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Dubai, November 7, 2009 – The Gulf emirate of Dubai
plans to appoint female muftis by the end of next year in an
unprecedented step that could trigger opposition from Muslim
conservatives, The National newspaper reported Tuesday.
Six Emirati women are being selected for a training program that starts
early next year, the newspaper quoted the emirate’s grand mufti Ahmed
Al-Haddad as saying.
Haddad issued a religious edict or fatwa in February authorizing women
to become muftis and in May he called on qualified candidates to apply
for a training programme that includes instruction in Shariah law and
legal thought.
“A woman who is learned and trained in issuing fatwas is not limited to
her role of issuing fatwas that relate to women only, but rather she is
qualified to issue on matters of worship, jurisprudence, morality and
behaviour,” the paper quoted him as saying.
Haddad played down the prospect of a major backlash from religious
conservatives. – AFP “The controversy over female muftis is not
necessarily over this point, but about whether or not a woman should be
appointed as the grand mufti of a state,” he said. “And this is not what
we’re trying to do at this point.”
Last year, Egypt appointed its first female notary with the ability to
perform marriages and divorces.
Since 2006, Morocco has trained female guides known as “mourchidates”
who advise Muslims, especially in prisons, hospitals and schools.
Source: Saudi Gazette - Nov 3, 2009
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