Muslim woman free to offer Namaz in mosque: AIMPLB to SC

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Thursday told the Supreme Court that a Muslim woman is free to enter a mosque to offer Namaz.

The AIMPLB stated that entry of women into mosques is permitted. "A Muslim woman is free to enter a masjid (mosque) for prayers. It is her option to exercise her right to avail such facilities as available for prayers in a masjid," AIMPLB stated in its affidavit in response to a public interest litigation seeking to allow entry of Muslim women into mosques.

AIMPLB said the practices of religions in places of worship such as mosques are purely private actions regulated by muttawalis and mosques. It added that the court or AIMPLB could not look into making detailed arrangements in such a religious place "which is a completely privately managed entity for religious practices of believers".


It stated that the issues raised in the PIL not only pertained to the management of a religious place but also regulating activities connected with a religious place.

Elaborating, the AIMPLB submitted that while Islam does not make it "obligatory" for Muslim women to pray five times a day or offer Friday Namaz "in congregation", they are permitted to pray in the mosque.

It added that women have the option to choose to offer prayers either at a mosque or at their home.

The affidavit said the etiquettes of prayer, particularly with respect to "no free-intermingling of men and women", are adhered to willingly, strictly and sincerely by all worshippers.