India cannot be considered and looked into for the prayers as claimed in the present petition.”
On the subject of entry of women into mosques, something that was being compared to the Sabrimala temple entry case, the AIMPLB has set the record straight saying, “Considering the said religious texts, doctrine and religious belief of the followers of Islam, it is submitted that entry of women in the Mosque for offering prayer/Namaz, inside the Mosque, is permitted. Thus, a Muslim woman is free to enter Masjid for prayers. It is her option to exercise her right to avail such facilities as available for prayers in Masjid. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board does want to comment on any contrary religious opinion to this effect. Islam has not made it obligatory on Muslim women to join congregational prayer nor is it obligatory for woman to offer Friday Namaz in congregation though it is so on Muslim men. The Muslim woman is differently placed because as per doctrines of Islam she is entitled to the same religious reward (Sawab) for praying as per her option either in Masjid or at home.”
The entire counter-affidavit may be read here:
