Tufts’ Muslim chaplain overcomes religious gender norms
As someone who describes herself as,”just an ordinary person,”Tufts’ Muslim chaplain Shareda Hosein is pushing the boundaries of what ordinary can be. Working to unify and support the Tufts Muslim community, Hosein is also fighting a battle with the United States Military to become its first female Muslim chaplain.
“In about 13 days I will have 28 years of service in the military,”Hosein said. “I almost called the military another family. I’ve enjoyed the different duties and assignments and I feel [to become a chaplain would] be a way to give back to the military.”
The military has declined to accept Hosein as a chaplain because traditional schools of Islam do not allow Muslim women to lead prayer to groups consisting of both men and women.