No restriction on Muslim women entering mosques for prayers: AIMPLB tells Supreme Court

New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Friday told the Supreme Court of India that there is no restriction in Islam on Muslim women entering mosques to offer prayers.

However, the Board clarified that women cannot insist on entering through a specific gate or demand removal of partitions between men and women inside mosques.

The submission was made during the hearing of a writ petition seeking unrestricted access for women to offer prayers in mosques.

The affidavit was filed before a nine-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which is also examining legal aspects related to the Sabarimala case.

Senior advocate M R Shamshad, appearing for the Board, told the court that there is consensus across all schools of Islam that women are allowed to enter mosques for prayers. He said there are no differences among Islamic sects on this issue.

He added that while entry is permitted, women are required to follow the discipline maintained in mosques. They cannot claim a right to enter through the main gate or to pray alongside men without separation. He also stated that while congregational prayers are mandatory for men, they are not compulsory for women, and offering prayers at home is considered equally rewarding.

The counsel further submitted that mosques do not have a sanctum, and therefore no individual can claim a right to lead prayers or insist on praying at a specific place.

During the hearing, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah observed that historically there had been no dispute regarding women entering mosques since the time of the Prophet. He also noted that women were earlier allowed to pray at home considering responsibilities such as childcare.

Responding to a query from the Chief Justice on whether women can participate in congregational prayers, the Board’s counsel said women can take part, but they would have to pray in designated separate spaces.