Reclaiming sacred spaces - Muslim Women's Struggle for Entry into Haji Ali Dargah

Reclaiming sacred spaces - Muslim Women's Struggle for Entry into Haji Ali Dargah 
https://notionpress.com/read/reclaiming-sacred-spaces

This book captures the journey of Muslim women led by BMMA to gain entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the Haji Ali Dargah. In 2012, BMMA activists could not enter the sanctum as women were barred from accessing and offering prayers near the tomb. This was the first time in the 400 years of the history of this dargah that someone was barred from offering prayers while standing inside the inner room where the tomb lies. For those women living in Mumbai and visiting Haji Ali as part of their growing up years, this restriction came as a shock. It was not only regressive from a gender perspective but also was indicative of more restrictions which might be imposed in future, killing the syncretic spirit of dargahs which have been home to all, irrespective of class, gender, religion or any other category.

The following two years were a struggle outside the court when women tried to negotiate and sort out the issue by demanding the restoration of the status quo through dialogue. When those initiatives failed to give any result, then BMMA approached the Mumbai High Court.

Chapter 1 of the book outlines both, the struggle outside the court and then the struggle within the court. It also looks closely at the role of state and its various agencies whose primary responsibility is to fulfil their constitutional obligation of protecting women’s rights.

Chapter 2 looks at the debate based on the Indian Constitution. The intersectionality of Constitution, religion and women’s rights and how Muslim women invoked the various articles of the Constitution to regain entry into the dargah.

Chapter 3 is about Islam and women’s rights. Quran, as the book of God has emphasized on gender equality unequivocally. It is the Quranic values of justice, equality, kindness, wisdom and compassion which are at the core of Islam. Patriarchal interpretations stand exposed as women themselves begin reclaiming religion from the clutches of conservative religious organizations.

Many annexures capture the journey and the final message of the judiciary. Many individuals and groups came forward to support and show solidarity which is again captured in the annexures. Media played an important role in highlighting the issue and women’s perspective throughout.

In all, this book captures all that one needs to know about the Muslim women’s fight for gender justice followed by a victory which was their first foray into the religious arena. It is a book about the struggle and triumph of Muslim women as Indian citizens, as women, as Muslims.

Nobody imagined that a democratic struggle by ordinary Muslim women would hit patriarchy at its core and yield a great step forward towards gender justice. The ‘Haji Ali Case’ not only challenged the patriarchy within the Muslim community but also created space for an alternative voice which was desperately trying to speak the language of equality, justice and democracy. This struggle created space for an open debate on women’s rights and religion which hitherto was confined to certain academic circles.

Muslim women in India, led by BMMA, are today at the forefront of reforms, especially those emanating from religion. They have kept it simple- Muslim women will take from the Constitution, from the Quran, from CEDAW, from UDHR and from any other document all that will facilitate their betterment and equality. A Muslim woman is a world citizen today and she has all the right to reach out to all quarters so that she can lead the change not just for herself or for her community but for all humankind and indeed for the entire world.

It is hoped that this book which captures the struggle to reclaim sacred spaces from patriarchal forces inspires other similar movements led by women.