Bangla Hunt/ Pallab Ghosh
Muslim women in Kolkata will now be able to offer ‘namaz’ at the two iconic mosques in the city. Two heritage mosques Nakhoda Masjid (Mosque), Tipu Sultan Masjid (Mosque). According to authorities, work is in progress to make provisions for women like separate entries, special halls and washrooms. This was a long standing demand by the Muslim women who felt deprived by not able to offer ‘namaz’ in these mosques. Finally, the matter has been addressed by the Bengal Imam Association which has written to these mosques following which work is under process.
The letter says, an intitiative has been finally taken after watching numerous Muslim women including large number of foreigners waiting to offer ‘namaz’ but due to lack of infrastructure they are not allowed inside these mosques. A copy the letter has been also sent to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) among others.
Three salient features of the letter:
1. Separate ‘purdah’ arrangement for women to offer namaz
2. Washroom
3. Adequate arrangements for people with disabilities
This is indeed a commendable initiative. Muslim women as per Islamic law are allowed to offer ‘namaz’, yet many mosques in Bengal do not allow them to enter the sanctum sanctirum due to lack of washrooms, purdah to offer prayers etc. “It is a good gesture as many Muslim women including me could not offer ‘namaz’, now after the provisions, we will be able to offer prayers”, said Shazia Jahan, a media professional. Another old lady Jahanra Begum in Park Circus said, “Indeed commendable, we had been demanding this but nobody paid attention. Now we will be able to offer ‘namaz’ as both are iconic mosques in the city”. The work may take a year to complete.
It may not be out of place to mention the iconic Haji Ali Dargah was oppened to women recently. The Dargah is 15th century old and has the mazar of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.
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