Reclaiming the Mosque: The Role of Women in Islam's House of Worship

At a time when misogyny and hostile attitudes towards women are plaguing Muslim communities throughout the world, Dr Jasser Auda presents a timely and vital challenge to the contentious issue of women's access to the mosque, expounding the Islamic perspective. The initial rights that Islam made sacrosanct for women have been tarnished over the centuries by patriarchal structures and cultural limitations which are far removed from Islamic ideals. Using multiple references to the Quran and the Prophetic traditions, Auda builds a provocative and eye-opening narrative which tackles the issue of women in the mosque head on. Auda explores the controversial interpretations that arise from so called 'problem' hadiths, and addresses the topic of female leadership from both theological and social angles, as well as tackling the ongoing issue of gender segregation. Reclaiming The Mosque is a crucial response to the current trials facing Muslim communities, and moreover it offers a clear and cohesive call to action that harks back to the Islamic principles of freedom, justice, and human rights.