Women as Imams

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The history of female prayer leadership in Islam has been a topic of significant debate among theologians and jurists, encompassing a spectrum of opinions from outright prohibition to endorsement. This book examines the discussions of early Islamic scholars regarding female prayer leadership, critically analyzing their arguments and placing them in historical context. For the first time, it traces how these historical perspectives have shaped contemporary views on female imama. By exploring the diverse opinions of Sunni and Shi'i scholars, as well as Sufi perspectives, the book reveals how these views are selectively employed today to serve modern agendas. Additionally, it reviews the roles and authority of current women imams across various regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and America. The research provides readers with a nuanced understanding of female imama, fostering informed discussions that may influence attitudes, if not practices. This groundbreaking work interrogates historical cases of women leading prayer and analyzes the voices of contemporary women imams, many of whom draw inspiration from their predecessors to validate their roles and pave the way for future developments in female prayer leadership.