A visiting professor has sparked protests from many members of the Muslim community after she became the first woman in Britain to lead an Islamic prayer service.

Amina Wadud arrived in Oxford on Friday to perform the service before a mixed congregation of men and women at Wolfson College.

The event marked the start of a conference on Islam and feminism at the college and has provoked mosques throughout the country to weigh into the debate.

A Muslim student at Oxford opposed the event, saying, "It is clearly stipulated in law, with agreement from the majority of Islamic schools of thought, that amongst the main factors in choosing an Imam, or leader of prayer, are being male, just, and having a good command of the Arabic language."

He added that though there is no direct reference in the Qu''ran to suggest that a woman leading the congregational prayer is not allowed, the Qu''ran is not the sole basis upon which Islamic law is based upon.

He said, "Muslims extract law not only from the Holy Qu''ran, but also from the teachings of the Prophet and his progeny."

-Article continues Off Site, courtesy Cherwell (UK)