Kolkata: Two historical mosques in the West Bengal capital Kolkata is going to have special arrangements for women to offer prayers.
According to The Indian Express reports, in Nakhoda mosque and Tipu Sultan mosque, there will be proper arrangements and special halls for women in these two mosques, where they will be able to offer namaz.
Apart from this, there will be a separate door for their arrival at the mosque. Also, separate washroom will be arranged for women and another for people with disabilities.
After a written request by the Bengal Imam Association, the authorities of both the mosques will provide these facilities separately for women.
Speaking to the English newspaper Indian Express, Imam Shafique Qasmi of Nakhoda Masjid — popularly known as Badi Masjid confirmed this and said plans were afoot. “Yes we have received the letter. Many women still come and offer namaz at one corner of the masjid but now the managing committee is making better arrangements for women. There are three entrances to Nakhoda Masjid and none of them is exclusive for women. A separate place for women to perform ablutions, offer namaz and take rest are planned within the masjid,” said Qasmi.
During an interaction with the leading daily, the chairman of Bengal Imam Association Md Yahiya said, “We have seen that there is no proper provision for women to offer namaz in these two renowned mosques. According to the Sharia, women can offer namaz where there is a provision for ‘purdah’. However, such provisions are not available. Women visit these mosques even from abroad but can’t pray here under present circumstances. Therefore, after discussions, we decided to send a letter to the two mosques.”
Prince Ghulam Muhammed, youngest son of Tipu Sultan built the Tipu Sultan mosque in 1842 while the foundation stone of Nakhoda mosque was laid on September 11, 1926.