30 Muslim women being trained to become ‘qazis’

“Qazis” or judges, a role that was traditionally only reserved for men is demanding for more women representatives. The Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA) in Mumbai is training its first intake of 30 women in Quranic law, constitutional law and gender rights. This year long programme aims to produce a steady stream of female judges across India say its co- founder.

The Indian Constitution allows Muslims, The country’s biggest minority religion, to regulate matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance through their own civil code.

The ‘qazi’ is a heredity title that plays an important role in solemnising marriage and finalising divorce and settlements.

Zakia Soman, a co- founder of BMMA in Mumbai says, “Traditionally, qazis have all been men and their judgement has never been questioned even if many are unfair to women.”

Although, the All India Muslim Personal Law (AIMPL), a non-governmental institution that oversees the application of Muslim personal law in the country, has criticised the change where females are going to be “Qazis.” Maulana Mahali who is a secretary of the AIMPLB said, “Women don’t have the right to be a qazi.”  Well, change is something that dosen’t come easily. It requires time and patience. Especially, when it comes to big changes in traditional laws and systems.

The BMMA community feels it is ready for women qazis. Female trainee Safia Akhtar said there is a great need for women judges. “If women can be prime ministers and pilots in this country, then why can’t we also be qazis”, says Akhtar.

The move comes at a time of growing concern against the laws that activist say discriminate against Muslim women. A survey by BMMA last year showed more than 90 per cent of Muslim women to end the “triple talaq” divorce tradition and the age old practice of polygamy in their community.

Muslims make up 13% of India’s 1.2 billion population, yet government data show that they are the most excluded and marginalised communities.

There are already some female qazis in Muslim majority countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.