low graphics version | feedback | help
They will now be able to lead congregations of women worshippers for the first time.
The measure is intended to counter declining interest in Islam among young Iranians, particularly young women.
Until now only men have been allowed to lead congregational prayers in both the Sunni and Shiite Muslim traditions.
'Major development'
The religious decree, or fatwa, was issued by six senior clerics, or 'marjas' (sources of emulation in religious matters).
 President Khatami owes his election win to the women's vote |
Ali Asghar Nuri, an Education Ministry official, said the hope is that the decree will encourage young women to join in prayers.
"The employment of women as leaders of Friday congregation prayers at the head of other women during prayers held at schools constitutes a major development," Mr Nuri told the Iranian news agency Irna.
Women's victory
The change in law and practice is being seen as a victory for women's movements in Iran, where the traditional male privileges in politics and in the clergy are being challenged.
Women have played a central role in recent years in the reformist movement that now dominates the Iranian parliament, and in the election of reformist president Mohammad Khatami in 1997.
| Search BBC News Online | |
|  Advanced search options | |
| |
 | |
 | |
| |
 | BBC RADIO NEWS |
| |
| |
 | BBC ONE TV NEWS |
| |
| |
| WORLD NEWS SUMMARY |
| |
| |
| |
| |
 | PROGRAMMES GUIDE |
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
E-mail this story to a friend
