The Muslim community is at the crossroads, as it stands witness to a global confrontation between an all inclusive and moderate interpretation of Islam and a more conservative, stricter form of the religion. In Mumbai, the Haji Ali Dargah, a city landmark which accepts people irrespective of religion, caste or gender seems to be caught at the center of this debate.

Although the PIL by the group said that Haji Ali was a patron saint, and even a saint is born of a woman's womb, the trust put up an argument that the decision was taken through instructions by scholars, who advised this in "interest of women's safety and security."

They said that while this will protect women from "sexual harassment", the new arrangements are as close to the shrine and away from the "rush of men."

The Dargah premises | Source: Wikipedia