Historic Step: India’s First Women-Only Mosque to be Built in Jharkhand’s Kapali Tajnagar Area

In a remarkable move towards gender inclusion, a visionary social worker, Dr. Nuruzzaman Khan, is pushing the construction of India’s first women-only mosque in the tranquil district of Kapali Tajnagar, Jharkhand. Scheduled for completion by December 2023, the mosque will be a symbol of women’s empowerment, where they will take up authoritative roles, and men’s admittance will be prohibited.

Named after the legendary Sayyeda Zahra Bibi Fatima, the daughter of the venerated Islamic prophet Muhammad, the mosque is planned to become a haven for women seeking spiritual enlightenment. Dr. Nuruzzaman Khan, known for his 25-year-long dedication to educating underprivileged girls through Al-Imdad Education Welfare and Charitable Society, firmly believes that if Muslim women can perform Haj alongside men, they should also have the right to attend mosques and engage in religious rituals freely.

The visionary leader is certain that the women-only mosque’s will be a center of enlightenment, where women will come together to learn and grow while promoting a sense of community and removing deep-rooted superstitions. Dr. Khan envisions this mosque as a sanctuary where women would find a new dimension of life through their combined pursuit of education and spirituality.

However, the concept has not been without its share of pushback from some sections of the Muslim community. Traditional Islamic clergy have voiced objections, stating that women are not qualified to perform Imamat, the act of leading prayers in front of others. Fatwas have been supposedly issued against the women-only mosque, disputing the Islamic legitimacy of such an entity.

One of the locals, speaking to News18, expressed amazement, adding that in his six decades of life, he had never witnessed a mosque’s entirely for women, not even in the famous cities of Mecca and Madina. The sentiment was repeated by others, stating that Islamic law prevents women from taking on the job of an Imam, decreasing the religious significance of the proposed mosque.

Maulana Narul Hudda further reinforced conventional attitudes, arguing that women in Islam are expected to keep inside the boundaries of their homes and that their public presence causes issues within the religion. Maulana Shamshul Kamar Kaazi passionately rejected the concept, believing it against Islamic teachings, with several other Muslim intellectuals who shared the view.

According to sources, the mosque is being built with an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore on a vast 1-acre land. Once completed, the mosque’s will accommodate more than 500 women, generating an atmosphere of unity and solidarity during Tarivah prayers and group discussions, particularly during Ramadan. To provide safety and protection, the ladies will acquire guard training, capable of safeguarding themselves and devotees visiting the mosque.
Beyond religious components, the mosque’s creative design incorporates a playground, computer lab, and electronic library, encouraging women to expand their horizons beyond traditional responsibilities. Dr. Khan’s vision extends beyond religion, incorporating women’s education and empowerment as vital aspects in establishing a more egalitarian society.

Despite the criticism, Dr. Nuruzzaman Khan stays persistent in his devotion to this historic initiative. He believes that time and understanding will tear down the walls of resistance, and women will ultimately find their appropriate place in leading religious practices. The mosque’s development symbolizes a fundamental break in the conventional patriarchal narrative, enabling women to emerge as powerful leaders within their communities.