MWA-GMEA4W PETITION
To: King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Custodian of the Two Holy
Mosques and Panel Members from the Makkah Governorate,
the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs, and the King
Fahd Institute for Haj Research proposing to prohibit women
from praying inside the sahn [Kaaba area] of Makkah's Grand
Mosque:
Mosques and Panel Members from the Makkah Governorate,
the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs, and the King
Fahd Institute for Haj Research proposing to prohibit women
from praying inside the sahn [Kaaba area] of Makkah's Grand
Mosque:
As I/we feel certain you are aware, the religion of Islam was revealed for both
men and women. Both sexes are equal when it comes to the performance
religious duties and in terms of rewards and punishments.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also instructed that women must not be
banned from mosques.
Yet it has come to my/our attention that a committee in Makkah has proposed
to restrict the prayers of women and limit the areas where they can pray in the
Grand Mosque.
Whatever the reasoning behind such a proposal, we cannot seriously present
to the world the idea that the presence of women in the innermost area of the
Haram is any less disturbing to worshippers and visitors than the presence of
men!
men and women. Both sexes are equal when it comes to the performance
religious duties and in terms of rewards and punishments.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also instructed that women must not be
banned from mosques.
Yet it has come to my/our attention that a committee in Makkah has proposed
to restrict the prayers of women and limit the areas where they can pray in the
Grand Mosque.
Whatever the reasoning behind such a proposal, we cannot seriously present
to the world the idea that the presence of women in the innermost area of the
Haram is any less disturbing to worshippers and visitors than the presence of
men!
The small section (left) represented by Muslim women dressed in
traditional black abaya's (outer covering) is representative of the space
currently alloted women for praying in the inner circle of the mosque at
Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
traditional black abaya's (outer covering) is representative of the space
currently alloted women for praying in the inner circle of the mosque at
Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Neither would we dare to presume that the prayers of men are somehow better than those of women.
And yet the best proposal that can be offered by a panel of men comprised of representatives from the Makkah Governorate, the Presidency of the
Two Holy Mosques Affairs, and the King Fahd Institute for Haj Research, is to eliminate the presence of women altogether.
Would there be any harm in considering the addition of selected women for the panel, or a proposed resolution from a woman?
As it happens, Hatoon Al-Fassi, a Saudi writer and historian based in Riyadh, offered a counter-proposal in her Arab News published article of
August 30.
Ms. Al-Fassi stated, "In order to allow women to pray in the Grand Mosque in the proper manner, let us allocate a special area for them beginning
from the Kaaba and ending at masaa (the running area between Safa and Marwa). The width of this area could be determined based on field
studies conducted by the Haj Research Institute on the number of women who come to pray at the mosque. If this were done, the equality of sexes
promulgated by Islam would be achieved.
"It would also protect women from prejudice and ensure that no men prayed behind them. Moreover, women would be able to pray in comfort, sit
closer to the Kaaba and achieve maximum devotion and closeness to God."
I/we reiterate the request of Ms. Al-Fassi, that her suggestion be considered with open hearts and minds.
Alternatively the panel could be allowed to re-convene with the addition of female representation.
Surely a proposal such as the one currently on the table cannot be accepted as a final, as it is, indeed, a violation of the spirit and message of Islam
that was sent for all of humanity without any discrimination.
May Allah guide us all. Amin.
PETITIONERS INTERESTED IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MUSLIMAH WRITER'S ALLIANCE GRAND
MOSQUE EQUAL ACCESS FOR WOMEN (GMEA4W) PROJECT ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE CAMPAIGN'S WEBSITE.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned (click to sign)
View Current Signatures
And yet the best proposal that can be offered by a panel of men comprised of representatives from the Makkah Governorate, the Presidency of the
Two Holy Mosques Affairs, and the King Fahd Institute for Haj Research, is to eliminate the presence of women altogether.
Would there be any harm in considering the addition of selected women for the panel, or a proposed resolution from a woman?
As it happens, Hatoon Al-Fassi, a Saudi writer and historian based in Riyadh, offered a counter-proposal in her Arab News published article of
August 30.
Ms. Al-Fassi stated, "In order to allow women to pray in the Grand Mosque in the proper manner, let us allocate a special area for them beginning
from the Kaaba and ending at masaa (the running area between Safa and Marwa). The width of this area could be determined based on field
studies conducted by the Haj Research Institute on the number of women who come to pray at the mosque. If this were done, the equality of sexes
promulgated by Islam would be achieved.
"It would also protect women from prejudice and ensure that no men prayed behind them. Moreover, women would be able to pray in comfort, sit
closer to the Kaaba and achieve maximum devotion and closeness to God."
I/we reiterate the request of Ms. Al-Fassi, that her suggestion be considered with open hearts and minds.
Alternatively the panel could be allowed to re-convene with the addition of female representation.
Surely a proposal such as the one currently on the table cannot be accepted as a final, as it is, indeed, a violation of the spirit and message of Islam
that was sent for all of humanity without any discrimination.
May Allah guide us all. Amin.
PETITIONERS INTERESTED IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MUSLIMAH WRITER'S ALLIANCE GRAND
MOSQUE EQUAL ACCESS FOR WOMEN (GMEA4W) PROJECT ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE CAMPAIGN'S WEBSITE.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned (click to sign)
View Current Signatures
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| In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful |
| Muslimah Writers Alliance Announces |
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BREAKING NEWS: Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Welcomes News of Saudi Reversal to Eliminate Women's Prayer Area
MWANET (Sept. 12, 2006)
Women Welcome Rejection of Haram Prayer Proposal
Razan Baker, Arab News
JEDDAH, 12 September 2006
Women’s Petition Opposes Grand Mosque Plans
Razan Baker, Arab News
JEDDAH, 11 September 2006
Saudi Clerics Backtrack on Mecca Women Prayer Ban
RIYADH (Reuters) - Sept. 11, 2006
Saudi Officials Consider Banning Women From Praying at Shrine of Mecca, Raising Protests
By DONNA ABU-NASR Associated Press Writer
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Sept. 7, 2006)
(ABC News International)
Women in the Grand Mosque
ARAB NEWS (Sept. 5, 2006)
Chorus Gets Louder
SAUDI GAZETTE (Sept. 2, 2006)
Muslimah Writers Alliance Joins Coalition of Activists Seeking Preservation of Women's Prayer Area at Mecca's Grand Mosque
MWANET (Aug. 31, 2006)
Women to Fight Mecca Restriction
Daily News, South Africa (Aug. 30, 2006)
The Rights of Women in the Grand Mosque
ALJAZEERA-REUTERS (Aug. 30, 2006)
Women Face Curbs at Makka
ARAB NEWS (Aug. 28, 2006)
MWANET (Sept. 12, 2006)
Women Welcome Rejection of Haram Prayer Proposal
Razan Baker, Arab News
JEDDAH, 12 September 2006
Women’s Petition Opposes Grand Mosque Plans
Razan Baker, Arab News
JEDDAH, 11 September 2006
Saudi Clerics Backtrack on Mecca Women Prayer Ban
RIYADH (Reuters) - Sept. 11, 2006
Saudi Officials Consider Banning Women From Praying at Shrine of Mecca, Raising Protests
By DONNA ABU-NASR Associated Press Writer
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Sept. 7, 2006)
(ABC News International)
Women in the Grand Mosque
ARAB NEWS (Sept. 5, 2006)
Chorus Gets Louder
SAUDI GAZETTE (Sept. 2, 2006)
Muslimah Writers Alliance Joins Coalition of Activists Seeking Preservation of Women's Prayer Area at Mecca's Grand Mosque
MWANET (Aug. 31, 2006)
Women to Fight Mecca Restriction
Daily News, South Africa (Aug. 30, 2006)
The Rights of Women in the Grand Mosque
ALJAZEERA-REUTERS (Aug. 30, 2006)
Women Face Curbs at Makka
ARAB NEWS (Aug. 28, 2006)
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