Some rituals were performed by male members and were ruling in terms of Islamic Laws. But now the situation has changed considerably as in recent times we have come across a female Qazi performing Nikah to the couple in Mumbai.
Maya Rachel Manus a British Muslim who came to India to marry the love of her life walked down the aisle and exchanged garlands with the groom and her vows were solemnized by a female Qazi Hakima Khatoon. This Nikah is termed as one of the most modern Nikah of all time, here bride to be walked down the aisle to exchange garlands which itself is a beginning of a new chapter. Many male qazi's were also approached by this couple but the couple was not satisfied with them so they in turn hired a female qazi to solemnize their wedding. This is the first time in the history of Indian society that nikah was performed.
A female qazi said that our sharia or Islamic law followed today has become fully patriarchal society. This type of society is making the things worse for the women as Halala marriages, Polygamous and Unilateral divorces are worst factors for women in society. There is no teaching in either The Quran or the prophetic tradition that prohibits women from being Qazis. Even the wife of prophet Muhammad, Sayyida Aisha performed and solemnized nikah of several people.
According to Bhartiya Mahila Muslim Andolan (BMMA) organisation working for secular rights of Muslim Women established in 2007 and it is funded by private doctors and charities said that there are 15 female qazis spread all over country including West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Orissa.
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| Members of Bhartiya Mahila Muslim Andolan |
One of their member also said that now men are scared since triple Talaq bill came into existence and now women are on the safe side as before they were more prone to physical, emotional and mental abuse led to triple talaq. This is where female qazis comes to the rescue of women. As now alimony, marriage procedure and belongings which contributed to a major part in women belonging can be explained better and taken care of when the nikah is performed by female qazi as compared to men.