The AIMPLB informs the Supreme Court on affidavit that women are allowed in mosques to offer namaz.

Today, the top Court was hearing the issue related to the entry of women into mosques for offering ‘namaz’ and also seized a plea regarding the same. In 2020, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court by Farha Anwar Hussain Shaikh stating that alleged practices in India such as prohibiting the entry of Muslim Women into mosques are illegal and unconstitutional. While hearing the case, AIMPLB (All India Muslim Personal Law Board) informed the Supreme Court in an affidavit that “entry of women is permitted inside the mosques for offering namaz.” The affidavit produced by AIMPLB also highlighted that there is no compulsion for Muslim women to join five-time prayers as well as to offer weekly Friday namaz in the congregation. Islam has made it obligatory for Muslim men.

The AIMPLB also stated that the free intermixing of genders in common space does not conform with Islamic positions; therefore, such needs must be addressed by performing segregation within the premises. In addition, the Board highlighted that “Considering the said religious texts, doctrines, and religious beliefs of the followers of Islam, it is submitted that entry of women into mosques for offering namaz inside mosques is permitted.” AIMPLB also appealed that appropriate space for women should be kept in mind while constructing new mosques. The case is likely to be heard by the Supreme Court bench in March 2023.