A gathering organized in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Maulana Kalbe Jawad, paid tribute to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel. During the event, speakers condemned Israel as the “enemy of humanity.” This gathering sparked a response from local political leaders, highlighting the ongoing discourse about women’s rights in Islamic countries.
BJP MLA Raises Concerns on Social Media
In the wake of the gathering, BJP MLA from Sarojininagar, Dr. Rajeshwar Singh, took to Instagram to express his disappointment. He wrote, “I wish all the Muslim scholars would have come together to condemn the poor condition of women in Islamic countries and raised their voices for equal status. It is shameful that they gathered to support terrorist organizations outside India.” His comments reflect a broader concern about the treatment of women in various Islamic and Middle Eastern nations.
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Issues Faced by Women in Islamic Countries
Transitioning from political statements, the focus shifts to the pressing issues that women face in many Islamic countries. Anti-women practices often stem from conservative interpretations of Islamic law (Sharia) and cultural traditions, though these practices vary widely across regions.
1. Unequal Legal Rights in Family Law
– Divorce: In many Islamic countries, family laws favor men. For instance, men in Saudi Arabia and Iran can easily initiate divorce, while women face significant legal barriers.
– Inheritance: Under Sharia law, men typically inherit more than women, with sons often receiving double the share of daughters.
– Custody of Children: Men generally hold more rights regarding custody after divorce, and mothers may lose custody as children reach certain ages.
2. Restrictive Dress Codes and Freedom of Movement
– In nations like Iran and Saudi Arabia, women are legally required to wear hijabs in public, with violations leading to fines or imprisonment. Moreover, women’s freedom of movement is often restricted in many Islamic regions.
3. Limited Political and Economic Participation
– Women face barriers in political life, as seen in Saudi Arabia, where they only gained the right to vote in 2015. Economic participation is often hindered by social norms and male guardianship laws.
4. Child Marriage and Early Age of Marriage
– In some Islamic countries, girls can be legally married at very young age, with Iran allowing marriage at 13 and some conservatives pushing for the age to drop to 9. Yemen has no legal minimum age for marriage, leading to child marriage in rural areas.
5. Violence Against Women
– Honor killings, domestic violence, and limited access to reproductive health services continue to plague many countries. In some instances, legal systems inadequately address these issues, often allowing perpetrators to escape justice.
Call for Reforms and Condemnation of Injustice
Dr. Rajeshwar Singh’s comments highlight the need for Muslim scholars to focus on these pressing women’s issues rather than supporting controversial figures abroad. Activists advocate for reforms to address practices such as child marriage, honor killings, male guardianship, and gender-based violence.
While some Islamic countries are making strides toward reform, entrenched conservative interpretations of Sharia law and cultural norms still restrict women’s rights in numerous areas. Comprehensive reforms are essential to ensure women enjoy full rights across familial, political, economic, and social spheres.
