Indian Supreme Court Judge Discusses Customs on Women Offering Namaz in Mosques

NEW DELHI — Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, part of a nine-judge Supreme Court bench, stated on Thursday that since the days of the Prophet, there has been no ban on women entering mosques to offer namaz, though customs and procedures regulate how they pray.

Senior advocate M R Shamshad argued that the custom of providing separate spaces for Muslim women to offer namaz cannot be questioned by a court. Shamshad added that while there is no ban on women offering namaz in mosques, it is preferable for them to do so at home.

explained that one reason for preferring women to offer namaz at home is to ensure that children are cared for if all adults go to the mosque. The bench was addressing issues from the Sabarimala temple entry case, involving faith versus fundamental rights. Shamshad stated that a masjid is the essence of Islam and central to Muslim religious practices.

noted that a public interest litigation seeking equal treatment for women in mosques, including front-row places in congregations, is not provided for in the Quran. He added that there is no concept of a sanctum sanctorum in mosques barring women's entry, unlike in temples.

Justice Amanullah stated that whether women stand in the front row or in separate enclosures is determined by customs practiced for 1,200 years.