Muslims should avoid Namaz on road

By Andalib Akhter
New Delhi:
A section of Muslims under a banner of Zakat Foundation of India have appealed the community not to offer Namaz on roads. They said that offering Namaz at places where it could cause disturbance to the members of the society is against the basic principles of Islam.

The appeal came following a row over a mosque of Aravali Apartment in Alaknanda in south Delhi where residents objected to people offering namaz beyond Mosque premises claiming it blocked traffic in the area.

Lately the residents had filed a contempt petition against Delhi Police after the Delhi High Court passed an order in January last year asking the cops to ensure that the prayers were offered within the walls of the mosque. However, the HC dismissed the contempt petition after getting an assurance from the police that the area beyond the mosque boundary will be kept free of the namazis.

A senior police officer told this correspondent that the problem of namazis going beyond their premises is found in all part of the country. The mosques do not have the capacity to accommodate so many people due to which they are forced to offer prayers on the road. Police have to take extra care when people offer namaz on the road and big manpower is used to prevent any untoward incident.

In a statement after meeting with scholars, the president of Zakat Foundation of India, Dr. Zafar Mahmood said the community should outline a mechanism that devout could offer prayers without disturbing the traffic and the society. He asked Muslims to be sensitive to the needs and difficulties of the other members of the society. 'The namaz on roads or footpaths disturbs not only non-Muslim but Muslims too. The children, elders and the sick are more affected if traffic is blocked on roads. He appealed to the Muslims, particularly the Imam and Mutawallis of mosques to send a list of mosques where people offer nemaz beyond the premises of the mosques, in order that alternative arrangements could be thought of.
Reference by:http://islamicvoice.com

Workshop on Rights of Women in Quran

By Nigar Ataulla
Mumbai:
The Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS) and Institute of Islamic Studies, Mumbai organized a three-day workshop on “Rights of Women in Quran- Theory and Practice” at the Bio-Medical Ethics Centre, St Pius College in Mumbai. Representatives from the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan from across India formed the majority of participants. But NGOs working in the field of women's rights too participated. The first session of the programme was taken by Dr Zeenath Shaukat Ali, professor of Islamic Studies at St Xaviers College, Mumbai who elaborated on the Quranic verses that explain the status accorded to women by Islam. She also spoke on “Concept of Evidence in Law.” Maulana Shoiab Koti handled the subject on “Concept of Women in Quran” and “Gender Parity in Islam”. Shazia of CSSS spoke on “ Fatwa: its origin, history and present reality.” Advocate Flavia Agnes spelt out the “Legal Rights of Muslim Women.” Nausheen, an advocate and working with the NGO Majlis presented case studies. Nilofer Akhter, also an advocate interacted with the participants stressing on the importance of knowledge of the laws for women. Dr. Malika Mistry referred to many case studies on “Responsible Parenthood.” Qutub Jahan Kidwai threw light on the need for Reforms in Muslim Law. Dr Asghar Ali Engineer, due to ill health could not be present for the sessions, however presented his remarks on the “Quranic Rights for Women”, over phone from the hospital.
Reference by: http://islamicvoice.com