http://www.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-478/_nr-399/i.html
First Mosque for Women in Kabul
"God Isn't Only There for Men"
Over the past few decades, women in Islamic countries
have become more self-assertive and have also
rediscovered going to the mosque. These developments
are now gradually being felt in Afghanistan. The first
official mosque for women recently opened in Kabul.
Ratbil Shamel reports
The imam calls the faithful to prayer and Muslims all
over the world heed this call five times a day - even
in Afghanistan. Just as in most other predominantly
Islamic countries, the mosques of the Hindu Kush are
almost exclusively attended by men.
Things are now about to change at the request of
many women, especially those living in the capital
Kabul. In addition, the State Ministry for Religious
Affairs has given its expressed permission and
support.
God is not only there for men, argues the Afghan
Women's Association. Women want to be more visible in
public. The mosque as a house of God should no longer
remain the exclusive domain of men.
Following a request from the women's association, an
existing mosque in the east of Kabul was renovated a
few months ago and officially declared a "mosque for
men and women." They weren't given the whole of the
Imam Ali Mosque. Even so, the second floor of the
building is now reserved for women. There is room for
150 persons.
"The opening of the women's mosque has been a historic
success for us. It is the first such mosque in the
history of our country. And I am certain that we will
witness the establishment of other such houses of God
throughout the whole of Afghanistan," said Roh Afzah
from the Ministry for Religious Affairs
enthusiastically.
Hardly any criticism raised
Outside of Kabul, however, tradition still reigns. For
the most part, traditional practices are respected
more than state law and, in effect, even more than
religious prescripts. The majority simply ignore the
fact that men and women have an equal right to pray in
the mosque. Tradition restricts the role of women to
the domestic sphere. Public space is set aside for
men.
What is possible in Kabul isn't necessarily applicable
to other areas of Afghanistan. Nevertheless, many
Afghan women's associations have been campaigning for
the establishment of women's mosques outside of Kabul.
They argue that in the long term, equal treatment in
religious matters will also strengthen the role women
play in society.
This is why they are not only promoting the setting up
of further women's mosques, but also for mullahs to
preach there. "We want mullahs who will inform women
on their religious rights!" demanded one woman from
Kabul.
So far, the Imam Ali Mosque is an experiment with as
yet unforeseeable consequences. There has been no
opposition to the "women's mosque" in Kabul.
Surprisingly, conservative religious and
fundamentalist circles have as yet remained reserved
in their criticism. Despite this, opposition is
expected.
Discussion on issues of faith
The supporters of women's mosques no longer want
conservative groups stipulating how they should
practice their faith.
They also demand the right to have a say in religious
matters. They aren't the only ones making such a
demand. For months now, women Islamic scholars have
been discussing matters of faith with their male
counterparts on private Afghan television and have
provided alternative interpretations to religious
sources.
The opening of the women's mosque is for many Afghan
women a small step towards equal treatment even when
the number of women attending the Imam Ali Mosque
remains comparatively quite small. One male frequenter
of the mosque, however, hopes that this will gradually
change.
"Women are still being forced to do a lot of work at
home. Many just can't find the time to attend the
mosque. Yet, I think this will change. When women
somehow manage to find more time, they too will come
here more often."
Ratbil Shamel
© DEUTSCHE WELLE/DW-WORLD.DE/Qantara.de 2006
Translation from German: John Bergeron
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