Rawalakot, A woman has been appointed to the vacant post of Imam Masjid in the Poonch Division of Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir. The appointment notification was issued for Nazish Manoor, who is also an Assistant Education Officer, to the vacant post of Imam Masjid at Government Primary School Bhutan Nagar, Islampura Bagh.

According to University of Poonch Rawalakot, the notification issued by Sharqi Bagh officially confirmed the appointment. However, this decision has sparked significant debate, as it contradicts traditional Islamic practices that generally do not permit women to lead as Imams. This appointment, which has occurred in Nazish Manoor’s native area, has raised questions about the alignment with Sharia law.

The issuance of the decree has led to discussions within the community and beyond about the appropriateness of a woman serving as an Imam, with various perspectives emerging regarding the interpretation of religious guidelines.