Hyderabad: More and more Muslim women in the city are now keen on offering the ‘taraweeh’ prayers the additional nightly prayers offered during the holy month of Ramzan in congregation.
The trend, according to the religious scholars and heads of some Islamic seminaries, has picked up over the last couple of years.
However, a majority of the ulema insist that while Muslim women offering Taraweeh in congregation is allowed, they should do so in a separate section of the masjid and a male imam should be the one leading the prayers.
In the taraweeh prayers, the imam recites sections of the holy Quran, every day of the holy month after the ishaa prayers.
Earlier, the women offered taraweeh prayers at their homes in the absence of suitable places. “A few used to turn up out at the major mosque like the Macca Masjid where separate arrangements are made for women namazis,” said Mufti Mastan Ali, rector Jamiat ul Mominath – a religious seminary in the Old City.
According to Mufti Mastan Ali, the scenario is changing rapidly. “About 3,000 women who are qualified ‘Huffaaz’ – one who has memorised the Quran – are coming forward to conduct the taraweeh prayers. Equally, several local religious organisations and individuals used to arrange the premises where the women could offer congregational prayers,” he said.
The groups are hiring school building or function halls to conduct congregational prayers for women. “About 1,500 students will be going to different neighbourhoods in the month of Ramzan to lead the ‘Taraweeh’ prayers,” said Mufti Mastan Ali.
Ayesha Khanam, a resident of the Old City said it is believed that those who offer the prayers in a congregation will get more rewards . “Several working women and homemakers go to places where congregational prayers are held. Compared to previous years, the prayers are held at multiple places in Muslim-dominated localities,” she said.
