Fikre Debela
Oct. 24, 2008
Some religions carry expectations that women are suppose to follow. In the Christian religion, some churches require women to wear only dresses and skirts; no pants allowed. In practices in some middle eastern religions women are expected to follow men in being the dominate force in society. When women do take a stand many disruptions may occur. This is the case we are following.
Protest have occurred from all over the Muslim community in Britain. Amina Wadud, a visiting professor , became the first women to lead an Islamic prayer service. A Muslim student pointed out that there is no direct reference saying that a women cannot do this in the Quran, but is suggested to by the Islamic law. He also noted that “ Muslims extract law not only from the Holy Quran, but also from the teachings of the Prophet and of his progeny. This is not the first time Wadud has led prayer over an Islamic prayer service. She did once in South Africa, but then received death threats from extremist there. The only time mixed services are allowed are when make Imams hold mixed services. Women are then allowed to lead prayer for other women but men have to lead prayer for the whole congregation.
This can be a very hard issue to debate. Religions are very sacred and can be very conservative at times. Respect is important to understand in dealing within religions. I agree that in some circumstances women should be able to have more power in a service but it all depends on what standards that church run on. Respect is very important. I think it was very brave for this professor to do this knowing what she was going to get herself into though.
http://www.cherwell.org/content.php?id=7854
3 comments:
I must agree that this professor is very brave to get into such a controversial situation, she had to understand the possible consequences. I believe, too, that you are correct in saying that respect is the most important thing involved in this case. The religion and its traditions must be respected, for what is a religion without tradition. The woman, too, much be respected for her bravery and devotion to said religion.
I agree with you. Respect is a must when dealing with religions. Religion is such a touchy subject and most are based on such traditional values. Wadud should be commended for her courage in conducting these prayers. I'm not sure if I would be able to do it, knowing the controversy that it would entail.
I agree that respect for a religion's principles has to be shown, but I find it hard to respect people who discriminate against women, or anyone else for that matter, in the name of their religion. I'm not religious myself, and in any case I was raised catholic, not muslim, so maybe my opinion isn't worth much, but I think that if the Quran does not say that women are in any way inferior to men, then there's no excuse for anyone to think that way, regardless of the way they've been brought up to think.
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