Several other organisations along with Noorjehan's organisation had gathered to show solidarity towards Hindu women who were not allowed to enter places like Shani Shingnapur in Nagpur or Sabarimala temple in Kerala.
On Thursday many women from different communities had gathered at Azad Maidan. The women wanted to know from those who were stopping them to enter a temple or mosque as to what loss had they incurred. "Going to a temple or dargah or a mosque is our right. It is something that was always there and has been taken away from us," said Noorjehan Safia Niaz, member of the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan.
Several other organisations along with Noorjehan's organisation had gathered to show solidarity towards Hindu women who were not allowed to enter places like Shani Shingnapur in Nagpur or Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Among others gathered were Muslims for Secular Democracy, Wisdom Foundation, Vaghini and Sufi Vichar Manch.
"We are here to show solidarity with those women who were not allowed enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temples. Similar thing has been done with Muslim women in Haji Ali dargah. Our case has been pending with the courts for too long. Whether Supreme Court decides on Sabarimala issue or not, the High Court can give its judgement in Haji Ali dargah case," said Noorjehan.
"The court saying that it is a religious matter and whether they should interfere or not is not right way to look at it. Islam has given rights to Muslim women and it has been taken away. I have come here to support the cause," said Zeenat Shaukat Ali, an Islamic scholar and author of "Empowerment of Women in Islam". She added that there are several references during Prophet's own life where women were allowed in mosques and one of his wives lived in the house where his grave existed.
Javed Anand, another activist said, "Women are allowed in Mecca and could pray in Medina."
While Muslim women stated that they will be raise the issue, those in the Parsi community stated that the issue should give impetus to the community members to start a debate. "Members are talking about it in the community groups and they feel that the issue should be raised again," said Vispy Wadia.
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