Muslim woman takes lead

With a tantalising lack of detail the Church Times carried this report. Church Times - Muslim woman takes lead: "History was made in Britain last week when a woman Muslim scholar, Professor Amina Wadud, led Friday prayers and delivered a sermon at an Oxford mosque, writes . Traditionalists argue that the Qur’an stipulates that only men can lead prayers, but other scholars cite the example of Umm Waraqa, a woman allowed by the prophet Muhammad to lead household prayers and to teach her neighbour. About 15 people were reported to be present at the event."
More details from Muslim perspectives here and here is the Independent report. It would seem that to see this as something hopeful may well be well optimistic.