The Quest of a Curious Muslim

The Quest of a Curious Muslim — Page 35

35 Why is there segregation at Islamic events? Islam encourages gender segregation at the mosque or other places of gathering with the intention to provide a ‘safe space’ to women. There is no ill-intent nor is it a way to ‘suppress’ women as critics of Islam like to suggest. Provision of such spaces is actually a right that women are entitled to, and that Islam granted to them 1400 years ago. In the West, segregation already exists, albeit to a lesser extent. Locker rooms, washrooms, and sports activities are a few examples where segregation already exists. Islam only goes the extra mile in ensuring that the intent of this kind of segregation, that is, modesty, is achieved with greater caution. However, what is interesting is that many in the West are now inclining towards increasing the segregation between genders.