Woman Leads Muslim Prayer Service in New York City Despite Criticism in the Middle EastBy Tarek El-Tablawy Associated Press Writer Published: Mar 18, 2005 NEW YORK (AP) - A female professor led an Islamic prayer service Friday with men in the congregation despite sharp criticism from Muslim religious leaders in the Middle East who complained that it violated centuries of tradition. Amina Wadud, a professor of Islamic studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, led the service at Synod House at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, an Episcopal church in Manhattan. Some Islamic scholars have said they were aware of...