women in leadership

When you ensure that women are included in the Masjid, you are ensuring that the entire community has access to the teachings of Islam. You are showing non-Muslims that Islam does not stand for the exclusion of women and children, that Islam is not a "man's religion."

Many Muslim organizations have made significant strides in including more women on their boards, in Masjid committees, and in various other capacities. However, those who are mothers find the door closed to them due not to their gender, but because of the limitations specific to their current life situation.

While sisters are a full part of the community, many mosques are run as though Islam is just for men. This is evident by looking at women's spaces, their uncomfortable size and design, and the absence of women from the Board of Directors.

Sisters, as much as brothers, are responsible for contributing to Islamic work in America. There are a number of things that can be done on a personal, family and community level.

There are countless hadith where the participation of women is clear. Given these hadiths, what are some practical things sisters can do for their local Islamic Center. Here are some ideas.

She was also a reformer. She did not like associating anyone with God. When she refused to prostrate (sajdah) to the grave of a family elder as women in that village used to do, she was called a “wahhabi.” But this hanafi woman did not budge.

Plan to "upgrade" your Masjid in the coming year with ideas to reconnect to the community and make it the dynamic, including optimistic Friday sermons, a Muslim joke festival, a Facebook page, and a way to text donations, among other ideas.