In our Masalla, we recently had a discussion regarding the partition. Some like myself, conveyed the opinion the partition,..ie curtain or wall in the prayer area is maybe an innovation, some suggested that it was either an optional or mandatory item of inclusion.Trackback URL for this entry: http://www.muslimmilitarymembers.org/trackback.php?id=20080730094710424
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We had the same conversation here in Okinawa, Japan and previously in Laurel, Maryland and Biloxi, Mississippi. Everything I read led me to believe that it is innovation and not required. I trust our Brothers in Islam to guard and lower their gazes and the Sisters to do the same. I read some years ago of the Prophet (PBUH) who encouraged the Brothers to move forward to make room for the Sisters in the masjid. It made me think...If there was a screen, curtain or divider there, how would the Prophet (PBUH) see that the Sisters needed more space? As a Sister who has had to care for small children in the masjid, the separation by curtain or wall worked great. Either way, if there is a divider or no between the Brothers and Sisters, we should all have that separation in our hearts because we respect each other for the sake of Allah (SWT).
In Mississippi, the Brothers were a little put off when I came to Jum'ah. It was Ramadan when I arrived at the base. I was so intent on reading Qur'an awaiting the start of Jum'ah, I never realized that the Brothers had enclosed me in a small area (around my prayer rug) using wooden partitions. I barely had room to do rukoo. At first I was annoyed, but when I thought about it, I was grateful. At least they respected me enough to let me pray and I was not a distraction for them either.
Insha Allah, your community makes the decision right for them.
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