PART 1<\/p>\n
(Back Ground Azaan, By Brother Yusuf Islam)<\/p>\n
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(Azan Continued)\u2026<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Assalaamu Alaikum\u2026 May peace be on you all.<\/p>\n
Honorable Justice Kazi, respected elders, distinguished guests, members of the press, friends, brothers and sisters.<\/p>\n
There are many social traumas, problems and conflicts\u2026 women in society face today, and we sincerely need to find viable holistic and humanistic solutions to them.<\/p>\n
In this context, the subject of \u2018Women\u2019s Rights\u2019 is of much contemporary analytical relevance, and human interest.<\/p>\n
A reason enough, for all of us to have gathered here today, inspite of options of other pre occupations.<\/p>\n
On behalf of the Islamic Research Foundation\u2026 I, Dr. Mohammed Naik, the co-ordinator for the programs, today welcome you all with earnest pleasure, and sincere appreciation from the heart.<\/p>\n
We begin today\u2019s program formally with the Qiraat by Brother Ashraf Mohammey, which will be followed by the reading of its English translation.<\/p>\n
(Ashraf Mohammedy) Asalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahai Wabarakatuhu.<\/p>\n
(Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
The translation \u2026 \u2018I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed<\/p>\n
In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018O Humankind reverence your Guardian Lord who created you from a single person, created of like nature his mate and from them twain scattered like seeds countless men and women, Reverence God through whom you demand your mutual rights and reverence the wombs that bore you.<\/p>\n
For God ever watches over you<\/p>\n
To orphans restore their property when they reach their age nor substitute your worthless things for their good ones and devour not their substance by mixing it up with your own, for this is indeed a great sin.<\/p>\n
Verily Allah speaks the Truth\u2019.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Assalaamu Alaikum\u2026 Thank, you brother Ashraf.<\/p>\n
For those who may be introduced new to the IRF and its activities, I would like to briefly outline the IRF, and its work.<\/p>\n
The IRF was initially started in February 1991, to cater to the need for proper Islamic knowledge amongst the educated Muslim youth \u2013 Youth who may be ignorant about Islamic teachings, youth who may tend to be wrongly apologetic about Islam, and youth who may not know how to properly present and practice Islam, for the whole world at large, to appreciate and look up to.<\/p>\n
Now the IRF has been growing in many other deserving areas of its other objectives, specially in humanitarian relief activities and educational upliftment.<\/p>\n
Amongst its popular services, IRF has a collection of more than 1,300 Video cassettes and more than 4,000 Audio cassettes, on Islam and Comparative Religion, available for free hire inBombay.<\/p>\n
It also has to its credit, more then 50 publications on Islam and Comparative Religion, which are available free on request, all overIndia.<\/p>\n
To promote education, the need of the day, amongst our people, the IRF Educational Trust was established 1\u00bd year back of which Dr. Zakir happens to be the chairman.<\/p>\n
Today Dr. Zakir will be speaking on the topic\u2026 \u2018Women\u2019s Rights in Islam \u2013 Modernizing or Outdated?\u2019<\/p>\n
This would be followed by a Question and Answer session, in which you all have a right to question and cross examine him, on the topic and the matter presented in a very open format.<\/p>\n
When we consider the rights and justice for women in this open court of ours today, in context of Islamic laws and views, it is very befitting, and our esteemed pleasure to have amongst us the eminent Judge, Honorable Justice Muhammad Mujeebuddin Qazi, to preside over this programme.<\/p>\n
Justice Qazi has been for 13 years from 1968 to 1981, the government pleader at the Nagpur Branch of the Bombay High Court, being the highest law officer of the Government of Maharashtra, there of.<\/p>\n
Then, Justice Qazi became the first Muslim, after Justice M. C. Chagra to be elevated from the Bar to the Bench, as a Judge of the Bombay High Court, where he has been delivering judgment, from 1981 till 1992.<\/p>\n
On the eve of his retirement in 1992, a very leading Newspaper of Central India \u2018The Hitwada\u2019, had this to say about him\u2026 \u2018Justice Qazi belongs to the fast vanishing breed of gentlemen Judges\u2019.<\/p>\n
Justice Qazi, is at present a member of the Minorities Commission, and earlier has been a member of the advisory board Islamic and Comparative Law Journal, in New Delhi.<\/p>\n
After his retirement as a high court Judge, Justice Qazi has been fortunate, and been honoured with the elevation, to the position of Chairman, Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal, opposed equal to that of the rank of the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.<\/p>\n
This high powered Tribunal, is the substitute and bifurcation of the Bombay High Court for all government service matters.<\/p>\n
To top it all, his hand bill\u2026 \u2018Demeanor\u2019 and manners as well as a deep anguish and care for real human progress, make him an make him an apt personality, to precede\u2026 to preside over today\u2019s proceedings.<\/p>\n
He would be introducing the importance and significance of the topic for the day, as well as introduce Dr. Zakir Naik, who he is well acquainted with.<\/p>\n
Brothers and sisters\u2026 Justice M. M. Qazi<\/p>\n
(Justice M.M. Qazi) The distinguished speaker Dr. Zakir Naik, Dr. Mohammed Naik, former Governor and Ambassador Mr. Talyar Khan, the foreign dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen.<\/p>\n
At the outset, I would like to thank the organizers of Islamic Research Foundation, for having invited me to preside over this function.<\/p>\n
I would also like to thank Dr. Mohammed Naik, for having said few good words about me.<\/p>\n
As you are already aware, the subject of the talk this morning is\u2026 \u2018Women\u2019s Rights in Islam \u2013 Modernizing or Outdated?\u2019<\/p>\n
Modernizing means\u2026 \u2018Something which is not antiquated, but in the context of the subject it would mean \u2013 the rights given to women in Islam, fourteen centuries back, are relevant even today\u2019.<\/p>\n
The debate, on the position of women in social spectrum, has been going on since centuries \u2013 but of late, it has assumed somewhat alarming proportions in certain matters.<\/p>\n
Issues such as Talaq, Polygamy, participation of Muslim women in
\nSocio-political activities, are subject of regular comment and discussion in the media.<\/p>\n
There may have been problems, but at the same, time it is a fact that some of the issues were over played by the Media.<\/p>\n
No doubt, the Western woman has today obtained, Socio-economic and
\nLego-political rights, through hectic struggle, which was carried on for over 200 years.<\/p>\n
But friends, I would like to tell you, that in the struggle, in the process, she has lost everything.<\/p>\n
She has lost, if you have closely observed the Western society\u2026 you will agree with me that she has lost her family life, she has lost peace of mind, she has lost even her honour and womanhood.<\/p>\n
On the contrary\u2026 Islam has given, has bestowed on women innumerable rights, fourteen centuries back, when contemporary civilizations were still considering whether women could be regarded as a human being.<\/p>\n
We are therefore to examine objectively, dispassionately and coolly, whether the rights, so given in Islam are really adequate, and therefore relevant even today.<\/p>\n
You are fortunate to have an eminent speaker Dr. Zakir Naik, who is going to deal with the subject exhaustively, and therefore it is not necessary for me to refer to all those verses in the Holy Qur\u2019an, and the number of traditions of the holy\u2026 of the Prophet of Islam, pertaining to the rights of women.<\/p>\n
However I will refer to the two verses, in order to demonstrate that woman has been given a dignified position in Islam \u2013 Verse No. 228, Chapter 2, Surah Baqarah, as translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, whose work is supposed to be the most standard work, reads as under\u2026.<\/p>\n
\u2018And Women shall have rights, similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable, but men have a degree of advantage over them\u2019.<\/p>\n
I would like you to bear in mind, every word of this Verse \u2013 It has unequivocally being declared, that men and women have similar rights against each other.<\/p>\n
These words\u2026 this part of the verse has no where been diluted anywhere in the Qur\u2019an, however the verse further says that men have a degree of advantage over women.<\/p>\n
It is really these words which we have to be\u2026 we have to be sure about, because it is here that most of the people have faltered, and even some of the commentators have misconceived these words.<\/p>\n
But at the outset I would like to tell you, that these words have nothing to do with the rights between the parties\u2026 rights as I have already\u2026 we have already seen just now, have been unequivocally declared in the earlier portion of this Verse that\u2026 \u2018Men and women have similar rights against each other\u2019.<\/p>\n
In order to fully appreciate this Verse, these words namely that\u2026 \u2018Men have a degree of advantage over women\u2019, we will have to refer also to another Verse \u2013 Verse No. 34, Chapter 4, Surah Nisa.<\/p>\n
It reads\u2026 its translation reads as under\u2026 \u2018Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one (more) into bracket (strength) bracket close than the other, and because they support them for their means\u2019.<\/p>\n
This Verse\u2026 Verse again lays down that\u2026 \u2018Men are the protectors and maintainers of women\u2019.<\/p>\n
It further says that\u2026 \u2018God has given one more than the other\u2019.<\/p>\n
Admittedly, a woman is a weaker sex and she has got to be given special protection in certain matters.<\/p>\n
Anthropologically, man is stronger and also different, which is also a biological truth.<\/p>\n
No doubt nature has given him this advantage, for which no credit goes to man, and no discredit to women on that account \u2013 But I would like to tell you that this advantage, is also being given to men in order, so that he is.. he is able to effectively discharge his functions.<\/p>\n
Honorees task has been cast on him, that of a protector and maintainer and therefore this advantage which has been given to him, has nothing to do with the rights, as I have already said earlier.<\/p>\n
In fact this advantage, in no way reduces the rights of women \u2026 nor it, her importance.<\/p>\n
Therefore the real question that would arise, would be\u2026 I would request you to ponder over, and think about the state of affair, in the social set up today.<\/p>\n
According to me, this is one of the most important and delicate function of the men\u2026 to give protection to women.<\/p>\n
It is in a very\u2026 you see, in a very deep sense, which has to be understood \u2013 It is not wholly an ordinary protection, in the sense of saving one\u2019s life \u2013 Please try to understand and appreciate.<\/p>\n
I would request you to\u2026 to think over, whether men are discharging their functions\u2026 and if you closely examine, I have no doubt, you will come to this conclusion, that\u2026 that\u2026 that men have abdicated their most important function\u2026 that of giving protection to women, and therefore have neglected their\u2026 their elementary duty.<\/p>\n
I do not want to enter into a dialogue or a debate at this time, because there is no time at my at my disposal, as to who is responsible for bringing about this tragic situation.<\/p>\n
May be that women may\u2026 may have also been responsible for this\u2026 bringing about this situation.<\/p>\n
But the fact remains, that this has exposed women to forces of crime and oppression, leading to widespread cases of violation of her honour and dignity. *** 16 Sec<\/p>\n
In the back drop of Indian ethos, we shall sanctify womanhood.<\/p>\n
No woman would like to bargain for such liberty, and no man would like to give up his\u2026 agree to give up his role as a \u2018protector\u2019.<\/p>\n
This extremely delicate aspect of relationship between man and woman, has been explained by one of the great thinkers and the\u2026 and Poet\u2026 Doctor Iqbal, in a poem titled \u2013 \u2018Women\u2019s Protection\u2019.<\/p>\n
Of course the poem is in Urdu \u2013 It \u2026 it consists of three couplets\u2026 but I will translate them\u2026 these three couplets\u2026 there after I have recited these three couplets.<\/p>\n
Iqbal says\u2026 \u2018Ek Zinda Haqiqat Mere Seene Mein Hai Mastoor, Ek Zinda Haqiqat Mere Seene Mein Hai Mastoor, Kya Jaanega Woh Jiske Ragon Main Hai Lahoo Sard, Kya Janega Woh Jiske Ragon Main Hai Lahoo Sard, Na parda Na Taleem, Nai Ho Ke Purani, Nisfaniyat E Zan Ka NigeBaan Hai Faqat Mard, Jis Kaum Ne Zinda Haqi Jis Qaum Ne Is Zinda Haqiqat Ko Na Paya, Us Qaum Ka Kursheed Bahut Jald Huwa Zard\u2019.<\/p>\n
The translation would be that\u2026 \u2018Jis Kaum Ne Ye Zinda haqiqat Kon Na Paya\u2019 \u2013 The nation which has not realised this truth \u2026sorry.<\/p>\n
\u2018Ek Zinda haqiqat Mere Seene Mein Hain Mastoor\u2019 \u2013 a living truth lies deep into my heart.<\/p>\n
\u2018Kya Samjhegan Woh Jiske Ragon Mein Hai Lahoo Sard\u2019- It is not for those whose senses are frozen.<\/p>\n
\u2018Na Parda Na Taleem, Nai Ho Ke Puranee\u2019 \u2013 It is neither veil nor education\u2026 new or old.<\/p>\n
\u2018Niswaniyat e Zan Ka Nigeban Hai Faqat Mard\u2019 \u2013 The protector of the dignity of women, is man alone.<\/p>\n
\u2018Jis Qaum Ne Ye Zinda Haqiqat Ko Na Paya\u2019 \u2013 A nation which has not discovered this\u2026 this truth.<\/p>\n
\u2018Us us Kaum ka Kurshid Bahot Jald Huwa Zard\u2019 \u2013 It\u2019s sun is bound to fade away.<\/p>\n
Friends, as I have already said\u2026 that I have extremely limited time at my disposal, and Dr. Zakir is already there, who is going to deal with the subject exhaustively\u2026 exhaustively, sufficiently suffice.<\/p>\n
I have\u2026 non the less; I would like to tell you, that woman has been given a very dignified position, in Qur\u2019an.<\/p>\n
And the real problem is only, one of our own ignorance, of Quran\u2019s real spirit<\/p>\n
Therefore the real solution would be, to educate and enlighten the people.<\/p>\n
May I remind you at this moment, the great words of Thomas Jefferson that\u2026 \u2018A nation which expects\u2026 which expects to be ignorant and also free, it expects what never was, and never will be\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018Wo Mauzis The Zamane Mein Musalman Hokar, Aur Tum Khwar Piye Tarike Qur\u2019an Hokar\u2019.<\/p>\n
Ladies and gentlemen, we have amids\u2019t us,Bombay\u2019s young but brilliant and irradiate speaker, Dr. Zakir Naik.<\/p>\n
Though he is a doctor by profession, but he has dedicated himself to the cause of propagation\u2026 propagation of Islam, in it\u2019s right perspective.<\/p>\n
He is founder General Secretary of Islamic Research Foundation, which was established in 1991.<\/p>\n
He is\u2026 he has widely traveled within and outside country, and has delivered number of lectures.<\/p>\n
At such a young age, he has developed deep insight into Qur\u2019an \u2013 which reminds us what Tagore has said that\u2026 \u2018A lamp cannot light another lamp, unless it continues to burn it\u2019s own flame\u2019.<\/p>\n
It would be most unfair, if on this occasion, I ignore, I do not mention the distinguished parents of Dr. Zakir Naik, but for whose guidance and blessings, he would not have been what he is today.<\/p>\n
I once again thank you very much \u2013 Thank you very much.<\/p>\n
(Clapping)\u2026<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammad) The talk by Dr. Zakir Naik, on today\u2019s topic \u2013 Dr. Zakir Naik.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) (Arabic<\/p>\n
Honorable Justice M. M. Qazi, respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters, I welcome all of you with the Islamic greetings\u2026 \u2018As-salaamu Alaikum Warahamatullahi Wabarakatuhu\u2019\u2026 meaning\u2026 \u2018May peace blessing and mercy of Almighty Allah, be on all of you\u2019.<\/p>\n
The topic of today\u2019s day is \u2013 \u2018The Women\u2019s Rights in Islam \u2013 Modernising or Outdated?\u2019<\/p>\n
According to theOxforddictionary, \u2018Women\u2019s Rights are the rights, that promote a position of social and legal equality, of women to men\u2019<\/p>\n
According to theOxforddictionary, \u2018they are the rights, claimed for the women, equal to those of men, as regards to suffrage that right to vote, as regards to property, etc\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018Modernising\u2019, according to theOxforddictionary means, \u2018to make modern, to adapt to modern needs or habits\u2019.<\/p>\n
And according to the Webster\u2019s dictionary it means\u2026 \u2018To make modern, or to give a new character or appearance \u2013 e.g., to modernise ones ideas\u2019.<\/p>\n
In short, modernising is a process of updating or opting for the betterment of the present status itself \u2013 It is not the present modern status itself.<\/p>\n
Can we modernise ourselves, to master our problems, and to realize a new way of life, for the whole human race?<\/p>\n
I am not concerned about the modern ideas, the conclusions and the categorical statements made by scientists and inexperienced armchair experts, as how a life should be lived by a woman.<\/p>\n
I am going to base my conclusions and considerations on truth, which can be proved by experience<\/p>\n
Experience and unbiased factual holistic analysis, are the sure test, between the gold of truth, and the glitter of theory.<\/p>\n
We have to check our thinking against reality, otherwise many a times, our mental process will go astray \u2013 Indeed the great brains of one time, believed that the world was flat.<\/p>\n
If we agree with the \u2018Women\u2019s rights in Islam\u2019, as portrayed by the Western media, you have no option, but to agree that the \u2018Women\u2019s rights in Islam\u2019 are outdated.<\/p>\n
The Western talk of women\u2019s liberation, is actually a disguised form of exploitation of her body, deprivation of her honour and degradation of her soul.*** 10 Sec<\/p>\n
The Western society which speaks of upgrading the status of women in Islam, have actually reduced her status to concubines, to mistresses, to society butterflies, which are mere tools in the hands of sex marketers and pleasure seekers, which are disguised behind the colorful screen of art and culture.<\/p>\n
Islam\u2019s radical revolutionary support, gave women their due right and status in the days of ignorance\u2026 1,400 years ago.<\/p>\n
Islam\u2019s objective was and continues to be, to modernise our thinking, our living, our seeing, our hearing, our feeling and striving for the women\u2019s upliftment and emancipation in the society.<\/p>\n
Before I dwell further with the topic, I would like you to make note of a few points.<\/p>\n
The first point is that, \u2018approximately one fifth of the world\u2019s population, consists of Muslims\u2019<\/p>\n
There are different Muslim societies \u2013 Some may be close to Islam, some may be far away from Islam<\/p>\n
The \u2018Women\u2019s rights in Islam\u2019 should judged according to the authentic sources, and not what individual Muslims do, or what the Muslim society does.<\/p>\n
The authentic sources of Islam, are the Qur\u2019an, which is the word of God, and the authentic Sunnah, and the traditions of our beloved Prophet (may peace be upon him).<\/p>\n
Point number four \u2013 the Qur\u2019an will never contradict itself, nor will the Shahih Hadith contradict itself\u2026 neither will these two authentic sources, contradict each other.<\/p>\n
Point number five \u2013 \u2018Sometimes the scholars differ, and many a times, these differences can be removed by analyzing the Qur\u2019an as a whole, and not just by quoting one particular Verse\u2019.<\/p>\n
Because if one particular verse of the Qur\u2019an if its ambiguous many a times the answer is given somewhere else in the Qur\u2019an \u2013 Some people quote one source and neglect all the other sources.<\/p>\n
And the last point is \u2013 \u2018It is the duty of every Muslim, male or female, to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT), and to act as His trustee on this world, and not to try and gain fame or satisfy one\u2019s own ego.<\/p>\n
Islam believes in equality of men and women \u2013 \u2018Equality\u2019 does not mean \u2018Identicality\u2019.<\/p>\n
In Islam, the role of a man and woman\u2026 it is complimentary, it is not conflicting \u2013 It is that of a partnership \u2013 it is not contradictory, so as to strive for supremacy.<\/p>\n
Where \u2018Women\u2019s rights in Islam\u2019 is concerned, I have divided into 6 broad categories.<\/p>\n
The first are \u2018the Spiritual rights\u2019, second are \u2018the Economical rights\u2019, third are \u2018the Social rights\u2019, fourth are \u2018the Educational rights\u2019, fifth are \u2018the Legal rights\u2019, and last are \u2018the Political rights\u2019.<\/p>\n
Let us analyze \u2018the Spiritual rights\u2019 of women in Islam<\/p>\n
The greatest misconception that the West has about Islam, is that they think\u2026 \u2018Paradisein Islam, is only meant for the male \u2013 it is not meant for the female\u2019.<\/p>\n
This misconception can be removed by quoting from Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, Verse No 124, which says.<\/p>\n
(Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
Which means \u2013 \u2018If any of you do deeds of righteousness, whether it be male or a female and has faith, they shall surely enterParadiseand not the least injustice shall be done to them\u2019<\/p>\n
A similar thing is\u2026 a similar thing is repeated in Surah Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No.97 which says\u2026 \u2018If any of you perform good deeds, be it a man or a women and is a believer, We shall give you good life and We should reward you for all your good works\u2019 .<\/p>\n
Just because in Islam, sex is not the criteria to enterParadise\u2026 will you call such rights in Islam as modernising or outdated?<\/p>\n
Another misconception is that, which the Western media has, that\u2026 \u2018The woman has no soul\u2019.<\/p>\n
In fact, it was in the seventeenth century, when the Council of wise men\u2026 when they gathered atRome, and they unanimously agreed that the woman had no soul.<\/p>\n
In Islam, man and woman have the same spiritual nature, and that was clarified by our young Qari, Brother Ashraf Mohammedy, who recited the Verse from Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.1.<\/p>\n
(Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
Which that\u2026 \u2018O humankind reverence your guardian lord, who has created you from a single person and created like nature his mate\u2019 .*** 15 Sec<\/p>\n
A similar thing is mentioned in Surah Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No.72, which says that\u2026 \u2018We have made for you companions and mates of your own nature\u2019<\/p>\n
Again in Surah Al-Shura, Ch.42, Verse No.11, it says\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2018He is the one who has created the heavens and the earth and has made for you pairs from among yourselves\u2019<\/p>\n
Just because the spiritual nature of a man and woman is the same in Islam, will you call such rights in Islam, as modernizing or outdated?<\/p>\n
The Qur\u2019an clearly mentions that\u2026 \u2018Allah (SWT) has breathed somewhat of His spirit into the human beings\u2019.<\/p>\n
If you read Surah Hijr, Ch.15, Verse No.29, it says\u2026 \u2018When I have fashioned you in due proportion and have breathed into you something of my spirit, fall ye down in obeisance\u2019<\/p>\n
A similar thing is repeated in the Qur\u2019an, in Surah Sajdah, Ch. 32, Verse No.9, which says\u2026<\/p>\n
( Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
Means\u2026 \u2018We have fashioned you in due proportion and have breathed into you something of My spirit\u2019 .<\/p>\n
Here, when Allah (SWT) refers to\u2026 \u2018As something of My Spirit, is breathed into the human beings\u2019 \u2013 it does not mean, a sort of incarnation or a pantheistic form.<\/p>\n
It means that Allah has given to every human being something of His spiritual Nature, and the Knowledge of God Almighty, and coming closer towards Him<\/p>\n
Here it refers to both Adam and Eve (may peace be upon them) \u2013 Both were breathed something of Allah (SWT)\u2019S Spirit.<\/p>\n
Again we read in the Qur\u2019an, that Allah has appointed the human being as His vicegerent, as His trustee, as is mentioned in Surah Isra, Ch.17, Verse No.70, which says\u2026.<\/p>\n
(Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
That\u2026 \u2018We have honoured the children of Adam and bestowed on them special favours\u2019.<\/p>\n
Sorry\u2026 Here all the children of Adam have been honoured, male as well as female.<\/p>\n
There are some Religious scriptures, for example the Bible, which puts the blame on Eve for the downfall of humanity.<\/p>\n
In fact if you read the Qur\u2019an in Surah Araf, Ch.7, Verse No.19 to 27, Adam and Eve (may peace be upon them both) are addressed, more than a dozen of times.<\/p>\n
Both disobeyed God, both asked for forgiveness, both repented, and both were forgiven.<\/p>\n
In the Bible, if you readGenesis,Ch.3, only Eve is held responsible (May peace be upon her) for the downfall of humanity.<\/p>\n
And according to the doctrine of \u2018Original Sin\u2019, because of Eve (may peace be upon her) the whole of humanity is born in sin.<\/p>\n
If you read the Bible inGenesis,Ch.3, Verse No.16, it states that the God of\u2026 \u2018the Bible\u2019 it is saying \u2018Unto the woman you shall bear in conception and in sorrow shall you give birth and your desire shall be of your husband and he shall rule over you\u2019<\/p>\n
That means, pregnancy and child birth has been said in the Bible to degrade the women and the labour pain is a sort of punishment.<\/p>\n
In fact if you read the Qur\u2019an, pregnancy and child birth have uplifted the women.<\/p>\n
If you read Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.1, it says\u2026 \u2018Respect the womb that bore you\u2019.<\/p>\n
Its mentioned in Surah Luqman, Ch.31, Verse No.14, it says \u2026 (Arabic\u2026).<\/p>\n
That\u2026 \u2018We have enjoined on the human being to be kind to the parents, in travail upon travail did their mother bore them and in years twain was their weaning\u2019<\/p>\n
A similar thing is mentioned in Surah Ahqaf, Ch.46, Verse No.15\u2026
\n(Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
It again repeats, which says\u2026 \u2018We have enjoined on the human beings to be kind to his parents\u2019.<\/p>\n
To be kind to the parents \u2013 in pain did their mother bore them, and in pain did she give them birth \u2013 Pregnancy in the Qur\u2019an has uplifted the women not degraded her<\/p>\n
Just because pregnancy has uplifted the women in Islam will you call such rights in Islam as modernizing or outdated?<\/p>\n
The only criteria for judgment in the sight of Allah is \u2018Taqwa\u2019, \u2018God consciousness\u2019 or \u2018righteousness\u2019<\/p>\n
It is mentioned in Surah Hujurat, Ch.49, Verse No.13 \u2018O humankind, We have created you from a single pair of male and female and have divided you into nations and tribes, so that you shall recognize each other not that you despise each other and the most honored in the sight of Allah, is the one who is the most righteous\u2019.<\/p>\n
Sex, colour, caste, wealth has got no criteria in Islam \u2013 The only criteria in the sight of Allah it is \u2018Taqwa\u2019, neither is sex the criteria for Allah (SWT) to reward or to punish a person.<\/p>\n
If you read Surah Imran Ch.3 Verse No.195 it says \u2018I will never suffer the loss of any of you, be it male or female, you are companions unto each other\u2019.<\/p>\n
I had started my talk by quoting a verse from the Qur\u2019an From Surah Al Ahzab, Ch.33, Verse No.35, which says<\/p>\n
\u2018Innal Muslimeena Was Muslimati\u2019 \u2013 \u2018For Muslim men and Muslim women\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018Wal maomineena Wamomiminati\u2019 \u2013 \u2018For believing men and women\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018Wa Kaniteena Wakantaati\u2019 \u2013 \u2018For devout men and women\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018Wa Saadikeena Wasaadkaati\u2019 \u2013 \u2018For true men and women\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018Wa Sabireena Wa Saabiraati\u2019 \u2013 \u2018For men and women who are patient and constant\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018Wa Musaddikeena Wamusadikaati\u2019 \u2013 \u2018Or men and women who give in charity\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018Wa Saaeemeena Wasaaimaati\u2019 \u2013 \u2018For men and women who fast and deny themselves\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018Wal hafizeenaFuroojaheenWahafizati\u2019 \u2013 \u2018For men and women who guard their chastity\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018Wa Zaakireenallahu Kasuraon Wazaakiraati\u2019 \u2013 \u2018For men and women who engage much in Allah\u2019s (SWTala\u2019s) praise\u2019<\/p>\n
And the verse ends by \u2018AradallahuWamagfirataon Wa Airframe Azeena\u2019 \u2013 \u2018That for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and ample of reward\u2019<\/p>\n
This verse indicates that the spiritual duties, the moral duties, for the men and women in Islam are the same \u2013 Both have to believe, both have to pray, both have to fast, both have to give Zakat, etc, etc.<\/p>\n
But the women has been given certain concession in Islam.<\/p>\n
If she is undergoing her menstrual period or pregnancy, she does not have to fast \u2013 She can keep those fasts later on, when she is more healthy<\/p>\n
In fact, during the menstrual period and during the postnatal period, she need not pray also \u2013 She has been given the concession, and neither does she have to compensate it later on.<\/p>\n
Just because the moral duties of the men and women are equal in Islam will you call such rights in Islam as modernizing or outdated?<\/p>\n
Let us analyze the Economical rights \u2013 Islam gave economical rights to the women 1,300 years before the West.<\/p>\n
An adult Muslim woman can own, she can dispose or disown any of her property without consulting any one, irrespective whether she is married or she is single.<\/p>\n
In 1870, it was the first time inEngland, that the West recognized the rights of the married woman, where she was allowed to own or dispose any of her property without consultation.<\/p>\n
I do agree that the women were given their economical rights 1300 years ago \u2013 these are ancient rights \u2013 but the question is \u2013 \u2018are they modernizing or outdated?\u2019<\/p>\n
A women in Islam, if she wishes to work she can work \u2013 There is no text in the Qur\u2019an or the authentic Hadith which prevents or makes it prohibited for a woman to do any work, as long as it is not unlawful, as long as it is within the preview of the Islamic Shariah, as long as she maintains her Islamic dress code<\/p>\n
But natural, she cannot take up jobs, which exhibit her beauty and body \u2013 Like for example, modeling and film acting, and such kind of jobs.<\/p>\n
Many of the professions and jobs which are prohibited for the woman are also prohibited for the man, for example serving liquor.<\/p>\n
For example working in gambling dens \u2013 For example doing any unethical or dishonest business \u2013 All these jobs are prohibited for both men and women.<\/p>\n
A true Islamic society requires women to take up profession such as doctors.<\/p>\n
We do require female Gynecologists \u2013 We do require female nurses \u2013 We do require female teachers<\/p>\n
But, a woman in Islam has got no financial obligations \u2013 The financial obligation is laid on the shoulders of the man in the family \u2013 Therefore she need not work for her livelihood.<\/p>\n
But in genuine cases, where there are financial crisis in which both the ends do not meet, she has the option of working<\/p>\n
Here too, no one can force her to work \u2013 She works out of her own, absolute free will.<\/p>\n
Besides the professions I mentioned, she can work in the house and take up tailoring, she can take up embroidery, she can do pottery, she can make baskets etc<\/p>\n
She is also allowed to work in factories and small scale industries in which, which has been designed exclusively for the ladies.<\/p>\n
She can work in places which have got separate sections- gents and ladies, because Islam does not agree with intermingling of the sex<\/p>\n
She can also do business, and where it comes to doing transactions, where it involves interaction with a foreign male, with a Na-Mehram, she should do it through a father or a brother or husband or a son<\/p>\n
And the best example I can give you is of Bibi Khatija (may Allah be pleased with her) who was the wife of our beloved Prophet (may peace be upon him)<\/p>\n
She was one of the most successful business women of her times and she did the transaction through her husband, Prophet Muhammed may (May peace be upon him)<\/p>\n
A woman in Islam has been given more financial security, as compared to the man.<\/p>\n
As I told you earlier, she\u2026 the financial obligation is not put on her shoulder \u2013 It is put on the shoulder of the man in the family<\/p>\n
It is the duty of the father or the brother, before she is married and the duty of the husband or the son, after she is married to look after her lodging, boarding, clothing and financial aspects of her.<\/p>\n
When she gets married, she is on the receiving end.<\/p>\n
She receives a gift \u2013 she receives a dower or a marital gift, which is called as \u2018Meher\u2019.<\/p>\n
And it is mentioned in the Qur\u2019an in Surah Nisa, Ch.4 Verse No.4 which says\u2026. (Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2018Give to the woman in dower, a marital gift\u2019 .<\/p>\n
For a marriage to solemnize in Islam, \u2018Meher\u2019 is compulsory.<\/p>\n
But unfortunately in our Muslim society here, we just keep a nominal \u2018Meher\u2019 to satisfy the Qur\u2019an, say 151 Rupees, or some people give 786 Rupees and they spend lakhs and lakhs of Rupees on the reception, on the decoration, on the flowers, on the lunch parties, on the dinner parties.<\/p>\n
In Islam, there is no \u2013 there is no lower-limit, nor is there an upper limit for \u2018Meher \u2019 \u2013 But when a person can spend lakhs of Rupees on the reception, surely the \u2018Meher \u2019 should be much more.<\/p>\n
There are various cultures which have crept into the Muslim societies, specially in the Indo-Pak area<\/p>\n
They give a small amount of \u2018Meher \u2019 and they expect the wife to get a fridge, to get a T.V set, they expect the wife to give a flat, to get a car, etc., and a large sum of dowry, depending upon the status of the husband<\/p>\n
If he is a graduate, they may accept \u2013 they may expect 1 lakh \u2013 If he is an engineer they may expect 3 lakhs- If he is a doctor they may expect 5 lakhs.<\/p>\n
Demanding dowry\u2026 a husband demanding dowry from the wife, directly or indirectly is prohibited in Islam.<\/p>\n
If the parents of the girl give the girl something out of their own free will, it is accepted \u2013 But demanding or forcing directly or indirectly, it is prohibited in Islam<\/p>\n
If a Woman works, which she does not have to \u2013 whatever earning she gets, it is absolutely her property.<\/p>\n
She need not spend a single pai on the household \u2013 if she wants to spend it is her free will.<\/p>\n
Irrespective how rich the wife is, it is the duty of the husband to give lodging, boarding, clothing and look after the financial aspects of the wife.<\/p>\n
In case of divorce or if a wife gets widowed, she is given financial support for the period of \u2018Iddah\u2019 \u2013 and if she has children, she is also given child support<\/p>\n
Islam gave the right to the women to inherit, centuries ago.<\/p>\n
If you read the Qur\u2019an \u2013 in several verses, in Surah Nisa, in Surah Baqarah and in Surah Maidah, it is mentioned that a woman irrespective, she is a wife or she is a mother, or a sister, or a daughter, she has a right to inherit \u2013 And it has been fixed by Allah (SWT) in the Qur\u2019an.<\/p>\n
And I do know, there are bound to be questions \u2013 that the inheritance law of in of Islam is unjust.<\/p>\n
But time does not permit me to clarify this \u2013 Insha Allah I will expect a question on this and then I can deal with this topic more in detail.<\/p>\n
Let us go further and analyze the social rights of a women in Islam.<\/p>\n
Broadly it can be categorized into four sub-headings\u2026 Social rights given to a daughter, to a wife, to a mother and to a sister.<\/p>\n
Coming to the social rights given in Islam, to a daughter \u2013 Islam prohibits, female infanticide \u2013 The killing of female children is forbidden in Islam<\/p>\n
It is mentioned in Surah Taqveem, Ch. 81, Verse No. 8 and 9, \u2018when the female child is buried alive and when she questions you, for what crime was she killed\u2019.<\/p>\n
Not only female infanticide has been prohibited, all sorts of infanticides has been prohibited in Islam, whether it be a male child or a female child.<\/p>\n
It is mention in the Qur\u2019an in Surah A\u2019nam Ch.6, Verse No.151 that, \u2018Kill not your children for want of sustenance for it is Allah that will provide sustenance for you and for children\u2019<\/p>\n
A similar thing is mentioned in Surah Isra, Ch.17 Verse No.31 which says\u2026 \u2018Kill not your children for want of sustenance, for it is Allah that will provide sustenance to you and your children, for killing of children is a major sin\u2019.<\/p>\n
In the pre-IslamicArabia, whenever a female child was born mostly she was buried alive.<\/p>\n
Alhamdullillah, after the spread of Islam this evil practice has been discontinued.<\/p>\n
But unfortunately it still continues in our country India \u2013 According to a BBC report, in the programe assignment the title of which was \u2018Let Her Die\u2019, there was a British reporter by the name of Emily Beckenen, who came all the way from Britain to India to give us the statistics of the female infanticide.<\/p>\n
This programe was shown more than a year back on the star T.V. and Alhamdullillah, it is being shown every month, and just a few days ago it was again retelecast.<\/p>\n
In that programe, it gives the statistics, that every day more than 3,000 fetuses are being aborted on being identified that they are females<\/p>\n
If you multiply this figure by the number of days, that is multiplied by 365, you get a figure of more than one million female fetuses are being aborted every year in our country.<\/p>\n
And there are big hoarding and posters in states like TamilNadu and Rajasthan, which says spend 500 Rupees and save 5 lakh Rupees<\/p>\n
What does it mean? \u2013 That spend Rupees 500 on medical examination like Aminocententus or Ultra Sonography, and identify that the child the mother is carrying<\/p>\n
If it is a female you can abort it and you\u2019ll save 5 lakh Rupees \u2013 How?<\/p>\n
The couple of lakhs you spend on upbringing her and the remaining lakhs of Rupees you spend on giving dowry<\/p>\n
According to the report of the governmenthospitalofTamil Nadu\u2013 \u2018out of every 10 female children that are born, four are put to death\u2019 \u2013 No wonder the female population inIndiais less than the male population<\/p>\n
Female infanticide was continuing in our country since centuries \u2013 If you analyze the statistics of the 1901 census, for every 1000 males there were 972 females<\/p>\n
According to the 1981 statistics and census, it tells you for every 1000 males you have 934 females<\/p>\n
And the latest statistics of 1991 tells you that for every 1000 males you have 927 females<\/p>\n
You can analyze that the female ratio is dropping every year \u2013 And since science and medicine has advanced, it has helped in this evil practice<\/p>\n
Just because Islam tells you that you should not kill any children whether it be male or female will you call these rights in Islam as modernizing or outdated?<\/p>\n
Islam not only prohibits killing of infant children, it also prohibits, and it rebukes you on rejoicing on the birth of a male child and you getting saddened on the news of a female child.<\/p>\n
If you read Surah Nahl, Ch.16, Verse No.58 & 59, it tells you that\u2026 \u2018when news is brought to one of them of a birth of a female child his face darkens and is filled with inward grief\u2019.<\/p>\n
He hides himself in shame from his people because of the news he has received.<\/p>\n
Should he let her live in suffering or should he bury her in dust \u2013 Ah! what a evil choice they have<\/p>\n
Qur\u2019an not only prohibits female infanticide, it rebukes at the thought of you rejoicing at the birth of a male child and getting saddened at the birth of a female child<\/p>\n
In Islam, a daughter should be brought up correctly<\/p>\n
And according to a Hadith in \u2018Ahmed\u2019, the Prophet (may peace be upon him) he said \u2018Anyone who brings up two daughters properly, they will be like this to me on the day of judgment\u2019 \u2013 Means, \u2018will be very close to me on the day of judgment\u2019<\/p>\n
And there\u2019s another Hadith which says, that \u2018Anyone who up brings 2 daughters properly and takes good care and brings them up with love and affection, they will enterParadise\u2019<\/p>\n
In Islam, there should be no partiality in upbringing of the daughters or the son.<\/p>\n
According to a Hadith, of our beloved Prophet it said that, \u2018In the presence of the Prophet, once a man kissed his son and placed him on his lap but did not do the same to his daughter.<\/p>\n
The Prophet immediately objected and said that you are unjust \u2013 You should have even kissed your daughter and placed her on the other lap\u2019.<\/p>\n
Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) he did not only speak about justice, he also practiced it.<\/p>\n
Let us analyze, the rights of a wife in Islam.<\/p>\n
All the previous civilizations, they have considered the women to be an \u2018instrument of the devil\u2019.<\/p>\n
The Qur\u2019an refers to the women as \u2018Mohsana\u2019, that is a \u2018fortress against the devil\u2019.<\/p>\n
And if a woman, who\u2019s good, marries a man, she prevents him from going on the wrong path and keeps him on the \u2018Siratulmustakeem\u2019 \u2013 that is the correct path.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a Hadith in which Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) he said that, \u2018there is no monasticism in Islam\u2019 .<\/p>\n
And again according to Sahih Bukhari, Volume No. 7, Ch. No. 3 Hadith No 4 it says that \u2018the Prophet ordained the young men, all those who have the means to marry, they should marry \u2013 For it will help them to lower their gaze and guard their modesty.<\/p>\n
There is another Hadith related by Anas, in which the Prophet said\u2026 \u2018Any one who marries completes half his deen\u2019.<\/p>\n
Once somebody asked me, that\u2026 \u2018does it imply that if I marry twice I will be completing my full deen?\u2019<\/p>\n
The person misunderstood the message of the Prophet.<\/p>\n
When the Prophet said that\u2026 \u2018When you marry you complete half your deen\u2019 \u2013 It means that when you marry it shields you from promiscuity, it shields you from fornication, it shields you from homosexuality, which lead to half the sin in this world<\/p>\n
Only when you marry, do you have opportunity to become husband or a wife \u2013 Only when you marry do you have opportunity to become a father or a mother<\/p>\n
And the duties of the mother and the father and that of a husband and wife are very important in Islam<\/p>\n
So it makes no difference whether a man marries once twice or thrice or four times \u2013 He yet completes only half his deen.<\/p>\n
The Qur\u2019an say\u2019s that\u2026 \u2018We have put love into the hearts of the husband and wife\u2019 .<\/p>\n
If you read Surah Rum, Ch. 30, Verse No. 21 it says that\u2026 \u2018And amongst our signs We have created for you mates or companions, so that you may dwell in them in tranquillity and we have put love and mercy between your hearts\u2019.<\/p>\n
According to Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.21, marriage is considered as a misaq, a sacred agreement, a sacred contract.<\/p>\n
According to Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.19, it says\u2026 \u2018You are prohibited to inherit women against their will\u2019 \u2013 Means, to marry the permission of both the parties are required.<\/p>\n
It is compulsory that the man and women both should agree to marry No one \u2013 not even the father can force their daughter to marry against her wishes.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a Hadith in Sahih Bukhari, Volume No. 7, Ch. No. 43, Hadith No. 69, which says \u2018that a lady she was forced by her father to marry against her wishes\u2019 \u2013 And she went to the Prophet and the Prophet invalidated the marriage\u2019<\/p>\n
Another Hadith in Ibn-e-Humbal, Hadith No. 2469, it says \u2018that a daughter was forced by her father to get married \u2013 And when the daughter approached the Prophet, the Prophet said you can either continue, or if you wish you can invalidate the marriage.<\/p>\n
That means, the consent of both the male and the female is required<\/p>\n
In Islam, a women is considered as a homemaker \u2013 She is not considered as a housewife, because she is not married to the house<\/p>\n
Many people use terminology, without understanding what it means \u2013 \u2018Housewife\u2019 means \u2018your the wife of the house\u2019<\/p>\n
So I believe, from now onwards the sisters would prefer calling themselves \u2018homemakers\u2019, than \u2018house wives\u2019, if they are occupied more in the home<\/p>\n
In Islam, a woman, she is not married to a master that she should be treated like a slave \u2013 She is married to it is equal<\/p>\n
And there is a Hadith which says in Ibn-Hambal \u2013 Hadith No 736, 7396.
\n\u2013 It says that\u2026 \u2018the most perfect of the believers are those that are best in character and behavior, and those that are best to their family and their wives\u2019.<\/p>\n
Islam gives equal rights to the man and woman and as mentioned by the honorable justice M. M. Kazi, that Qur\u2019an clearly mentions that men and women, husband and wife have equal rights in all aspects, except leadership in the family.<\/p>\n
It is mentioned in the Qur\u2019an in Surah Baqarah Ch.2, Verse No.228.
\n\u2013 It says that\u2026 \u2018the women have been given rights similar against them on equitable terms but the men have a degree higher\u2019<\/p>\n
And I perfectly agree with Justice M.M. Kazi when he said that most of the Muslims have misunderstood this verse, when it says \u2018a men have a degree higher\u2019 \u2013 As I said we should analyze the Qur\u2019an as a whole.<\/p>\n
And its mentioned in Surah Nisa, Ch. 4, Verse No.34 which says \u2013 (Arabic\u2026).<\/p>\n
\u2018The men are the protectors and maintainers of the women, for Allah (SWT) has given one of them more strength than the other and they give them their means\u2019<\/p>\n
People say the word \u2018Kawwam\u2019 means, \u2018one degree higher in superiority\u2019 \u2013 But actually the word \u2018Kawwam\u2019 comes from the root word \u2018Ikamah\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018Ikamah\u2019 means for example \u2018when you give the Ikamah before prayers \u2013 You stand up\u2019.<\/p>\n
So \u2018Ikamah\u2019 means to standup \u2013 so the word \u2018Kawwam\u2019 means one degree higher in responsibility, not one degree higher in superiority.<\/p>\n
Even if you read the commentary of \u2018Ibne-Kathir\u2019 \u2013 He says that the word \u2018Kawwam\u2019 means one degree higher in responsibility, not one degree higher in superiority.<\/p>\n
And this responsibility, should be carried out by mutual consent of both husband and wife.<\/p>\n
It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah, Ch.2, Verse No.187, which says \u2013 (Arabic )<\/p>\n
Which means\u2026 \u2018Your wives are your garments, and you are their garments\u2019<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the objective of garments \u2013 It is used to conceal and to beautify<\/p>\n
The husband and wife, should conceal each others faults, and they should beautify each other \u2013 Its a relationship of hands and gloves<\/p>\n
The Qur\u2019an mentions that\u2026 \u2018even if you do not like your wife, you should treat her kindly\u2019.<\/p>\n
It is mentioned in Surah Nisa, Ch.4, Verse No.19, that\u2026 \u2018Treat your wives on a footing of equity and kindness even if you dislike her \u2013 For you may be disliking a thing for which Allah has made good for you\u2019.<\/p>\n
Even if you dislike your wife you have to treat her kindly and with equity<\/p>\n
Just because the rights of a wife are equal to those of the husband in Islam, will you call such rights in Islam as modernizing or outdated?<\/p>\n
Let us analyze the rights of a Mother<\/p>\n
The only thing above respect to Mother, is the worship of Allah (SWT) \u2013 It is mentioned in Ch.17, Verse No.28-29<\/p>\n
It says that\u2026 \u2018Allah has ordained for you \u2013 that Allah has ordained for you, that you worship none but Him, and to be kind to our parents<\/p>\n
And if any one or both of them reach old age do not say a word of contempt or repel them but address them with honour, and speak to them with kindness, and lower your wing of humility and pray to Allah (SWT) -\u2018My Lord, bless them as they have cherished me in childhood\u2019<\/p>\n
Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, Verse No. 1 says\u2026 \u2018Respect the womb that bore you\u2019.<\/p>\n
Surah A\u2019nam, Ch.6, Verse No.151, says\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
That\u2026 \u2018You have to be kind to your parents\u2019.<\/p>\n
Again in Surah Luqman Ch.31, Verse No.14<\/p>\n
It again says the same thing that\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2018We have enjoined on the human beings to be kind to his parents<\/p>\n
In travail upon travail, did their mother bore them and in years twain was their weaning\u2019<\/p>\n
A similar thing is repeated again in Surah Ahqaf, Ch.46, Verse No.15<\/p>\n
(Arabic\u2026).<\/p>\n
That\u2026 \u2018We have enjoined on the human beings to be kind to his parents<\/p>\n
In pain did their mother bore them and in pain did she give them birth\u2019.<\/p>\n
According to a Hadith related in \u2018Ahmed\u2019, as well as in \u2018Ibn-e-Majah\u2019 \u2013 It says \u2018Paradiselies at the feet of the mother\u2019.<\/p>\n
That does not mean that if my mother is walking on the road and if she steps on muck and filth \u2013 that thing becomes Paradise<\/p>\n
It means that after you fulfill your basic duties, if you respect your mother, if you are kind to your mother, If you are honorable to your mother, you will Inshaallah enter Paradise.<\/p>\n
Another Hadith related in Sahih Bukhari in Volume 8, Ch. No. 2 Hadith No. 2, as well as in Sahih-Muslim \u2013 It says that a man asked the Prophet\u2026 \u2018Who requires the maximum love and respect and my companionship in this world?<\/p>\n
The Prophet replied \u2013 \u2018your mother\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018Who is next\u2019? \u2013 \u2018your mother\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018Who is next?\u2019 \u2013 \u2018your mother\u2019<\/p>\n
The man asked for the fourth time, \u2013 \u2018Who is next\u2019<\/p>\n
The Prophet replied \u2018your father\u2019<\/p>\n
75% of the love and respect goes to the father, sorry goes to the mother and 25% of the love and respect goes to the father<\/p>\n
Three fourth of the better part of the love and respect goes to the mother \u2013 One fourth of the remaining part of the love and respect goes to the father<\/p>\n
In short, the gold medal goes to the mother, the silver medal goes to the mother, the bronze medal goes to the mother and the father may be he gets the consolation prize.<\/p>\n
I am very happy that my brothers have appreciated it \u2013 Otherwise normally I always apolo\u00adgize, that if I have hurt the feelings of my brothers, I am sorry \u2013 That is what Islam tells me<\/p>\n
But, I\u2019m glad, that my brothers here, they have appreciated Islam,
\nAl-hamdullillah<\/p>\n
Let us analyze the rights of the sisters in Islam<\/p>\n
According to Surah Tawbah, Ch. 9, Verse No.71, it says\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026<\/p>\n
That\u2026 \u2018The men and the women they are maintainers and supporters of each other\u2019<\/p>\n
The word \u2018Auliya\u2019 here means \u2018supporters\u2019 and \u2018maintainers\u2019 \u2013 they are sup\u00adporters and maintainers of each other<\/p>\n
In short they are brothers and sisters unto each other, unless otherwise<\/p>\n
Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) he said, \u2018The women are the \u2018Shakat\u2019 -\u2018Shakat\u2019 means sister\u2019<\/p>\n
It also means \u2018half\u2019, as humankind has been divided into two halves \u2013 men and women \u2013 It refers to as \u2018half\u2019, also as \u2018sisters\u2019<\/p>\n
There are so many social rights that we can, that we can speak for weeks together.
\n*** 07 Sec<\/p>\n
But due to short of time, I will not be able to touch on the important topics such as Polygamy, such as divorce, such as Talaq, divorce, because I have opted to spend more time on the other topics<\/p>\n
Because experience tells me that these topics, Inshallah, will be covered in the question and answer time<\/p>\n
And I hope you will ask questions and whatever \u2013 whatever clarification you require on this topic, I will try my level best to give you<\/p>\n
Now let us analyze \u2013 now let us analyze the Educational rights given to the women in Islam<\/p>\n
The first 5 verses which were revealed of the Qur\u2019an Shareef were from Surah Alaq, or Surah Iqra, Ch. 96, Verse No. 1 to 5 which says \u2013 (Arabic\u2026)<\/p>\n
\u2018Read, recite or proclaim in the name of thy lord, (Arabic\u2026) Who has created the human beings from a congealed clot of blood, a leech like substance<\/p>\n
(Arabic\u2026) \u2013 Read, thy Lord is most bountiful<\/p>\n
(Arabic\u2026) \u2013 Who has taught the use of the pen<\/p>\n
(Arabic\u2026) \u2013 Who has taught the human beings that which he knew-not\u2019.<\/p>\n
The first guidance given in the Qur\u2019an Shareef to the humankind was not to pray, was not to fast, was not to give charity \u2013 It was read \u2013 Islam pays utmost importance to education.<\/p>\n
The Prophet ordained the parents, the father and the mother, to see to it that they gave Religious education to their daughter<\/p>\n
And after a lady married, it was the duty of the husband to pro\u00advide her with the Religious education<\/p>\n
If he couldn\u2019t do it him\u00adself, and if she wanted, he should allow her to go somewhere else to acquire the education<\/p>\n
According to Sahih Bukhari, the women were very enthusiastic to acquire knowledge, and they once told the Prophet\u2026 \u2018You are usually surrounded by men \u2013 why do not you give us one particular day so that we too can ask you questions\u2019 \u2013 And the Prophet agreed.<\/p>\n
Beside he himself going, he sent many other of his Sahabas to the women, to give them education<\/p>\n
Imagine, 1400 years ago, when the women were ill treated and were only used as chattels \u2013 leave aside being educated, Islam asked the women to be educated<\/p>\n
We have examples of several Muslim women who are scholars<\/p>\n
And the best example I can give you is of Bibi Ayaisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who was the daughter of Hazrat Abubaker, the first Khalifa of Islam, (may Allah be pleased with him), and the wife of our beloved Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him)<\/p>\n
She gave guidance even to the Sahabas and to the Khalifas \u2013 One of her famous student Urwah-Ibn-Zubair<\/p>\n
She said that\u2026 \u2018I have not seen a greater scholar than Ayaisha in the field of learning of the Qur\u2019an, in obligatory duties, in lawful and unlawful matters, in literature and poetry, in Arab history\u2019<\/p>\n
She was not only expert in the Religious field, she had profound knowledge of medicine \u2013 Whenever the foreign delegates came to the Prophet and discussed, she used to memorize the remedies<\/p>\n
She was well versed in the field of math, and many times the companions came to her to ask problems of \u2018Mirath\u2019 that is, \u2018Inheritance\u2019 \u2013 And how much share could be divide how much share should be given to the each individual<\/p>\n
She has \u2013 she is said to have guided all the four Khalifas, including the companions.<\/p>\n
And she also gave guidance, many a times to Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) and she herself has narrated 2210 Hadiths.<\/p>\n
According to AbuUmm\u2026 according to Abu Moosa, who was a famous Jurist, he said that\u2026 \u2018Whenever we companions had lack of knowledge on a matter, we went to \u2013 we went to \u2013 Hazrat Ayaisha (May Allah be pleased with her), and definitely she had knowledge about it\u2019.<\/p>\n
She is said to have taught more than 88 scholars \u2013 In short, she was a scholar of the scholars.<\/p>\n
There are several examples, even of Safiya (may Allah be pleased with her) who was the wife of the Prophet, who was an expert on Fiqah Islamic Jurisprudence.<\/p>\n
And according to Imam an Nouvi \u2018She was the most intellectual women of that time\u2019.<\/p>\n
Another example is Umme \u2013 Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) who was the wife of the beloved Prophet<\/p>\n
According to Ibn Hajar\u2026 \u2018She has taught 32 differ\u00adent scholars\u2019.<\/p>\n
There are several examples \u2013 Fatima-Binte-Kais, she is said to have a discussion on Fiqh, for a full day with Hazrat Ayaisha and Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both), and still they could not prove her wrong<\/p>\n
According to Imam an Nauvi, \u2018she migrated in the early days and she had profound knowledge\u2019<\/p>\n
Other examples like Umme Salim, who was the mother of Anas \u2013 she is said to be very well versed in the field of Dawah.<\/p>\n
Other examples are Saeeda Nafisa, who was the grand daughter of Hasan and she also said to have taught Imam Shafi, who was the founder of the one of schools of thought.<\/p>\n
There are several examples \u2013 Even Umme-Ad-darda, who was the wife of Abul -Ad-darda, she is said be an expert in science<\/p>\n
And even Imam Bukhari has said that she was an expert in her field \u2013 You can give several examples<\/p>\n
At the time when the women were ill treated, at the time when women were buried alive, when they were born, at that time Islam had women scholars, in the field of medicine, in the field of science, in the field of Religion<\/p>\n
Because Islam tells that every woman should be educated, \u2013 Will you call such women\u2019s right\u2019s in Islam as modernizing or oudated?<\/p>\n
Let us discuss the legal rights given to a woman in Islam<\/p>\n
According to the Islamic law, men and women are equal \u2013 The Shariah protects the life and property of a man and woman both.<\/p>\n
If a man murders a woman he too will receive the \u2018Hurth\u2019 punishment \u2013 That is Capital punishment of \u2018Kisas\u2019<\/p>\n
According to Surah Baqarah Ch. 2, Verse No.178 and 179, \u2018he too shall be killed\u2019.<\/p>\n
Like wise if a woman murders, she too will be killed<\/p>\n
According to the Islamic law of \u2018Kisas\u2019, men and women \u2013 irrespective the injury be of the eye, of the nose, of the ear, of the body \u2013 both receive equal punishment<\/p>\n
And if the guardian of the murderer, even it be a woman \u2013 If she says, that forgive the murderer and she accepts \u2018Dia\u2019, that is compensation \u2013 her opinion cannot be rejected \u2013 They have to accept it<\/p>\n
And if there\u2019s difference of opinion between the relatives of the person whose murdered \u2013 And some say that the murderer should be killed and some say that he should be forgiven and \u2018Dia\u2019 should be accepted \u2013 people should prevent the relatives from killing that murderer.<\/p>\n
And irrespective whether the witness or the opinion is given by a man or woman, it has same weight.<\/p>\n
According to Surah Maida, Ch.5, Verse No.30 \u2013 It says\u2026 \u2018As to the thief, whether he be man or a woman, cut off his or her hand as a punishment for his crime, an example from Allah (SWT)\u2019.<\/p>\n
Means, if a person robs, irrespec\u00adtive whether he is a man or a woman his or her hands should be chopped \u2013 The punishment is the same<\/p>\n
According to Surah Nur, Ch.24, Verse No.2, it says \u2018If any commits fornication, be it a man or a woman, flog them with 100 stripes\u2019<\/p>\n
The punishment for fornication in Islam irrespective whether it is a man or a woman, it is the same \u2013 Flogging with 100 stripes.<\/p>\n
The punishment for men and women, is the same in Islam.<\/p>\n
In Islam a woman is allowed to give witness<\/p>\n
Imagine, Islam gave right to a woman to be a witness, 14 centuries ago<\/p>\n
Even now in as late as 1980, the Jewish Rabai, they are considering, they were considering that whether the women should be given a right to act as a witness or not \u2013 And Islam gave that right 1400 years ago<\/p>\n
Accord\u00ading to Surah Nur, Ch.24, Verse No.4, it is said \u2018If any of you put a charge against the chastity of a woman, produce 4 witnesses, and if they falter, flog them with 80 stripes\u2019<\/p>\n
In Islam for a small crime, you require 2 witness \u2013 for a big crime you require 4 witnesses<\/p>\n
Accusing a woman falsely is a big crime in Islam, therefore you require 4 wit\u00adnesses.<\/p>\n
Now a days you see in the modern society, you find men abusing women and calling them all sorts of name. They call them prostitutes etc, and what nothing is done<\/p>\n
In a Islamic State, if a man calls her a \u2018prostitute\u2019 in public or anywhere else, and if she takes that man to court \u2013 And if that man cannot produce 4 witnesses or even if he produces 4 witnesses and any one of them falter, all of them will receive 80 lashes each, and in future all their evidence will be rejected<\/p>\n
Islam gives utmost importance to the chastity of the woman<\/p>\n
When a lady marries, she normally adopts the name of her husband<\/p>\n
In Islam she has the option of either keeping her husband\u2019s name, either adopting the name of the husband, or maintain\u00ading her maiden name<\/p>\n
And maintaining the maiden name is recommend\u00aded in Islam \u2013 And we find in several Muslim societies that women, even after they get married they maintain their maiden name, because accord\u00ading to the Islamic law men and women are equal<\/p>\n
Will you call such rights in Islam modernizing or oudated?<\/p>\n
Let us analyze the polit\u00adical rights<\/p>\n
According to Surah Tawba, Ch.9, Verse No.71, which I quoted earlier, which says.<\/p>\n
(Arabic\u2026).<\/p>\n
Which says\u2026 \u2018The men and the women they are supporters of each other\u2019. *** 06 Sec<\/p>\n
Supporters not only Socially \u2013 even Politically \u2013 Politically, men and women should support each other<\/p>\n
Islam gives women the right to vote<\/p>\n
If you read Surah Al Mumtahina, Ch.60, Verse No.12, it says that\u2026 \u2018O Prophet when the believing women come to thee with an oath of fealty\u2019.<\/p>\n
Here, the Arabic word is \u2018Bayan\u2019 \u2013 And \u2018Bayan\u2019 means much more than our modern, present day elec\u00adtion, \u2013 because Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him), he was not only the messenger of Allah, but he was also the head of the state<\/p>\n
And women came to the Prophet and they agreed with him being the head of the state.<\/p>\n
So Islam gives the woman even the right to vote<\/p>\n
Women can even take part in law making<\/p>\n
And according to the famous Hadith in which Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), he was discussing with the Sahabas, and considering putting an upper limit on the \u2018Meher \u2019, since young men were discouraged from getting married \u2013 a lady from the back seat she objected and said When the Qur\u2019an says in Surah Nisa Ch.4, Verse No.20 that\u2026 \u2018you can even give a heap of treasure, a heap of gold in \u2018Meher\u2019, when Qur\u2019an puts no limit on \u2018Meher\u2019, who is Umar to put a limit (may Allah be pleased with him)<\/p>\n
And immediately Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) he said\u2026 \u2018Umar is wrong and the lady is right\u2019<\/p>\n
Imagine, she was a common lady \u2013 If it would have been a famous lady, the name of the lady would be mentioned in the Hadith<\/p>\n
Since the Hadith does not mention the name of the lady, we can understand that the lady was a common lady<\/p>\n
Means, even a common lady can object to the \u2018Khalifa\u2019, the head of the state<\/p>\n
And in technical terms it would be called that \u2013 \u2018she is objecting to the breach of the constitution\u2019,- because Qur\u2019an is the constitution of the Muslims \u2013 That means a woman can even take part in law making<\/p>\n
Women have even taken part in the battle fields<\/p>\n
There is a full chapter in the Sahih Bukhari mentioning women in the battle field \u2013 Women gave water \u2013 they give first aid to the soldiers<\/p>\n
And there is a particu\u00adlar mention of a woman by the name of Nasiba, who were among the few, who protected our beloved Prophet during the battle of Ohud<\/p>\n
Because the Qur\u2019an says \u2018Man is the protector of the \u2018Woman\u2019<\/p>\n
Under normal circumstances, the women should not go to the battle field. It is the duty of the man<\/p>\n
Only when required, under necessi\u00adty are women allowed \u2013 and they should go to the battle field \u2013 Otherwise no<\/p>\n
Otherwise you\u2019ll have the same position as you are having in theUSA.<\/p>\n
There\u2026 women were allowed to join the battle since 1901 but they were not allowed to take active part \u2013 They only played the part of a nurse<\/p>\n
Later on after the \u2018Feminist Movement\u2019 had started in 1973, the \u2018Feminist movement\u2019 demand\u00aded \u2013 \u2018Why aren\u2019t women allowed to take active part in the battle field?\u2019<\/p>\n
So the American government allowed \u2013 After 1976 women, were allowed to take active part in the battle field<\/p>\n
And last year according to a report of the defense department, of the defense de\u00adpartment of America, which was released on the 23rd of April, 1993 it said that \u2013 \u201890 people were sexually assaulted in a convention, of out which out of which 83 were women and 117 officers were charged with in disciplinary action\u2019 \u2013 Imagine in one convention only, 83 women sexually assault\u00aded.<\/p>\n
What was the crime of those 117 officers?<\/p>\n
They made the women run and they snatched at their clothes \u2013 They made them parade absolutely nude without even covering the genital parts \u2013 They were made to have sex in public<\/p>\n
Is this what you call \u2018Women\u2019s rights\u2019?<\/p>\n
If you think that this is what is \u2018Women\u2019s right\u2019, then you can keep your rights to yourselves<\/p>\n
We do not want our sisters, our daughters our mothers to be sexually assaulted.<\/p>\n
And there was a uproar in the parliament and the President, Bill Clinton \u2013 he him\u00adself had to apologize \u2013 publicly apologize and he said\u2026 \u2018Necessary action will be taken\u2019<\/p>\n
And you know when politicians say \u2018necessary ac\u00adtion will be taken, what happens.<\/p>\n
So Islam allows women to take part in the battle field only when required<\/p>\n
But there also they should maintain their Islamic Hijab and the Islamic ethics, and their modesty.<\/p>\n
Before I conclude my talk, I\u2019d like to give an example<\/p>\n
As I said in the beginning of my talk, Islam believes in equality between men and women \u2013 Equality does not mean identicality.<\/p>\n
Suppose in a classroom 2 students, student \u2018A\u2019 and \u2018B\u2019, during an examination both come out first \u2013 Both secure 80% marks \u2013 80 out of 100<\/p>\n
Out of the hundreds of students, 2 come out first \u2018A\u2019 and \u2018B\u2019<\/p>\n
When you analyze the question paper, the question paper has 10 differ\u00adent questions, each carrying 10 marks.<\/p>\n
In question 1 student \u2018A\u2019 got 9 out of 10, and student \u2018B\u2019 got 7 out of 10 \u2013 So in question 1 student \u2018A\u2019 was higher than student \u2018B\u2019.<\/p>\n
In question 2, student \u2018A\u2019 got 7 out of 10 and student \u2018B\u2019 got 9 out of 10,
\n\u2013 Student \u2018B\u2019 was higher than student \u2018A\u2019 in question number 2.<\/p>\n
In question 3 both of them got 8 out of 10, both were equal<\/p>\n
So when we add up the marks of all the ten questions, both student \u2018A\u2019 and \u2018B\u2019 got 80 out of 100<\/p>\n
So in short, student \u2018A\u2019 and student \u2018B\u2019 are over all equal<\/p>\n
In some question \u2018A\u2019 is higher than \u2018B\u2019, in some question \u2018B\u2019 is higher than \u2018A\u2019, in others both are equal<\/p>\n
In the same fashion, taking the example that since Allah has given man more strength \u2013 Suppose a thief enters the house will you tell, \u2018I believe in women\u2019s rights \u2013 I believe in women\u2019s rights\u2019 \u2013 will you tell your mother, your sister and your daughter, to go and fight the thief?\u2019<\/p>\n
No, but natural you\u2019ll fight him \u2013 If required they may interfere \u2013 under normal circumstances since Allah has given you more physical strength, you have to go and tackle the thief.<\/p>\n
So here, in physical strength, man is one degree higher than the woman<\/p>\n
Let us take another example where\u2026 where it comes to giving respect to the -where it comes to respecting the parents \u2013 The children are supposed to respect the mother 3 times more than the father.<\/p>\n
Here the women have one degree higher than the men \u2013 Over all both equal<\/p>\n
So Islam believes in equality, not identically \u2013 Men and women are over all equal in Islam. *** 09 Sec<\/p>\n
\u2018This was in brief, not in detail\u2019, as Justice Kazi said, time does not permit me to speak in detail \u2013 this was in brief, the highlights, of \u2018the Women\u2019s Rights in Islam\u2019.<\/p>\n
After this what the Muslim society did is different \u2013 Many of the Muslim societies did not give the women their rights and they deviated away from the Qur\u2019an and the Sun\u00adnah.<\/p>\n
The Western society is largely responsible for this \u2013 because of the Western societies, many Muslim societies have become over protective, over precautions and have gone to one extreme and deviated away from the Qur\u2019an and the Sunnah.B<\/p>\n
On the other ex\u00adtreme, some of the Muslim societies upgrade with the Western culture, and followed their culture.<\/p>\n
I want to tell the Western society that if you analyze the women\u2019s rights in Islam according to the Qur\u2019an and the Sunnah \u2013 you will realize it is modernizing and not outdated<\/p>\n
Lastly, I would like to thank those people who have helped and supported me<\/p>\n
If there is any one person who requires credit for me being here, it is my\u2026 it is my beloved mother Mrs. Roshan Naik \u2013 It was because, it was because of her love, care and guidance that I am here today.<\/p>\n
I will be doing injustice if I do not include the name of my father Dr. Abdul Karim Naik, as well as my other family members, specially, my Brother Mohammed Naik<\/p>\n
And last, but not the least my wife, who has encouraged me since one and a quar\u00adter year, since we have been married and thus I have been able to strive harder in this field.
\n*** 15 Sec<\/p>\n
Wa aakhirudda-waana Anilhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalamin<\/p>\n
Clapping<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed)<\/p>\n
A thank you all for that appreciation<\/p>\n
Before we start the question and answer session, an announcement to make.<\/p>\n
We, the Islamic Research Foundation and it\u2019s trustees are very thankful to the Al-Baraka Finance House Ltd. Bombay and it\u2019s managing director Mr. Raashid Umar for kindly sponsoring the U-matic video recording of broadcast quality, of this programme which is going on \u2013 Thank you Mr Raashid Umer and the Al-Baraka.<\/p>\n
(Clippings of Question & Answer)<\/p>\n
(Q). Asalam Allakum, my name is Sabha, and I am a student.<\/p>\n
I would ask\u2026 I would like to ask you a question Zakir Bhai \u2013 A man will have \u2018Hoors\u2019, that is, beautiful maidens when he when he entersParadise<\/p>\n
What will a woman get, when she entersParadise?<\/p>\n
(Q). My name is Sheila \u2013 I would like\u2026 I would like to ask \u2013 Why is Polygamy permitted in Islam, and that is why\u2026 is a man allowed to marry more than one wife?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir). Qur\u2019an happens to be the only Religious book on the face of the earth, which says\u2026 \u2018Marry only one\u2019.<\/p>\n
There is no Religious book on the face of the earth, which says\u2026 \u2018Marry only one\u2019.<\/p>\n
You read the Geeta, you read the Veda, you read the Ramayan, you read the Mahabharata, you read the Bible \u2013 No where it is mentioned\u2026 \u2018Marry only one\u2019 \u2013 It is only mentioned in the Qur\u2019an<\/p>\n
(Q). I am Vimla Dalal, Advocate \u2013 I would like to ask, that Islam preaches women\u2019s rights are equal to men.<\/p>\n
Why women should be in \u2018Purdah\u2019, and why there should be a segregation of men and women, in this sort of meeting also?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question<\/p>\n
(Q). Aslam Allaikum \u2013 My name is Bilal Lala, and I am a revert \u2013 By profession, I happen to be a lecturer in computers<\/p>\n
There is one question which has baffled me over the years, and that question is -Why does Islam permit a Muslim man to marry a woman of his choice from Ahle Kitab\u2026 may be Jews or Christians, and the vice-versa is not permitted?<\/p>\n
(Q). My name is Roshan Rangwala\u2026 a businessman.<\/p>\n
Question is Dr. Naik, as you said that Islam gives equal right to both ladies and gents \u2013 Then why man is allowed to keep 4 wives, and ladies are kept away from this privilege?<\/p>\n
As men can think of another woman, at the same time after marrying a one wife\u2026 man can think for another women \u2013 why ladies cannot think for another?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question please\u2026..<\/p>\n
(Q). I am Prakash Lote \u2013 first of all I will thank organisation for calling people of all faiths\u2026 and so I am asking another question.<\/p>\n
For all the Religions, whether it is Hinduism, Christian, or Islam\u2026 in books there are many good things.<\/p>\n
But for years, after thousands of years, the practices of all the Religion have been discriminatory towards women, and no Religion is a exception to this.<\/p>\n
So the question is \u2013 What is written in the books\u2026 whether it is Bible, Qur\u2019an or Gita or whatever it is\u2026 whether that is more important, or the practice of the society, which is more important?<\/p>\n
And if practice is more important, then we should give very little importance to what is being written in all such holy books, including Qur\u2019an, Gita whatever it is<\/p>\n
So on this, I will expect answer, where in practice what could be done\u2026 instead of saying what is being written in this book or that book.*** Sec<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question from the top please<\/p>\n
(Q). As salam Allaikum, I am Saima Kadri, and my question is that\u2026 \u2018Why there are no women Prophets in Islam?\u2019<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) This is from Bijay, from IIT Powai Bombay.<\/p>\n
He asks\u2026 \u2018Islam does not allow intermingling of sex in work place \u2013 Is this modernizing or oudated \u2013 Please explain?\u2019<\/p>\n
(Q). Another connected question is\u2026 \u2018Can a woman work as an Airhostess, since it is a decent and highly paid job?\u2019 \u2013 This is from Sudat.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir). According to statistics, it tells us that 50% of the women inAmericawho go to universities and work places, are raped \u2013 Do you know that? .<\/p>\n
50% \u2013 why?\u2026 Because most of the jobs inAmerica, involve intermingling of sexes.<\/p>\n
If you think that a lady should be raped, it is modernising\u2026 then Islam is oudated \u2013 If you think not, then Islam is the most modernizing.<\/p>\n
(Q). In the name of Allah most Gracious, Merciful andBountiful.<\/p>\n
As-Salam-Alaikum \u2013 I am Parveen Alaviya\u2026 a practicing lawyer, and a researcher in world Religions.<\/p>\n
My question to you Dr. Naik is\u2026 you mentioned the solitary illustration of a woman, who told the body, that she was forced into a marriage, and her marriage was allowed to be invalidated.<\/p>\n
This incident took place years ago, around the year, if possible the body.<\/p>\n
Qur\u2019an is the constitution of the rights of women and men \u2013 Is there a body? If so name it, which also enforces the breakage and rights \u2013 Thank you.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed). The next question from the chit.<\/p>\n
(Q). Is co-education allowed in Islam? \u2013 This is from Rasheed Shaikh\u2026 he is a student.<\/p>\n
Is co-education allowed in Islam?.<\/p>\n
(Q). This is from Jenifer \u2013 It says\u2026 \u2018Is it only the husband who can say \u2018Triple Talak\u2019 and get one\u2026 and get one? \u2013 What has a woman to do, if she wants to get divorce or \u2018Talak\u2019?\u2019<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir). The question asked is \u2013 Why are not women allowed in the Mosque?<\/p>\n
You go toSaudi Arabia, women are allowed in the Mosque \u2013 You go toLondon, women are allowed in the Mosque \u2013 You go toAmerica, women are allowed in the Mosque \u2013 It is only inIndia, that they are prevented, and a few countries close by.<\/p>\n
You go to the Haram-Sharif inMecca, in Masjid-E-Nabvi, they are allowed.<\/p>\n
But Alhamdulilah, there are few Mosques inIndia\u2026 even inBombay, which have started allowing women in the Mosque \u2013 Hope the other Mosques will follow.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed). Thank you \u2013 the next question.<\/p>\n
(Q). Dr. Naik, my question is\u2026 \u2018For last fourteen hundred years\u2026 One thousand and four hundred years, only main Ulemas have interpreted Qur\u2019an and Hadith.<\/p>\n
Of course, I was enlightened by your speech in the beginning, that Aaisha Ji was a Religious scholar, and she used to interpret.<\/p>\n
My question is\u2026 how many women, female Ulemas or Religious scholars are today to interpret Qur\u2019an and Hadith, today \u2013 How many?\u2026 What is the percentage? \u2013 And another thing another thing, I am just\u2026 I am finishing\u2026 this question arises from \u2018the Taslima of Bengal\u2019 \u2013 that when she made a sentence, I mean, Moulvi started shouting \u2013 there was not a lady Ulema to, I mean reply to these Moulvis or take the side of Taslima or anything.<\/p>\n
We have not read what Taslima has said, because we can not get all the literature here inIndia- either fromPakistanor fromBengalor anywhere.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir). Why did not any lady support the cause for Taslima Nasreen? \u2013 The first question arises\u2026 Should she be supported?<\/p>\n
Regarding the answer for the question on Taslima Nasreen, this cassette is available outside in the foyer.<\/p>\n
This cassette\u2026 we had a debate in the Bombay Union of Journalist \u2013 Bombay Union of Journalist had a debate between myself and Dr. Vyas and Father Peirera as well as Ashok Shahani, who translated into Marathi \u2018Lajja\u2019.<\/p>\n
And many people objected, many people guided me, that do not go to that debate\u2026 It will be a problem, they will misquote you \u2013 And believe me, I have had two minds.<\/p>\n
But finally my father guided me\u2026 \u2018Take the name of Allah and go\u2019, and I went\u2026Al-Hamdulillah.<\/p>\n
Al-Hamdulillah, it was only because of Allah\u2019s support, that the debate was successful \u2013 It was so successful, that not a single paper reported it\u2026 you know that \u2013 Not a single paper reported it\u2026 you know that? \u2013 Not a single paper.<\/p>\n
(Back Ground Azaan, By Brother Yusuf Islam)<\/p>\n
Islamic Research Foundation An International Resource Centre For Understanding And Clarification, On Islam And Comparative Religion.<\/p>\n
Islamic Research Foundation Provides For Free Hire AndSale, Video And Audio Cassettes, On Islam And Comparative Religion.<\/p>\n
This Being, The Largest And Best Collection Internationally.<\/p>\n
It Includes Films, Television Programmes, Documentaries, Qur\u2019anic And Islamic Studies Programmes As Well As Interviews, Lectures, Symposia, Debates, Etc., Of World Renowned Speakers Like Shaikh Ahmed Deedat \u2013 South Africa, Dr. Zakir Naik- India, Dr. Jamal Badawi \u2013 Canada, Dr. Khalid Al-Mansoor \u2013 U.S.A., Brother Yusuf Islam \u2013 U.K., Brother Gary Miller \u2013 Canada, Dr. Israr Ahmed -Pakistan, Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh- India, And Many Others.*** 41 Sec<\/p>\n
Islamic Research Foundation Also Provides On Request, Free Literature On Islam And Comparative Religion.*** 07 Sec<\/p>\n
Please Phone, Call, Or Write To Islamic Research Foundation, 56\/58,Tandel Street(North), Dongri, Mumbai 400 009.*** 12 Sec<\/p>\n
(Azan Continued\u2026.).*** 05 Sec<\/p>\n
(Back Ground Azaan, By Brother Yusuf Islam)<\/p>\n
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(Azan Continued)\u2026<\/p>\n
PART 2<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Bismillah. Now we would be having the Question and Answer session. We would like you to kindly understand and observe the rules, that have to be followed, during the Question and Answer ses\u00adsion, so that we can derive the maximum benefit from it. 3 mikes have been provided for the questions from the audience, two down here, below for the gents, and one up in the centre, in the balcony for the ladies. One question at a time will be put on the mike \u2013 the first question being asked by the lady on the top, then we move down to the brother on my right hand side, then we move up again to the next lady in the balcony \u2013 We move down on my left hand side, to the next brother here, and similar fashion we move up and down in the centre, on the top, and on the two sides, below. Written questions on slip papers, which are available from volunteers standing in the aisles, will be given a 2nd preference, after the questions on the mikes have been answered by Dr. Zakir. Questions asked, should be on the topic \u2018Women\u2019s Right in Islam \u2013 Modernising or Outdated?\u2019, only. Kindly state you question briefly and to the point, preferably in one to three sentences \u2013 This is a question and answer session, not a lecture or a debate session. Only one question at a time may be asked \u2013 If time permits us we may allow you a second chance after the others have completed their chance. In the interest of having a less time wasting, a more educative and an interesting Question and Answer session, our decision to allow or disallow irrelevant questions, or time wasting questions, will be final. In the interest of eliciting a proper and clear answer from our speaker, kindly state your name and designation, before putting forward your question \u2013 Your name and designation, before you put forward your question, so that we can give you a more appropriate answer \u2013 Thank you. We start our Question and Answer session \u2013 Dr. Zakir Naik ready at his mike, the questioners ready at theirs \u2013 May we have the first question, from the ladies in the balcony.<\/p>\n
(Q) Salam Alaikum, my name is Saba, and I am a student \u2013 I would ask, I would like to ask you a question, Zakir Bhai. A man will have \u2018Hoors\u2019, that is beautiful maidens when he enters Paradise \u2013 What will a woman get when she enters Paradise?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) The sister has posed a question, that when a man enters Paradise, he will get \u2018Hoor\u2019\u2026 that is a beautiful maiden \u2013 What will the woman get, when she enters Paradise? The Qur\u2019an has mentioned the word \u2018Hoor\u2019, in no less than 4 diffrent places. It is mentioned in Surah Dukhan, Ch. No. 44, Verse No. 54, it is mentioned Surah Tur, in Ch. No. 52, Verse No. 20, it is mentioned in Surah Rehman, Ch. No. 55, Verse No. 72, as well as in Surah Waqia, Ch. No.56, Verse No. 22, and many of the translations, specially the Urdu translations have translated the word \u2018Hoor\u2019, as beautiful maiden. If the word \u2018Hoor\u2019, means a beautiful maiden\u2026 it means a beautiful maiden, then what will the woman get, in Paradise? Actually the word \u2018Hoor\u2019, is a plural for \u2018Ahwar\u2019, which is applicable to the man, and \u2018Hawar\u2019, which is applicable to the women. And it signifies the characteristic of \u2018Hawar\u2019, which means \u2018big, white beautiful eye\u2019, and describes especially, the whiteness of the eye. The similar thing is mentioned as \u2018Azwajur Muthaharin\u2019 in many places in the Qur\u2019an, in Surah Baqrah, Ch. No. 2, Verse No. 25, and in Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, Verse No. 57 \u2013 It says\u2026 \u2018Azwajur Muthaharin\u2019, which means companion, pair. So the word \u2018Hoor\u2019, is rightly translated by Mohammed Asad as\u2026 \u2018Spouse\u2019 and also by Abdullah Yusuf Ali\u2026 Abdullah Yusuf Ali as\u2026 \u2018Companion\u2019 \u2013 So \u2018Hoor\u2019 actually means a \u2018Companion\u2019 or a \u2018Spouse\u2019 \u2013 It has no gender. For the man, he will get a good lady with big beautiful eyes \u2013 and for a woman, she will get a good man with big beautiful eyes. I hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The brother on my right hand side, please.<\/p>\n
(Q) As-Salam-Alaikum \u2013 Sultan Kazi, I am in service \u2013 I would like to pose a certain question to Dr Zakir Naik. For evidence\u2026 given to prove evidence, why are there two female witness, against one male witness?<\/p>\n
( Dr. Zakir) The brother asked a very important question, that why are 2 women witness, equal to one witness, in Islam. 2 women witnesses are not equal to one man witness \u2013 2 women witness are not equal to one man witness, in all the cases \u2013 only in certain cases. There are at least 5 Verses in the Qur\u2019an, which speak about the witnesses, without specifying male or female \u2013 In one place there is an indication, in which two women witnesses is equal to one witness of man, and that is in Surah Baqarah, Ch. No. 2, Verse No. 282, which happens to be the longest Verse of the Qur\u2019an. It says that\u2026 \u2018When you involve in financial transaction, in which future obligations are there, reduce them in writing, and take 2 witnesses among the men\u2019. If can not\u2026 sorry\u2026 if you can not find 2 men witnesses, take one man, and 2 women, so that if one of them gets confused, the other will remind her \u2013 This Verse of the Qur\u2019an, Surah Baqrah, Ch. No. 2, Verse No. 282, only deals with finan\u00adcial aspects. Only in financial aspects, it is said that take 2 men as witnesses, preferable \u2013 only if you can not find 2 men as witnesses, take one man, and 2 women. Let me give you an example, for a better understanding \u2013 Suppose a person wants to undergo a surgery, he wants to go under an operation\u2026 but natural he would prefer taking the advice of 2 qualified surgeons. If he cannot find 2 qualified surgeons, he would take the advice of one qualified surgeon, at least backed with 2 normal general practitioners, who have got a normal M.B.B.S. degree, because a surgeon is more qualified in the filed of surgery, as compared to a plain M.B.B.S. doctor. In the same fashion, since the responsibility of the financial aspects, has been laid on the shoulders of the man, in Islam\u2026 he is more well Versed in finance, as com\u00adpared to the women \u2013 That is why the best option for witnesses in financial transactions, is 2 men. If you can not find 2 men, then one woman\u2026 sorry, one man and 2 women. Again, if you read in Surah Maidah, Ch. No. 5, Verse No. 106, it says that\u2026 \u2018Anyone writes a will of inheritance, take two men as witnesses\u2019 \u2013 Again dealing with financial transactions, men are pre\u00adferred. Some of the Jurists say that\u2026 \u2018Even while giving witnesses in cases of murder, the feminine nature may obstruct her, and she may get scared in cases of murder \u2013 That is why even in cases of murders, 2 women witness are equal to one witness of man. Only under these 2 conditions\u2026 of finance and cases of murder, are two women witness, equal to one. Some of the scholars say, \u201cNo, Islam says, one place in Surah Baqrah, Ch. No. 2, Verse No. 282, that\u2026 \u2018Two women equal to one man\u2019 \u2013 Therefore under all circum\u00adstances 2 women is always equal to one man\u201d. Let us analyse\u2026 as I said let us analyse the Qur\u2019an as a whole. If you read the Qur\u2019an, in Surah Nur, Ch. No. 24, Verse No. 6, it states that\u2026 \u2018If any of you put a charge against your spouse, and if they have no evidence, if they have no evidence, their solitary evidence is sufficient\u2019. Means, if a husband wants to put a charge against the wife, the wife has to put a charge against the husband \u2013 if they have got no witnesses, their solitary evidence is sufficient. This Verse clearly indi\u00adcates that one woman witness, is equal to one witness of man. There are several cases, which the Jurists agree that even in cases of sighting of moon, one woman witness is sufficient. Some Jurists say that\u2026 \u2018In the beginning of Ramzan, one witness is required \u2013 At the end of Ramzan, two witnesses are required \u2013 It does not make a difference, whether they are man or woman. There are certain cases in which man\u2019s witness cannot be accepted\u2026 only woman\u2019s witness is accepted. All are waiting for the answer, I be\u00adlieve. Suppose you want to give a witness for the burial bath of a woman \u2013 After a woman dies, the witness for a burial bath, can only be given by a woman. And only in extreme cases, when you cannot find women, then can the husband give, the witness \u2013 so here the woman witness is preferable \u2013 Hope that clarifies your doubt, brother.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) One\u2026 those who are interested in writing questions on the slip, you may kindly raise your hands, so that we have assistants standing around.<\/p>\n
(Q). They could come and help you out with a slip of paper, or a pen, or whatever is required, so that\u2026 and it can be passed on down the stage side, to me \u2013 So we can carry on as a secondary preference, later on. May we have the next question, from the sister on the top, please.<\/p>\n
(Q). As-salaam Alaikum, my name is Shaila \u2013 I would like\u2026 I would like to ask, why is Polygamy permitted in Islam \u2013 and that is why, a man is allowed to marry more than one wife?<\/p>\n
(Dr.Zakir) Sister has asked the question, that why is Polygamy permitted in Islam, that is why\u2026 is a man is allowed to marry more than one wife, in Islam. The Polygamy actually means that\u2026 \u2018A person who has more than one Spouse\u2019. It is divided into two categories \u2013 \u2018Polygeny\u2019\u2026 in which, a man has more than one wife, and \u2018Polyendry\u2019\u2026 in which, a woman has got more than one husband. People normally, think Polygamy means\u2026 \u2018A man can only\u2026 man can marry more than one wife\u2019 \u2013 Polygamy means both\u2026 \u2018A person having more than one spouse\u2019. If a man has more than one wife, it\u2019s called \u2018Polygeny\u2019\u2026 and if a woman has more than one husband, it is called \u2018Polyendry\u2019. But since the sister has mainly asked the question\u2026 \u2018Why is a man allowed to marry more than one wife?\u2019 I will answer, why is Polygeny al\u00adlowed in Islam. Qur\u2019an happens to be the only Religious book on the face of the earth, which says\u2026 \u2018Marry only one\u2019. There is no Religious book on the face of the earth, which says\u2026 \u2018Marry only one\u2019.
\nYou read the Geeta, you read the Veda, you read the Ramayana, you read the Mahabharta, you read the Bible \u2013 No where it is mentioned\u2026 \u2018Marry only one\u2019 \u2013 Its only mentioned in the Qur\u2019an. In fact if you read the Hindu Scriptures, most of the kings\u2026 most of the kings had several wives \u2013 King Dashrat had more than one wife, Lord Krishna had several wives. If you read the Jewish Scriptures, the Jewish law allowed \u2018Polygeny\u2019 in the 11th century. It was only when Rabi Gurdshom Benjahuda, he passed a Signord and said\u2026 \u2018Polygeny should not be allowed\u2019. Still, it was practiced by the Septranic Jewish community, in the Muslim countries\u2026 until in 1950, the chief Rabainite of Israel, put a ban on it. The Christian Bible allows Polygeny \u2013 only a couple of centuries ago, the Church put a ban on it. Even if you analyse the legal aspect of India, the Indian law allowed a Hindu man to have more than one wife. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed, and if I am wrong Justice Kazi can correct me \u2013 When the Hindu marriage Act was passed in 1954, which put a ban, and prohibited the Hindu man to marry more than one wife. If you see the statistics, according to a committee report on \u2018The status of women in Islam\u2019, which was published in 1975, on page No. 66 and 67, it states the percentage of Polygamous marriages. And it said that\u2026 \u2018The percentage in which the Hindus did Polygenous marriages, it was 5.06, and the percentage of Muslim Polygenous marriages, was only 4.31\u2019. Let us leave the statistics, aside\u2026 let us come to the main point \u2013 why did Islam allow Polygeny? As I mentioned earlier, Qur\u2019an is the only Religious book on the face of the earth which says\u2026 \u2018Marry only one\u2019. It is mentioned in Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, Verse No. 3, that\u2026 \u2018You can marry women of your choice, in twos, threes or fours, but if you can not do justice, marry only one\u2019. This statement\u2026 \u2018Marry only one\u2019, is only given in the Qur\u2019an \u2013 it is not there in any other Religious books. In pre-Islamic Arabia, men had several wives\u2026 Some people had hundreds of wives. Islam put an upper limit to Polygamy \u2013 Maximum four. And if you can have more than one wife, only on the condition, that you can do equal justice between the two, or bet\u00adween the three, or four \u2013 otherwise only one. And the same Surah\u2026 Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, Verse No. 129, says that\u2026, \u2018It is very difficult for a man to be just, between his wives\u2019. So Polygamy is an exception\u2026 it is not the rule \u2013 Many people think that Islam says\u2026, you should compulsory marry more than one wife. There are five categories of do\u2019s and don\u2019ts, in Islam. 1st category is compulsory, which is \u2018Farz\u2019, the 2nd category is \u2018Recommended\u2019 or \u2018Encouraged\u2019, the 3rd category is the \u2018Permissible\u2019 category, the 4th category is the \u2018Discouraged\u2019 category, and the last is prohibited or \u2018Forbidden\u2019 \u2013 Polygeny, falls in the middle category of, \u2018Permissible\u2019. There is no statement in any Hadith, or in the Qur\u2019an which says that\u2026 \u2018If a man marries more than one wife, he is a better Muslim than a person who marries only one wife\u2019. Let us analyse logically, why does Islam allow a man, to marry more than one wife? By nature, men and women are born\u2026 male and females are born, in equal proportion. But medical science tells us that\u2026 \u2018The fetus\u2026 if it\u2019s a female, it is more stronger than the male fetus.\u2019 Pediatric knowledge tells us, that\u2026 a female child has got more resistance, than the male child \u2013 A female child can fight germs and disease, much more stronger and a better way, than the male child. *** Medical science tells us, that the female is health wise a stronger sex, than the male \u2013 so in the Pediatric stage itself, the female ratio is higher than the male ratio. Wars take place in the world, and during wars, more males are killed than the female. Even the recent war which took place\u2026 in the recent war which took place in Afghanistan, approximately more than one and a half million people were martyred, out of which most of them were men. Statistics tells us that accidents take place \u2013 More of the men die in accidents, than female \u2013 More male death takes place due to cigarette smoking, than female death. Therefore, we have more females in the world, as compared to the male. India is one of the country, besides the few of the Asian countries, and Africa, in which the female population is more than the male population. And the reason I have given you \u2026 because more than one million fetuses are\u2026 female fetuses are being aborted, every year. And because of the high rate of infanticide\u2026 female infanticide \u2013 that is the reason, that females are less than the male. Otherwise, you stop this evil practice, and within a few decade, you\u2019ll have that the male population is\u2026 will become much less than the female population. In New York alone, there are 1 million females more than male \u2013 In US, alone there are 7.8 million females more than males, and out of the male population of New York, 1\/3 are Gay. They are Sodomites \u2013 That means, they can not find female partners \u2013 And there are more than 25 million Gays in America. In Britain alone, there are more than 4 million females, more than males \u2013 In Germany alone there are 5 million females more, than males \u2013 In Russia alone, there are 7 million females, more than males \u2013 And God knows, how many million females are there more than the males, in this whole world. If suppose my sister happens to live in America, and suppose the market is saturated, every man has found a female partner for himself \u2013 Still there will be more than 30 million females in USA alone, who will not be able to find husbands. And suppose my sister who is living in America, happens to be amongst the unfortunate ladies, who has not found a partner yet \u2013 The only option remaining for her is, that she either marries a husband\u2026 she marries a man who already has a wife, or she becomes public prop\u00aderty \u2013 There is no third option. And believe me I have posed this question to hundreds of Non-Muslims, and every one opted for the first \u2013 No one so far, has opted for the second. But there are some people who are smart, and he said that\u2026 \u2018I would prefer my sister remaining a virgin\u2019. Believe me, medical science tells us, that a man or woman cannot remain a virgin, throughout her life. She cannot remain a virgin, throughout her life, without indulging in illicit sex or sexual perversion, because daily, sex hormones are being liberated in the body. And those great men, who claim to have renounced the world, for example the Sages and the Sants, who go to mountains and Himalayas\u2026 behind them, you find the devadasis going \u2013 for what? According to a report\u2026 according to a report\u2026 \u2018Out of the Priests and the Nuns of the Church of England, the majority indulge in fornication and homosexuality\u2019 \u2013 there is no option\u2026 there no third option. The only option is, that you marry a husband who already has a wife, or you become a public property.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) In continuation\u2026 in continuation of that question, we have got a question on the slip.<\/p>\n
(Q) Can you enumerate the various conditions in which, \u2018Polygamy\u2019 is permitted? \u2013
\nThis is from sister Samina Can you enumerate the various conditions in which, \u2018Polygamy\u2019 is permitted?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) The sister has asked\u2026 the sister has asked the question that \u2013 can you enumerate the vari\u00adous conditions, in which Polygeny is permitted. The only condition which allows a man to marry more than one wife is that, he should do justice between the two wives. If he can do justice between the two or three or four wives that he has, he is allowed to take more than one wife \u2013 If he can not do justice he should suffice with only one wife. But there are several conditions, in which it is more advis\u00adable for a man to take more than one wife. One of the examples I gave is \u2013 because of the surplus women which can not find husbands, Islam has allowed Polygeny\u2026 to protect the modesty of the women. There are several other conditions \u2013 For example, suppose a young lady, she gets married, and within may be\u2026 or approximately a few months of her marriage, she has an accident, and she gets handicapped and she cannot satisfy the husband. The only option for the husband is, that he either keeps his first wife, who is handicapped and takes another wife, or divorces the first wife, and marries a new wife. I am telling you, suppose your sister happens to be that unfortunate lady, who gets handicapped \u2013 which would you prefer? Would you prefer your brother-in-law to divorce her, and to marry a new wife, or would you prefer your brother-in-law to keep that first wife, and to take another wife? There are situa\u00adtions in which the wife can become seriously ill \u2013 She can have a disease in which she will not be able to look after the children, or look after the husband. Under such conditions, it is more advis\u00adable that, that wife shares the husband with another lady, who will not only look after the husband\u2026 will also look after her, as well as the children. Many people may argue that\u2026 \u2018Why can not you keep a maid servant or a nurse, who will look after the children?\u2019 I do agree with you \u2013 You can very well keep a maidservant, who will look after your children and your wife \u2013 But who will look after you then? Very soon, that maidservant will start looking after you also. So the best option is, that you keep your first wife, and take another wife, and treat both of them equally. There can be conditions such as\u2026 after several years of marriage, you have got no children, and may be both the husband and wife, they yearn for the child. The wife can very well give permission to the husband, to marry another wife, and they can have more children. Some people may argue that\u2026 \u2018Why do not you adopt a child?\u2019 Islam does not allow adoption, for which there are several reasons, I will not go into. The only option remaining here is, that he either divorces the first wife, and takes another wife, if he wants children \u2013 or he keeps the first, and takes another wife, and treats them both of them equally \u2013 I hope these are sufficient reasons.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Next question from the brother on the left.<\/p>\n
(Q). My name is Iliyas, and I am a student \u2013 The question is\u2026 the question\u2026 the is the question is \u2013 Can a woman become the head of the State?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) A bit louder please.<\/p>\n
(Q) Can a woman become the head of the State?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) The brother has asked the question \u2013 can a woman become the head of a State? There is no text in the Qur\u2019an, which I know, which states that\u2026 a woman cannot become a head of the State. But there are several \u2018Hadiths\u2019 \u2013 for example, one Hadith says that\u2026 \u2018The people who have their leader as a woman, will not succeed\u2019. Some of the scholars say that\u2026 \u2018This only refers to particular time, in which this Hadith was related, especially at the time when Persia had their leader as a queen\u2019. The other scholars say\u2026 \u2018No if refers to all the times\u2019. Let us analyse, whether it is advisable for a woman, to be a head of a State, or not. If a woman is head of a State, in an Islamic Country, she may have to lead the congregational prayers. And if a woman leads the congregational prayers\u2026 in Islam we adopt several postures, like Kayam, Rukhu, Sujud \u2013 standing, bowing and prostra\u00adtion \u2013 If a lady is doing that in front of a gents congregation, I am sure it will cause disturbances in the prayers. If she happens to be head of a State, of a modern society like the one we have today \u2013
\nMany a time, the head of a State has to have meetings, with other heads of State\u2026 which are usually gents. Many a times, they have closed door meetings, in which no one else is allowed, and if a woman has a closed door meeting with another gent\u2026 Islam does not permit her to do that. Islam does not permit a woman to be alone with a \u2018Na-Mehram\u2019, with \u2018a foreign male\u2019\u2026 in closed doors \u2013 Islam does not permit intermingling of sexes. The head of the State, many a times receives over publicity by video shoot\u00ading, and by photography, and many a times, it involves in close proximity with the other heads of State, and with other gentlemen \u2013 There\u00adfore, you can keep photographs of the head of States. If it is the lady\u2026 may it be Margret Thacher, or any one else, you find her photographs\u2026 shaking her hands with many men \u2013 Islam does not allow such free, intermingling of sexes. The heads of the State requires, that it should meet the common man. A lady, if she is head of the State, it will be difficult for her to meet the common man, and try and solve her problems. And science tells us that\u2026 \u2018A woman during her menstrual period, she undergoes certain behavioral, mental and psychological changes, due to the release of the sex hormonestogene\u2019. And these changes, will surely disturb her in making decisions, if she is the head of the State. Science also tells us that the women have more verbal and\u2026 verbal, and vocal skills as compared to the man. And a man has got more\u2026 \u2018Spacialability\u2019. \u2018Spacialability\u2019 means, \u2018The Ability to imagine things, to imagine the future, to imagine the future project\u2019. And \u2018Spacialability\u2019, is very important for the head of the State. A woman has be given an edge over the men, in verbal and vocal skills, which are required for her motherhood. A woman\u2026 she may get pregnant, and surely she may require a rest, for a few months. Who will look after the State, for those few months \u2013 She may have children \u2026 Her duty as a mother, is very important. And it is more practicable, for a man who can do both the duties \u2026 of a father, as well as head of a State, as compared to a woman \u2026 if she has to do the duty of a mother, as well as of head of the States. So I am more inclined to those scholars, who say that\u2026 \u2018Women should not be made the head of State\u2019. But that does not mean, that women cannot take part in making decisions. As I mentioned in my speech, they have a right to vote, they have a right to take part in law making. During the treaty of Hudaibia, Ume-Salma (May Allah be pleased with her), she supported and guided the Prophet, at a time when the whole Muslim community was disturbed \u2013 She guided him, and she supported him. As you know, that though the Prime Minister or the President may be the head of the State \u2013 but many a times, the PA and the secretary\u2026 they are the ones who make the decisions. So surely, a woman can help the man, in making decisions of the States. I hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question.<\/p>\n
(Q). I am Vimla Dalal, Advocate \u2013 I would like to ask\u2026 that Islam preaches women\u2019s rights, are equal to men. Why women should be in \u2018Pardah\u2019, and why there should be a segregation of men and women, in this sort of meeting also?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Sister has asked a very good question, that when Islam believes in \u2018Women\u2019s Rights\u2019, that men and women should be equal\u2026 then why does Islam believe in \u2018Pardah\u2019\u2013 and why should there be segregation of sexes, like the one we are having just now? As I mentioned earlier, Islam does not believe in intermingling of the sexes. Why Islam specifies \u2018Pardah\u2019?\u2026 I will answer in a short time. And I would like to thank the sister, because I did not have time to speak on the \u2018Hijab\u2019 of the women. If you read the Qur\u2019an \u2013 before the mentioning of the \u2018Hijab\u2019 for the women, the Qur\u2019an mentioned the \u2018Hijab\u2019, for the man. It is mentioned in Surah Nur, Ch. No. 24, Verse No. 30, it says to the believing man, that\u2026 \u2018He should lower his gaze and guard his modesty\u2019. The next Verse\u2026 Surah Nur, Ch. 24, Verse No. 31, says\u2026 \u2018Say to the believing woman, that she should lower her gaze and guard her modesty and display not her beauty, except what is that necessary of, and to draw a head covering over her bosom, except in front of her father, her son, her husband\u2019, and a big list of \u2018Na-Mahram\u2019, the close relatives which she can marry is given, and but natural, in front of the chaste women \u2013 Besides these, she should maintain the Hijab. The criteria for Hijab in Islam, can be found in the Qur\u2019an, and the Sahih Hadith. There are six criteria \u2013 1st is extent, which is the only difference between a man and a woman. For the man, he has to be covered from the naval to the knee. For the woman, her complete body should be covered \u2013 the only part that can be seen, should not be seen, is the face and the hands up to the wrist. If she wishes to cover them, she is most welcome, but it is not compulsory that she should cover it \u2013 Otherwise the full body should be covered. The only part that can been seen\u2026 not should not be seen, is the wrist, face and the hands, up to the wrist. This is the only criteria which differs, between the man and the woman. The second criteria is that, the clothes she wears, should not be so tight, that it reveals the figure. The clothes she wears\u2026 third point \u2013 it should not be so transparent, so that you can see through. And the fourth point \u2013 she should not wear glamorous clothes, or he should not wear glamorous clothes, which attracts the opposite sex. The fifth point is that a person should not wear cloth, which resembles that of the opposite sex \u2013 like you find men wearing earnings. If you wear one earring, it signifies something else \u2013 if you wear two earrings, it signifies something else. It is prohibited in Islam. And the last criteria is, you should not wear clothes which\u2026 that resemble of an unbeliever. These are the six basic criteria of Hijab, in Islam. Now coming to the question \u2013 why then Islam believe in \u2018Pardah\u2019, and why are there segregation of sexes? If let us analyse the society in which there is \u2018Pardah \u2019, and society in which there is, \u2018No Pardah \u2019. The maximum number of crime that takes place in any country\u2026 it is in America. According to a report by the FBI in 1990, in the year 1990\u2026 \u2018One thousand, two hundred & fifty five women were raped\u2019. These are only the reported cases \u2013 And the report says\u2026 \u2018Only 16% of the cases were reported\u2019. If you want those exact figure, multiply 1,02,555 with 6.25, and you get the answer \u2013 more than 6,40,000 ladies were raped in America only in 1990. And if you divide this\u2026 by the number of days, divide by 365, you get a figure of One thousand, seven hundred and fifty six women are raped every day, in America, in the year 1990. And the report says\u2026 \u2018Every day\u2026 One thousand, nine hundred ladies are raped\u2019 \u2013 May be it is the report of 1991\u2026 the Americans got more bold. And the last report which came in Autumn, in 1993, it says\u2026 \u2018Every 1.3 minute, one woman is raped\u2019 \u2013 you know why? America has given the women, more rights, and more women are being raped. Only 10 were arrested, 16% are reported \u2013 Only 10% are arrested \u2013 means only 1.6% of the cases, are arrested. Out of that, 50% are let free before the trial \u2013 Means, only 0.8% of the rape cases, are held. Means, if a man rapes One hundred & twenty five ladies, the chances of his being caught, is one. Who would not like to try \u2013 One hundred & twenty five ladies you rape, and you get caught only once. Out of that, 50% time you get a punishment of less than 1 year\u2026 though the USA law tells you that\u2026 \u2018For rape, you have got a punishment of life imprisonment\u2019. But they say\u2026 \u2018It is happened only the first time\u2026 he is caught the first time \u2013 Let him give him a chance, and a punishment of less than 1year\u2019. Even in India, according to the National Crime Bureau report, which was\u2026 which had come in the papers, in the 1 of December 1992, it said that\u2026 \u2018Every 54 minutes, one case of rape is reported in India\u2026 reported ha. Every 26 minutes, one case of molestation \u2013 every 1 hour 43 minutes, one case of dowry death. If you analyse the total number of cases of rape that are taking in our country, it will be\u2026 every couple of minutes, one case of rape. I am asking a simple question \u2013 if you ask every lady to do Hijab, will the rape case in USA remain the same, will it decrease, or will it increase?. If you apply the Hijab for every lady in India, will the rate of rape decrease, will it remain the same, or will it increase? You should understand Islam, as a whole. Even suppose, after that even, after a lady does Hijab, irrespective a lady does Hijab, or not, a man is commanded\u2026 \u2018He should lower his gaze\u2019 \u2013 and if suppose after that, if a man commits rape\u2026 in Islam, he receives capital punishment \u2013 you call it a barbaric law? I have asked this question to several people \u2013 Suppose\u2026 I have asked this question to many of the gents. Suppose your sister is raped, and if you are made the judge \u2013 leave aside what Islam tells you, leave aside what Indian law tells you, leave aside what American law tells you \u2013 If you are made the judge, what punishment will you give to the rapist of your sister? And all have said\u2026 \u2018Death sentence\u2019 \u2013 Few went to the extreme of saying\u2026 \u2018I will torture him to death\u2019. Want to ask you a question\u2026 \u2018If you apply the Islamic Shariah law in America, will the rape case decrease, will it remain the same, or will it in\u00adcrease? If you apply the Shariah law in India, will the rape case decrease, will it remain the same, or will it increase? So but natural, let us analyse practically. You say you have given women rights theoretically\u2026 but practically, you are degrading her to a status of a concubine and a mistress. I would like to\u2026 I mean only speak\u00ading on \u2018Pardah \u2019\u2026 you can talk for days \u2013 Just I would like to\u2026 and my answer, by giving a small example. Suppose two ladies\u2026 two twin sisters were equally beautiful \u2013 if they are walking down the street, and if round the corner there is a hooligan, who is waiting for a catch\u2026 who is waiting to tease a girl. Both twin sisters are walking, both are equally beautiful \u2013 one is in the Hijab\u2026 Islamic Hijab \u2013 one is wearing a mini or a skirt. Which girl will that hooligan tease? \u2026 Which girl will he tease? But natural, the one in the short or the mini girl. If a girl is wearing a normal salwar kameez, with her head open\u2026 may be the salwar kameez tight, and the other girl is wearing a Islamic Hijab \u2013 Which girl will he tease? But natural, the girl who is not in Hijab. It is practical proof, that Hijab is been ordained in Islam\u2026 not to degrade the woman, but to protect her modesty.<\/p>\n
(Clapping)\u2026<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) There is an announcement for Aruna Bhurte\u2026 your hus\u00adband is calling you at the entrance \u2013 Miss\u2026 Mrs. Aruna Bhurte, could you please contact your husband, outside the auditorium \u2013 Please, the next question.<\/p>\n
(Q). As-salaam Alaikum \u2013 My name is Bilal Lala, and I am a revert \u2013 By profession, I happen to be a lecturer in computers. There is one question which has baffled me over the years, and that question is \u2013 Why does Islam permit a Muslim man, to marry woman of his choice, from Ahle Kitab\u2026 may be Jews or Christians, and the vice-versa is not permitted. Are the Muslim ladies, not Mushriks \u2013 Can you clarify?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Brother Bilal has asked the question, that Qur\u2019an permits a Muslim man to marry a lady from the Ahle Kitab, but the vice-versa is not true \u2013 and he is correct. It is mentioned in Surah Mahida, Ch. No. 5, Verse No. 5, that\u2026 \u2018On this day, it has been made lawful for you, all that is good and pure\u2019. \u2018The food of the people of the Book, has been made lawful for you \u2013 and your food has been made lawful for them\u2019. And also besides\u2026 the women who are believers, even the women of the Ahlekitab, who are chaste, have been made lawful for you. Islam gives permission for a Muslim man, to marry a woman from the Ahle Kitab \u2013 why? Because, when a Christian or a Jewish lady, when she marries a Muslim man \u2013 after she marries\u2026 the family of the husband, will not abuse or insult any of her Proph\u00adets \u2013 because in Islam, we believe in all the Prophets of the Jews and the Christians \u2013 what Prophets they believe in, we believe in. We both believe in Adam, in Noah, in David, in Moosa, in Isaa (May peace be upon them all). Because we believe in all of their Prophets\u2026 the lady, when she enters a Muslim family, she will not be ridiculed. But the vice-versa \u2013 if a Muslim lady goes to a family of a Christian or a Jew\u2026 but natural, they do not believe in Prophet Muhammed (May peace be upon him), and she will be ridiculed. That is why, Islam gives permission for a Muslim man, to marry a girl from the Ahle Kitab, but the vice-versa is not true. Coming to the second part of the question that \u2013 are not these Muslim women,
\nMushriks?\u2019 Brother is referring to an Ayat of the Qur\u2019an Shareef, of Surah Baqrah, Ch. No.2, Verse No. 221, which say that\u2026 \u2018Do not marry unbelieving women until they believe \u2013 even a slave woman who is a believer, is better than a unbelieving woman, even if she allures you\u2019. Means, even if the Queen of England\u2026 let her be the wealthiest lady, let the lady be the most beautiful in the world, still\u2026 a Zhaduwali, a slave woman, who is a believer, is much better than the best lady of the world\u2026 if she is an unbeliever. And the Verse continues\u2026 \u2018Do not marry your daughters to the unbelieving man, until he believes, for a slave man who is a believer, is better than an unbeliever, even if he allures you\u2019. Another Verse in the Qur\u2019an tells you from Surah Maidah\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026 Ch. No. 5, Verse No. 72, it says that\u2026 \u2018They are blaspheming, they are doing Kufr, those who say Jesus is, Christ the son of Mary, those who say Allah is Christ the son of Mary\u2019. (Arabic)\u2026 But said Christ\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026 O children of Israel\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026 Worship Allah. (Arabic)\u2026 Who is my Lord, and your Lord\u2026 (Arabic.)\u2026 And any one who associates partners with Allah\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026 Allah will make Jannat, haram for him (Arabic)\u2026 And for him, he shall have no helpers, and fire shall be his dwelling place. From this Verse, we come to know, that all those who say\u2026 \u2018Allah is Christ\u2019, those who are saying\u2026 \u2018Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), is God\u2019\u2026they are doing \u2018Kufar\u2019. And one Verse of the Qur\u2019an, says\u2026 \u2018You are allowed to marry these Kafirs.\u2019 You will think, the Qur\u2019an is contradicting itself \u2013 but as I told you, analyse the Qur\u2019an, as a whole. There is one more Verse in the Qur\u2019an, in Surah Imran, Ch. No. 3, Verse No. 110, which says\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026 \u2018O ye are the best of the people evolved for mankind\u2019 (Arabic)\u2026 \u2018Evolved for mankind, and enjoining what is good, and forbidding what is bad\u2019. (Arabic)\u2026 And believing in Allah\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026 It would have been better if the people of the book had faith\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026 Among them there are some who are \u2018Momin\u2019. Among the Ahle Kitab there some who are believers but the majority are perverted transgressors. So Qur\u2019an says\u2026 \u2018You are allowed to marry the women from the Ahle Kitab, who are believers, who are Momins \u2013 who do not believe that\u2026 Jesus Christ (May peace be upon him), is God, or son of God \u2013 but who believe, that Jesus (May peace be upon him), is a messenger of God, and they be\u00adlieve in only one God. Hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed). The next question, please.<\/p>\n
(Q). As-salam-Alaikum\u2026 main Akila Faterpekar Hoon. Government of Maharashtra mein under secretary Hoon. Mera question, hai ki a a Islam mein, Aurat Ko\u2026 Chahe wo Shadi Shuda ho, ya gair Shadi Shuda, Usko will karne Ka permission nahin hai. Ye Kyun hai? \u2013 Agar hai, to iske details deJiye.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Sister has posed a question that why in Islam that the women is married or unmarried, she is not allowed to make a will \u2013 it is completely wrong. It is, as I mentioned in my lecture, Islam gave economical rights to women, 1,300 years before the West \u2013 and I said very clearly in my talk, that\u2026 \u2018Any adult woman who is matured\u2019. But natural, if she is a\u2026 if she is not an adult, she cannot practice\u2026 because she cannot there practice her rights, arrives because she will not be matured. Any adult woman, irrespective whether she is married or unmarried\u2026 has the right to own or dispose any of her property, without consultation \u2013 if she wants, she take consultation. If she wants, she need not \u2013 She has the right to even make a will \u2013 Islam does not prohibit her that. I hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Excuse me, Sir\u2026 we will allow questions only from the mike, and in turn please \u2013 We have to keep the decorum, by the people who have stood for sometime \u2013 The next question please.<\/p>\n
(Q). My name is Roshan Rangwala \u2013 a businessman. Question is, Dr. Naik, as you said that\u2026 \u2018Islam gives equal right, to both ladies and gents\u2019 \u2013 then why man is allowed to keep 4 wives, and ladies are kept away from this privilege. As men can think of another woman\u2026 at the same time after marrying one wife, man can think for another woman \u2013 why ladies cannot think for another?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) The brother has asked the question, that since Islam allows \u2018Polygeny\u2019, then why does\u2026 why does not Islam allow \u2018Polyandry\u2019 \u2013 A man is al\u00adlowed to marry more than one wife\u2026 why is not a woman allowed to marry more than one husband? Firstly you should realise, that man is more sexual than the woman. Point number 2\u2026 Biologically, a man can perform his duty as a husband, even after he has more than one wife\u2026 which a woman, if she has more than one husband, she will not be able to perform her duty, as a wife, enough and satisfactorily. Medical Science tells us that\u2026 \u2018The lady\u2026 during her menstrual period, undergoes certain behavioral and psychological changes\u2026 in which she is mentally disturbed and therefore\u2026 the majority of the quar\u00adrels, the majority of the quarrels that takes place\u2026 during the menstrual period. Accord\u00ading to a report of the criminal record of the women in USA, most of the ladies that committed the crime, was during the menstrual period. Therefore for a wife, if she has more than one husband, to mentally adjust will be more difficult. Medical science also tells us\u2026 \u2018If a lady has more than one husband, she has chances of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, as well as venereal diseases \u2013 and she can transmit it back to the husband\u2026 which is not the case if a husband, has more than one wife. And suppose, a man who has more than one wife, if he marries and if he has children, the identification of both the parents is possible \u2013 The father can be identified, and as well as the mother can be identified. In the other case, if a wife has more than one husband, you will only identify the mother, not the father. Islam gives utmost importance, to identification of the parents. And Psychologists tell us that\u2026 \u2018If a child cannot identify his parents, he undergoes mental trauma\u2019. No wonder the children of prostitutes, they have a very bad childhood. And if the child goes for admission in the school, and if he is asked\u2026 \u2018What is the name of the father?\u2019\u2026 You will have to give 2 names \u2013 and you know what the child is called. There are several reasons why Polyandry is not allowed. And for counter argument, if you tell me, that I will give you several rea\u00adsons why Polygeny is allowed. For example, if a person does\u2026 if a couple does not have an issue, and if they marry \u2013 a man is allowed to take more than one wife. If suppose, the husband is sterile, can not the wife take more than one husband? No \u2013 because no doctor can give you the guarantee, that the husband is 100%
\nsterile. Even if you do \u2018Vasectomy\u2019, even if you do \u2018Nasbandi\u2019\u2026 no doctor can tell you, that the child cannot be a father \u2013 so still again the identity, the identification of that child, is yet in doubt. In the other case, suppose the husband, he undergoes an accident or he becomes very severely ill \u2013 can not the wife take another husband? Let us analyse\u2026 suppose the husband, if he undergoes an accident, or if he is severely ill\u2026 he cannot perform his duties very well. Firstly, of the financial aspects \u2013 he will not be able to look after the family, the children and the wife \u2013 and secondly, he may not be able to satisfy the wife. Regarding this first criteria where he cannot satisfy the children and the wife, Islam has an option. Islam allows such people to take Zakat \u2013 those people who cannot make both the ends meet, they can take Zakat. And the 2nd aspect\u2026 Medical Science tells us that\u2026 \u2018A wife requires less conditions to be satisfied, as compared to a husband\u2019. But still\u2026 if the wife still wants to\u2026 still if she is not satisfied, she has all the reasons to take \u2018Kulah\u2019 from the husband, and marry another husband. Here a wife taking \u2018Kulah\u2019, is much more preferred \u2013 because here, when the wife is getting divorced, she is healthy. In the other case, if she is disabled\u2026 if she is handicapped \u2013 if she is divorced, who will marry her? Hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Q) I am Sardari Hakim, I would like to ask the question. The first thing is, here you have a subject \u2013 \u2018Women\u2019s Rights in Islam\u2019. There, I think more women should have asked more questions \u2013 and it could have been, better\u2026 \u2018Rights and duties of men\u2019\u2026 that subject would have been better \u2013 But the question is, you said in your speech, it was really lucid and nice \u2013 that a girl can say\u2026 \u2018No\u2019, if she does not want to marry a particular person. But while saying\u2026 speaking in your lecture, you have said that\u2026 \u2018A woman cannot be economically independent \u2013 in the sense, she cannot earn\u2019. And can these people \u2013 when a girl says\u2026 \u2018No\u2019 \u2013 look after the child, say nicely? She is always going to be under the mercy of the male folk, under this circumstances \u2013 I would like to know what is the answer?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Excuse me, can you put your question in just two or three lines\u2026 what answer you want. We would request all the questioners, to present your questions, the basic background. of problems in society. I believe Dr. Zakir would be having an idea about it\u2026 you kindly state your question \u2013 what is the question?<\/p>\n
(Q). My question is that, when you said that a girl can say\u2026 \u2018No\u2019, if she does not want to marry a particular person \u2013 but the male folk are feeding her, looking after her \u2026 she is dependent out on them \u2013 Can She exist safely after saying \u2018No\u2019?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Sister has asked the question, that I said in my lecture, that a woman has a right to say\u2026 \u2018No\u2019, for marriage \u2013 but will she be able to safely exist, after saying \u2018No\u2019? You did not pay attention to my full lecture, sister. In my lecture, I said\u2026 \u2018It is the duty of the man in the family \u2013 before marriage it is the duty of the father and the brother, to look after her lodging, clothing, boarding and financial aspects\u2019. And after marriage, it is the duty of the husband and the son, to look after her financial aspects. If she says\u2026 \u2018No\u2019, yet it continues to be the duty of the father and the brother, to look after her \u2013 She can very well can say\u2026 \u2018No\u2019. I do not know what is the problem.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question, please.<\/p>\n
(Q). I am Prakash Lote \u2013 first of all, I thank organisation for calling people of faiths \u2013 and so I am asking another question. For all the Religions, whether it is Hinduism, Christian, or Islam\u2026 in books there are many good things. But for years\u2026 after thousands of years, the practices of all the Religions, have been discriminatory towards women, and no Religion is a exception to this. So the question is\u2026 what is writ\u00adten in the books, whether it is Bible, Qur\u2019an or Gita or whatever it is, whether that is more important, or the practice of the society which is more important? And if practice is more important, then we should give very little importance to what is being written in all such Holy Books, including Qur\u2019an, Gita, whatever it is. So on this, I will expect answer, where in practice, what could be done\u2026instead of saying what is being written in this book, or that book.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Thank you.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) The brother has asked a very good question \u2013 He says that\u2026 all the Scriptures speak about good things, but let us see what people practice. We have to pay more importance to the practice, than to theoretical things \u2013 and I do agree with him. What we are doing here is\u2026 that I have said in my lecture, that many Muslim societies have deviated away from the Qur\u2019an and the Sunnah. What we are doing here is, we are calling the people to come closer to the Qur\u2019an and Sunnah. Regarding the first part of the question, that all the Religious Scriptures\u2026 all Religious Scriptures speak good, so it is useless talking about Religious Scriptures \u2013 I do not agree with you. I have given a lecture on \u2018Status of Women in Islam and other Religions\u2019, and I have compared the status of women in Islam, as compared to Hinduism, to Buddhism, to Christianity, and to Judaism \u2013 and there I have compared, and you yourself can be the judge, if you have opportunity to hear that lecture \u2013 you can hear that lecture, you yourself can judge, which Religion gives the maximum rights. Even if you agree, theoretically Islam gives a maximum rights \u2013 Now we have to practically follow it. There are people who are following certain aspects\u2026 certain aspects, people are not following it. For example, Islamic Law \u2013 where it comes to Criminal punishment and Civil rights, Saudi\u2026 Saudi Government is doing very good, Alhamdullillah \u2013 Even they are deviating, away from the Qur\u2019an, in certain aspects. What we have to do is, we have to take the practical example of the Saudi Government, as a Islamic law of Criminal pun\u00adishment, and if it is practicable, apply it throughout the world. And check another society, which is practicing the Islamic law in the social aspect, and if it is the best, you apply to the other world. What we have gathered here, brother\u2026 is to make you realise, this law is the best law \u2013 If we are not putting in practice, we are to blame\u2026 not the Religion. So that is why, we have called the people\u2026 so that they will understand Qur\u2019an and the Hadith, in the right practice \u2013 They will understand Qur\u2019an and Hadith in the right way, and put it into practice. I hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Next question from the top please.<\/p>\n
(Q) As-Salam Alaikum, I am Saima Kadri \u2013 and my question is that, why there are no women Prophets in Islam.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) No women Prophets.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Sister has posed a question \u2013 why are there no \u2018Women Prophets\u2019 in Islam? If by \u2018Prophets\u2019 you mean, that a person who receives the message and who acts like a leader to the people, then I can say for sure, that in Islam we have got no \u2018Women Prophets\u2019. And I think it is right, because if a woman has to be a Prophet \u2013 The Qur\u2019an clearly states, that man is the leader of the family. So if the man is the leader in the family\u2026 how can he lead the\u2026 how can a woman lead over the people? Come to the second part \u2013 a Prophet has to even lead the congregational prayers. And as I said earlier, that there are certain postures like Qayam, Ruku, Sujud, standing, bowing and doing the Sujud\u2026 prostration \u2013 and which, if a Woman Prophet does, the congrega\u00adtion behind, will get disturbed. There are situations like\u2026 the Prophet has to meet with the common man, very regularly. If it is a Woman Prophet\u2026 Islam does not allow intermingling of sexes. If the Prophet is a lady\u2026 she\u2026 and if she gets pregnant \u2013 but natural, she will not be able to do her duties for a few months. If she has children, it will be difficult for her, to do the duty of the mother as well as the Prophet. And a man is more capable of doing the duty of the Prophet, and the father\u2026 as compared to a woman, who does the duty of a mother, as well as the Prophet. But if you mean that a Proph\u00adet is a person who is chosen, and who is pure and holy, then there are several examples \u2013 and the best example I can quote is, of Bibi Mariyam (may Allah be pleased with her). It is mentioned in Surah Maryam, Ch. No. 3, Verse No. 42\u2026 (Arabic)\u2026 \u2018And behold the angels said to Mary\u2019. (Arabic)\u2026 \u2018That Allah has chosen thee, and purified thee, and purified above the women of all nations\u2019. If you mean \u2018a Prophet\u2019 is a person who is chosen and purified, then we have the example of Bibi Mariyam (May Allah be pleased with her), who was the mother of Jesus( May peace be upon her). We have other examples \u2013 If you read in Surah Tahrim, Ch. No. 66, Verse No. 11, it says that\u2026 \u2018As an example for the believers, is the wife of the Pharoah\u2019\u2026 Bibi Asiya (May Allah be pleased with her), she prayed to Allah (SWT)\u2026\u2018Make for me, in nearness to Thee, a Mansion in the Garden, and save me from the Pharaoh, and its evil things\u2019. Imag\u00adine\u2026 she was the wife, of the most powerful person of that time\u2026Pharaoh \u2013 and she rejects all the luxuries, and asks for Allah (SWT), in exchange\u2026a Mansion in the Garden. According to Islam, there are 4 Prophet women, besides Bibi Mariyam and Bibi Asiya (may Allah be pleased with them) \u2013 The other the examples are of Bibi Fatema and Bibi Khatija, (May Allah be pleased with them both). Hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) There are quite a few people asking ke, they would feel shy to come up to the mike, and we should start asking questions from the chits. InshaAllah, after the next three questions, it will be all right to start our 2nd due preference session too \u2013 the next question.<\/p>\n
(Q). My name is Sameer, I am a student \u2013 I would like to ask this question. You have put up an\u2026 there is an upper limit in Islam for women, for man to marry four wives \u2013 But why did the Prophet Mohammed (Peace by upon him), have eleven wives \u2013 and there is an insinuation, that he was hyper sexual?<\/p>\n
(Dr.Zakir) The brother has asked the question that, since Islam allows the maximum of four wives, how come Prophet Muhammed had eleven wives. I do agree with the brother, the Qur\u2019an mentions in Surah Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse No. 3, that you can maximum have 4 wives. But there is another Verse in Surah Ahzab, Ch. 33, Verse 52, which says that\u2026 \u2018O Prophet you cannot marry more women, neither can you exchange any other women for the present one, even if their beauty attracts you, except what your right hand possesses. This Verse of the Qur\u2019an, Surah Ahzab, Ch. 33, Verse No. 52, gives the permission to the Prophet, to keep all his wives, but at the same time, cannot marry any other women, except which your right hand possesses. If you analyse why Prophet Muhammed was not allowed to marry more wives \u2013 and besides that, he could not neither divorce them, because there is one more Verse in the Qur\u2019an, which says that\u2026 \u2018As for the wives of the Prophet, whether they are divorced or whether they become widows, no person can marry them, because they are Um-ul Mominin\u2026 they are the Mothers of the believers\u2019. So since no one could marry the wives of the Prophet, but natural \u2026the Prophet could not divorce them also. And if you analyse, that all the eleven marriages which the Prophet did\u2026 all were either for social reform or for political reason \u2013 Were not to please his sex. The first marriage that he did, was with Bibi Khatija, (May Allah be pleased with her). She was at the age of 40,when he was only 25 \u2013 And she was a widow twice. Imagine, if he married for sex, why would he marry a woman who was fifteen years elder to him, and who was a widow twice. And if you analyse, till the time Bibi Khatija (May Allah be pleased with her)\u2026 till the time she was alive, Prophet Muhammed did not take any other wives. When he was the age of 50, Bibi Khatija (May Allah be pleased with her), she expired. Only between the age of 53 to 56, did Prophet take all the other wives.Imagine\u2026 if the Prophet was hyper sexu\u00adal, he would have married at a young age. Science tells us\u2026 \u2018The older the man gets, the less sexual he gets\u2019. It is an insinuation, on the Prophet. Only 2 of his marriages were normal \u2013 that with Bibi Khatija, and that with Bibi Ayesha, (May Allah be pleased with them both). All the other marriages were due to circumstances\u2026 either of a social reform, or a political gain. If you analyse all, only 2 wives were below the age of 36 \u2013 All the other wives were between the age of 36 and 50 \u2013 You can give instances\u2026 each marriage had some reason. For example Bibi Johariya, who was from the Banu-Mustalik tribe\u2026 which was very powerful tribe, and which was at logger heads with Islam \u2013 After a certain time, they were suppressed by the Islamic Army, and later on, the Prophet married her. And after he married her, the companions said\u2026\u2018How can we keep as captives, the relatives of the Prophet\u2019 \u2013 And they freed those people\u2026and after that, both these tribes became friendly. There are examples, when he married Bibi Maimoona (May Allah be pleased with her), who was the sister of the wife of the chief of the tribe of Najad, which killed 70 Muslim, men of the Islamic deputation. After Mo\u00adhammed (May peace be upon him)\u2026 when he married her, they accepted Medina as their leader\u00adship, and they accepted Prophet as their leader. All the\u2026 all the marriages which he did, had some political reason or social reform. He married Umme Habiba, who was the daughter of the Chief of Mecca, Abu-Sufiyan \u2013 but natural this marriage played a great importance in the conquest of Mecca. Other example like Bibi Safiya (May Al\u00adlah be pleased with her), she was the daughter of a powerful Jewish leader \u2013 After this, the Jewish became very friendly to the Muslims. If you see, all the marriages had some social reforms \u2013 he married the daughter of Hazrat Ummer, Hafsa (May Allah be pleased with her), to get closer relationship between the companions. As a social reform, he married a lady who was divorced\u2026the first cousin Zainab \u2013 After she was divorced, he married her. All the marriages have some political reason or social reform \u2013 So all his marriages were based, to improve the community and to better rela\u00adtionships \u2013 It was not for sex. Hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question, please.<\/p>\n
(Q). I am Hasina Farawaze Miswa, and a Law student. I am asking you 2 questions, Mr. Zakir Naik \u2013 Okay, in what way is the practice of Polygamy, determinate beneficial to women?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Sister has asked the question, in what way is Polygamy beneficial to the women\u2026 correct?<\/p>\n
(Q). Yes, and other question \u2013 Why do you think\u2026 Okay, why do you think women enter into polygamous marriag\u00ades?<\/p>\n
(Dr.Zakir) First she asked that, why Polygamy is beneficial to a woman \u2013 Is why, if a man marries more than one husband \u2026 how is it benefiting the woman. It is helping her to keep herself modest\u2026 because if every man married one woman, there will be millions of women in the world, who will not find husbands \u2013 and the only option for them to be\u2026 the only option for them, is to become public property. So Polygamy is allowed in Islam\u2026 to protect the modesty of the female, to prevent them from becoming public properties. Hope that an\u00adswers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Next question from the brother on the left.<\/p>\n
(Q). My name is Mohammed Ashraf \u2013 my question is \u2013 Is adoption allowed in Islam?<\/p>\n
(Dr.Zakir) Brother has asked the question \u2013 Is adoption allowed in Islam. If by adoption, you mean that you take a young child\u2026 a poor child and give him lodging, boarding, clothing bringing into your house \u2026 Islam has always stressed in the Qu\u2019ran that you should help the poor people, help the needy people \u2013 You can even get a child to your house, and give him your fatherly love. What Islam objects to is, you cannot legally adopt \u2013 you cannot give your name to the child \u2013 Legal adoption, is prohibited in Islam. Why? \u2026 because if a person adopts a child legally, there can be several complications. First, if that man\u2026 sorry\u2026 the child, whether it is a girl or boy, it will loose its identity. Point number 2\u2026 if suppose after you adopt a child, you may have your own children \u2013 No one can say, that you will never have children throughout your life. If you have your own children, you will be bias towards your own child, than the adopted child. Point number three\u2026 if the children born to you\u2026 if they are of opposite sex of that of the adopted child, they cannot freely stay in the same house\u2026 because they are not blood sisters and brothers, to each other. If the adopted child, after he grows up \u2013 If it is a girl\u2026 after she grows up she will have to do Hijab with the so called father, because he is not his original father. If the adopted child is a man\u2026 if it is a boy and he becomes elderly, he becomes a man, and then if he marries again \u2013 there has to be Hijab between the daughter-in-law, and the so called father. And there are several other reasons\u2026 and besides that, if you the adopt a child, you will be depriving many of your relatives of their rights. When after a person dies, whatever property he has, is divided according to whatever is mentioned in the Qur\u2019an. If the person has children, and if he adopts a child, but natural he will be\u2026 he will be depriving a share of his own child. If the person\u2026 if he dies, if he has a children\u2026 then the wife will get half the share as she should get , if she has no children, including the mother. If there are children, she gets one sixth\u2026 if there are no children, she gets one third. Again if you adopt a child, you are depriving the share of your mother. So to prevent these complications, legal adoption is prohibited in Islam.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Next question.<\/p>\n
(Q). Salam-Alaikum, I am Kamar Syed \u2013 Deputy Secretary, Home Depart\u00adment. In your elegant speech, you have mentioned that for a divorced woman\u2026 after the divorce, the husband looks after her during the period of \u2018iddat\u2019\u2026 maintenance allowance is given to her \u2013 But after \u2018iddat\u2019, I presume that the parents are supposed to look after the girl \u2013 In case the parents do not have the provisions to look after the girl, I would ask you\u2026 what is the girl suppose to do?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Sister has asked a very good question, that suppose a lady, she is divorced \u2013 It is the duty of the husband, to provide support till the \u2018iddat\u2019 period, which lasts for may be 3 months, or till pregnancy. After that\u2026 as I mentioned in my lecture, it is the duty of the husband\u2026 sorry\u2026 the duty of the father or the brother, to look after her. If suppose, the father and the brother are unable to look after such ladies, it is the duty of the other close relatives, to look after her. If the other close relatives do not look after her, it is the duty of the Ummah, Muslim\u2026 Muslim Ummah\u2026 that we should set up organisations, and have Zakat funds, with which we can look after such ladies. Even if this does not work, it is the duty of the Islamic State, as the last resort, to look after such ladies. Hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Now we would start with some questions from the slips, which have come. We will have one question from the slip, and one from the speaker, then again one from the slip, one from the speaker, one from the slip, one from the speaker, and so on.<\/p>\n
(Q). Assalamo Alaikum, I am Sayed Riaz speaking \u2013 I am in business. As you said and as I know, that in Islam, men and women are equal \u2013 So why is it that a woman in Islam, is not entitled to equal property Rights? \u2013 thank you.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Brother has posed a question, that I said that in my lecture, that economical rights of women and men, are equal. So how come she is not entitled to her equal rights, when it comes to inheritance \u2013 and normally people say that the woman gets 1\/2 the share, as compared to that of the male. The answer to this question, is given in the Qur\u2019an, in Surah Nisa, Ch. No. 4, Verse No. 11 and 12, which gives the guidelines, how the inheritance should be divided. It says\u2026 \u2018Allah has ordained for your as regarding your children\u2026 as regarding your children\u2019s inheritance \u2013 for a female, a share half that of the male, and if only daughters 2 or more, they share in a two third \u2013 if only one, they get half\u2019. The Verse continues\u2026 \u2018And one sixth share for the parents, if the deceased have children. If you have no children\u2026 if the deceased has no children, the mother gets one third. If the deceased has brothers and sisters\u2026 mother gets one sixth\u2019. And the Verse continues\u2026 Verse number 12 says\u2026 \u2018As in what your wife leaves your share is half, if there are no children, and your share is one fourth, if there are children. As in what you leave for your wife, your wife\u2019s share is one fourth, if there are no children, and one eight if there are children\u2019. In short, most of the time, the female gets half the share of the male counter part, but not in all cases. For example, for a uterine brother and sister, both get one sixth, if the deceased has got no ascendant or descendent\u2026 both get equal share. If the deceased has got no children, both mother and father get equal share of one sixth. And in certain cases, if the person who has died, is a lady who has got no children, the husband gets half, the mother gets one third, and the father gets one sixth. That means, there are cases in which the woman even gets double than that of the male coun\u00adter part \u2013 that is, the mother gets double than that of the father. But I agree with you, in most of the cases, the female gets 1\/2 the share as compared to the man, when it is considered to daughter and a wife. But the answer to this, is that since man\u2026 since man is held responsible for the financial aspects of the family, and in order not to do injustice to the man, Allah has given a higher share to the man, as compared to the woman \u2013 Otherwise we will have to have a lecture on\u2026 \u2018The rights of men\u2019. I would like to give an example \u2013 Suppose a person dies, and after the properties have been distributed\u2026 the share of the children, remaining is one and a half lakh \u2013 and that person has two children, one son, one daughter. According to the Islamic Shariah, the son gets 1 lakh Rupees, and the daughter gets fifty thousand Rupees \u2013 but of the one lakh Rupees which the son receives, he has to spend, may be the majority of it, on looking after his family \u2013 may be eighty thousand or\u2026 eighty thousand \u2026 or 1 lakh, he has to spend on looking after the family. But that lady when she receives 50,000 she does not have to spend a single pie on looking after her family.<\/p>\n
(Clapping)\u2026..<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question, we will ask from the chit \u2013 We would request you to put brief questions, and I would request our speaker to give brief answers. We have only about 25 minutes left, for the Question \u2013 Answer session.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) This is from Bijay \u2013 from IIT, Powai, Bombay. He asks\u2026 \u2018Islam\u2019 does not allow intermingling of sex in work place \u2013 is this modernising or outdated ?- Please explain.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Another connected question is\u2026 \u2018Can a woman work as an Airhostess, since it is a decent and highly paid job? \u2013 this is from Sujat\u2019.<\/p>\n
(Dr.Zakir) Regarding the first question, that Islam does not allow intermingling of sexes \u2013 Is this modernising or outdated ? If you mean by modernising, that you keep your women for sale, that you intermingle with them, or you can even take the profession as modeling, then I feel that Islam is outdated. Because women \u2026 by the Western media, by the Western cul\u00adture \u2013 they have said that they have given more rights to the women \u2026 they are raising the status of the women \u2013 actually they are degrading it. According to statistics, it tells us that 50% of the women in America, who go to universities and work places, are raped \u2013 Do you know that? 50%, why? \u2013 Because most of the jobs in America, involve intermin\u00adgling of sexes. If you think that a lady should be raped, it is modernising, then Islam is outdated \u2013 if you think not, then Islam is the most modernising.<\/p>\n
(Clapping )\u2026<\/p>\n
Regarding the 2nd part of the question \u2013 Why is not\u2026 does Islam allow a woman to work as an Airhostess, since it is a highly paid job, and a decent job. I do agree with the first part, I do agree it is very highly paid \u2013 But the second part, let us analyse. The Airhostesses are normally chosen\u2026 main criteria for selecting Airhostess, is beauty \u2013 you will never find an ugly Airhostess. They are selected because they are young, they are selected because they are attractive. They are made to wear clothes, which are against the Islamic ethics \u2013 they are made to wear cosmetics to attract the customers. They have to tend to certain needs of the passengers, which are mainly men, in which there is close proximity between the man and woman. And many a times the gents passeng\u00aders unnecessarily, they involve in conversation with the Airhostess, and even if the Airhostess wants to give fitting reply, she can not, because her job is at stake. Many a times, the passenger may say\u2026 \u2018Madam please tie my seat belt\u2019 \u2013 the Airhostess has no option, but she has to tie the seat belt. What is going to happen? \u2013 there is going to be close proximity between the opposite sex. Many Airlines also serve alcohol \u2013 Islam prohibits any man or woman to serve alcohol. That is the reason, all the Airhostesses are women. There are gents pursers\u2026 male pursers in the flight, but they rarely attend to the customers \u2013 they are in the kitchen. It is the opposite \u2013 In the plane it is the opposite\u2026 in the plane it is the opposite. And believe me, an Airlines cannot do without employing ladies. Even the Saudi Airlines, \u2018Supposed to be\u2019, in inverted commas \u2026 the most Islamic, \u2018Supposed to be\u2019, inverted commas \u2026 even they have ladies Airhostesses. But since they can not have Saudi girls \u2026 it will be difficult \u2013 they import the girls, they have foreign Air\u00adhostess. Double standards \u2026 double standards \u2013 there is no option. The Airline is a profession, which\u2026 in which you have to have ladies to attract the customers \u2013 and you will be shocked to know that certain rules of Airlines. For example, Indian Airlines as well as Air India\u2026 it states that\u2026 \u2018After you are selected, you cannot marry for 4 years\u2019 \u2013 Some Airlines tell you that\u2026 \u2018If you get pregnant, your job is terminated.\u2019 Imagine, some Airlines say that\u2026 \u2018You retire at the age of 35\u2019 \u2013 Why?\u2026 Because you are no longer attractive. Do you call it a decent job?<\/p>\n
(Clapping)\u2026<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question please.<\/p>\n
(Q). In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Merciful, and Boun\u00adtiful. As-Salam-Alaikum \u2013 I am Parveen Alaviya, a practicing lawyer, and a researcher in world Religions. My question to you Dr. Naik is \u2013 you mentioned the solitary illustration of woman, who told the body that she was forced into a marriage, and her marriage was allowed to be invalidated. This incident took place years ago around the year, if possible\u2026 the body.<\/p>\n
Qur\u2019an\u2026 is the constitution of the rights of women and men \u2013 Is there a body? \u2013 If so, name\u2026 it which also enforc\u00ades the breakage and rights \u2013 Thank you.<\/p>\n
(Dr.Zakir) Sister has asked a very good question. She has asked about the rights of the women \u2013 Is very well laid down in the Qur\u2019an and the Hadith, and if a woman is forced into marriage, that marriage can be invalidated. Is there any body today existing, which can invalidate such marriages? There are many bodies \u2013 example, in Iran as well as in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the Indian government does not allow the Muslim community to have such courts \u2013 Though there is a Muslim personal law, but all the rights are not given. If you request the Indian Government, to allow us to have such boards out here in India, and InshAllah even in India, we will have such \u2018bodies\u2019. They have given only certain rights\u2026 not all the rights.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question from the chit. Is co-education allowed in Islam? \u2013 This is from Rashheed Shaikh \u2013 He is a student. Is co-education allowed in Islam?<\/p>\n
(Dr.Zakir) Brother has asked a question \u2026 is co-education allowed in Islam?\u2026 Can meaning\u2026 males and females study in the same school, college or universities? First, let us analyse whether male and female, can study in the same school. Those reports which came last year in \u2018The World this Week\u2019\u2026 and it gave the survey of the schools, both Unisex schools as well as and Co-Ed. schools in the U.K \u2013 And the surveyor said that\u2026 \u2018The overall result of Unisex sex schools, was much better than a Co-Ed. Schools\u2019. When interviews were taken of the teachers, they said that\u2026 \u2018Students in Unisex schools, concentrated more than the Co-Ed. schools.\u2019 When interviews of students were taken, they preferred studying in Co-Ed. schools, than Unisex schools \u2026 and you know the reason very well, why? And that survey continued \u2013 It said that\u2026\u2019People in Co-Ed. schools, spent more time in becoming popular with the opposite sex. And besides lack of concentration, they gave very smart answers to the teachers, and they spend more time in dating, than in gaining educa\u00adtion in school. And the last point of that survey, was the UK government was thinking of setting up more Unisex schools, in the country. According to the American report, it said that\u2026 \u2018Girls in school, spent more time in picking up illicit sex techniques from the classmates, than acquiring knowledge from the teachers.\u2019 In India, the same thing is happening\u2026 to a greater or lesser extent. Let us analyse the males and females together, in the colleges and universities. All the points I mentioned for schools, they are magnified when it comes to college and universities. According to a report of \u2018News Week\u2019 which was published on 17th of March 1980, on page number 50, it said that\u2026 the sexual assault of the women in the universities are given. And it said \u2013 I will not repeat the full history of that report, because time is short, but the main point is, that\u2026 \u2018Lecturers and professors \u2013 they forced the lady into sexual harassment, in exchange for a better grade. Same thing is happening in India, in Bombay \u2013 and after your are sexually harassed, but natural, the concentration to education goes low. You had an incident last year, which\u2026 which made the headlines of the paper \u2013 I have forgotten the name of the college, in which a girl student was raped in the broad daylight, by 4 or 5 students, in the college premises. And according to a report which came day before yesterday, in the Times of India on the 26th of August, it repeated the report of New York Times \u2013 It said that\u2026 \u201825% of the ladies that go to schools and universities in America, are raped\u2019. My basic question is\u2026 \u2018Do you want to send your child to a school to get educated, or do you want to send your child to the school, to pick up illicit techniques, or be sexually harassed?\u2019 If it is the first, I would advice you to put them in Unisex schools\u2026 and there are several of the kind in the city. Hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) I have an announcement to make \u2013 I would just like to inform you regarding this session \u2013 We have outside available for sale, video tapes of Dr. Zakir Naik, which are available for sale at a discounted price of Rs. 150\/- each. The topics covered are\u2026 this cassette of the Bombay Union of Journalist, debate on \u2013 \u2018Is Religious Fundamentalism, a Stumbling Block in the freedom of Expression?\u2019 when he spoke along with Dr. Vyas and Father Pereira, a Jezuit expert. Then, we have \u2026\u2018Religion in the right perspective\u2019, given at a place in Nariman Point \u2013 we have\u2026 \u2018Islam, the Universal Religion\u2019 at Mani Bhavan, organised by the Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal, and \u2018Al-Qur\u2019an : Should it be read with meaning?\u2019, a lecture given at the SNDT University Hall, Juhu \u2013 there are available for sale outside. We also have the Holy Qur\u2019an, which is available on a hadiya, a nominal hadiya of Rs. 150\/- each \u2013 This is the English Qur\u2019an\u2026 with the text and English transla\u00adtion, by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, along with it\u2019s commentary. We know that we have quite a lot of questions coming up \u2013 there is lot of enthu\u2026 enthusiasms, but at the same time, I have to be pragmatic \u2013 We have our time limitations. We have with us next 10 to 15 minutes, in which we have to complete this session. I would request\u2026 we have\u2026 we will allow one question from this end, the next on the top, third here, and I think because Women\u2019s right session, we will end with the lady on the top. In between, it will be interspersed with brief questions from the chits that I have received. Those who are interested in having further questions, I would like to inform them on this subject, or on any subject of Islam and comparative Religion\u2026 you are most welcome to attend our lectures, followed by Question and Answers \u2013 may be, in a smaller setting on Fridays at 2:45 p.m. for ladies, every Friday that is, and every Saturday at 2:45 p.m. open for all, and on Sunday at 10:45 a.m. open for all. Muslims, Non-Muslims all are welcome, and in a very cordial and open atmosphere\u2026 you are allowed to criticize, cross examine and openly discuss Islam and it\u2019s values, without offending the speaker or yourself. If you feel, you can better educate that lecture or that talk is there, we would be happy to be corrected. And we hope in the same spirit, you would be able to discuss with a very open mind, the problems we face in socie\u00adty and the world in general \u2013 The next question please.<\/p>\n
(Q). Dr. Naik, my question\u2026 is for last fourteen hundred years, one thousand and four hundred years, only main Ulemas have interpreted Qur\u2019an and Hadith. Of course I was enlightened by your speech in the beginning, that Aaisha Ji was a Religious scholar, and she used to interpret. My question is\u2026 how many women, female Ulemas or Religious scholars are today to interpret Qur\u2019an and Hadith, today \u2013 how many, what is the percentage? \u2013 and another thing\u2026 another thing, I am\u2026 just\u2026 just finishing \u2013 this question arises from \u2018the Taslima of Bengal\u2019\u2026that when she made a sentence\u2026 I mean, Moulvi started shouting \u2013 there was not a lady Ulema to, I mean to reply to these Moulvis or take the side of Taslima, or anything. We have not read what Taslima has said, because we cannot get all the literature here in India, either from Pakistan or from Bengal, or anywhere \u2013 so we would like you to read\u2026<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Excuse me, Excuse me, I would like you to ask directly \u2026 Excuse me gentleman, I would like you to ask directly the question, regarding Taslima Nasreen \u2013 what you would like to know? Ask the question directly.<\/p>\n
(Q). I know, please I will make it short \u2013 How many lady Ulemas are there today, to interpret Qur\u2019an and Hadith, and what is their percentage in comparison to men \u2013 thank you very much.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Uncle has asked a question, that he agrees that at the time of the Prophet, there were many ladies, who not only interpreted the Hadiths, they memorized\u2026 memorized. And Hazrat Aaisha (May Allah be pleased with her), she herself has narrated\u2026 narrated, on her authority itself\u2026 only 2210 Hadiths are based, only on her authority. The basic question is, how many Ulema women, do you have today? \u2013 he wants to know the percentage. There are several lady Ulemas, and there are many Muslim organizations, in Bombay as well as in Darr-ul-ulm, in Nadwa etc., in several places as Islah-ul-Banaat in Bombay \u2013 Several Muslim organizations which produce lady Ulema \u2013 Percentage, I do not know of \u2026do not know \u2013 but there are hundreds\u2026 hundreds. Why did not any\u2026 regarding my second part of the question \u2013 Why did not any lady support the cause for Taslima Nasreen? \u2013 The first question arises\u2026 Should she be supported? Regarding the answer for the question on Taslima Nasreen, this cassette is available outside in the foyer. This cassette \u2013 we had a debate in the Bombay Union of Journalist \u2013 Bombay Union of Journalists had a debate between myself and Dr. Vyas and Father Peirera as well as Ashok Shahani, who translated into Marathi \u2018Lajja\u2019. And many people objected\u2026 many people guided me, that do not go to that debate \u2013 It will be a problem, they will misquote you \u2013 And believe me, I had two minds. And finally my father guided me\u2026\u2018Take the name of Allah, and go\u2019-
\nAnd I went\u2026 Al-hamdulillah. Al-hamdulillah, it was only because of Allah\u2019s, support that the debate was successful \u2013 It was so successful, that not a single paper reported it \u2013 You know that? \u2013 Not a single paper. There was the Times of India, there was the Indian Express, there was Mahanagar, Nikhil Waghle himself was there, there was UTI, there were PTIs also there \u2013 No one reported\u2026 Why? \u2013 because I did not say what they wanted. If I would have said\u2026 If I would have said what they wanted, it would have been headlines \u2013 \u2018Islamic Scholar, Dr. Zakir Naik\u2026 and so and so\u2019 \u2013 Because I did not say what they wanted, no report. As the full answer, the cassette is available outside.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The last 3 questions.<\/p>\n
(Q). Is it only the husband\u2026 this is from Jennifer \u2013 It says\u2026 \u2013 Is it only the husband who can say \u2018Triple Talaq\u2019 and get one\u2026 and get one? \u2013 What has a woman to do, if she wants to get divorce or \u2018Talaq\u2019?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) The sister has asked a question, that a husband can divorce a woman \u2013 She has not asked about Triple \u2018Talaq\u2019, that is another answer. But the main question is \u2013 A husband can divorce\u2026 Can a woman also divorce, or can she give \u2018Talaq\u2019? A woman cannot give \u2018Talaq\u2019 \u2013 because \u2018Talaq\u2019 is a Arabic word used for divorce, when a man gives to a woman \u2013 husband gives to a wife \u2013 but a woman can divorce. There are 5 types of divorce, in Islam \u2013 The first type is by unilateral\u2026 by unilateral agreement, between the husband and wife \u2013 Both may say\u2026 \u2018Okay, we are not compatible\u2026 let us part\u2019. The second type, is by the unilateral will of the husband, that is called a \u2018Talaq\u2019, in which, he has to forgo his \u2018Meher\u2019. If he has not paid it, he has to pay it to her\u2026 and including the gifts, he has given to her. Third type, is by the unilateral will of the wife \u2013 I repeat, by the unilateral will of the wife\u2026 if she mentions it in her marriage contract. If she mentions it in her Nikah-Nama\u2026 in her marriage contract, that she has the right to give unilateral divorce, she can give it \u2013 It is call as \u2018Isma\u2019. I have never heard of anyone speaking of an \u2018Isma\u2019 \u2013 It is called as \u2018Isma\u2019 \u2013 Even a woman can give divorce, \u2018Isma\u2019. Third category is, if the husband ill-treats her, or not give her equal rights, she has the right to go to a Kazi, and nullify the marriage \u2013 It is called as \u2018Nikah-e-Fask\u2019. In this, according to the Kazi, he may ask the husband to give the full \u2018Meher\u2019, or part of the \u2018Meher\u2019, depending upon the Kazi. And the last is \u2018Kulah\u2019\u2013 that even though the husband may be a very good husband, the wife has got no complaints against the husband, but for personal reasons, she does not like the husband \u2013 she has\u2026 she can request the husband, to divorce her \u2013 and that is called as \u2018Kulah\u2019. But very few people talk about women giving divorce, to the men. Some of the Ulemas have categorized these 5 types of divorce, into 2 or 3 different categories, but broadly there are 5 types of divorce, in Islam. Hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) We would now ask 2 very short questions, again from the slips \u2013 then we will allow a last question, to Zakir\u2026 to give in very brief, the answer to the question.<\/p>\n
(Q). Why are women, not allowed in the Mosque?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) The question asked is, why are not women, allowed in the Mosque \u2013 And in brief, it is difficult. There is no statement in the Qur\u2019an or the Sahih Hadith, which prevents women from entering the Mosque. Some people quote a particular Hadith, and say that the Prophet said\u2026 \u2018It is better for the women to pray in the house, than the Mosque \u2013 It is better for her to pray in the house, in her inner room, than in her house\u2019. They are taking hold only of one source, and neglecting all the other sources \u2013 You should realize the context of this Hadith. Prophet Mohammed also said that\u2026 \u2018When you pray in the Mosque in congregation, you get 27 times, more Sawab. So a lady questioned Prophet Mohammed\u2026 \u2018We have got infants, we have got household work\u2026 how can we go to the Mosque?\u2019 \u2013 So in reply to this, the Prophet said that\u2026\u2018If a lady prays in the house, it is better than the Mosque \u2013 It is preferable for her to pray in the room, than the house\u2019 \u2013 If she has infants or problems, then she will get the same Sawab There are several Hadiths which indicate that women were never prevented from entering the Mosque. There is a Hadith which says that\u2026\u2018Prevent not the servant of Allah, who are females, from entering the Mosque. Another Hadith says\u2026 \u2018The Prophet ordained the husbands, that if your wives want to go to the Mosques, do not prevent them \u2013 And several Hadiths are there, I will not go to the details. But Islam gives permission for a woman to enter the Mosque \u2013 But there are separate and equal facilities \u2013 We do not believe in intermingling of sexes. Why we do not believe\u2026 as the question was asked earlier.If we have intermingling of sexes\u2026and as we know what happens in the other Religious places \u2013 People come more for to Eve teasing and bird watching, than to pray. Therefore, Islam does not believe in intermingling of sexes. There are separate entrances for man and woman \u2013 separate places of \u2018Wuduh\u2019, ablution, for man and woman. Man and woman are made to stand separately, and a woman cannot stand in the front, because\u2026 because if a woman stands in front, but natural the man behind will be disturbed. In Islam when we pray, we stand shoulder to shoulder \u2013 And the medical doctors, they tell us that\u2026 \u2018The female has 1 degree higher\u2026 one degree higher temperature.\u2019 If you have a lady next to you, you will feel warm and soft \u2013 Instead of concentrating\u2026 instead of concentrating on Allah (SWT), you concentrate on the lady. That is why in Islam, the women have to stand behind. You go to Saudi Arabia\u2026 women are allowed in the Mosque, you go to London\u2026 women are allowed in the Mosque, you go to America\u2026 women are allowed in the Mosque \u2013 It is only in India, that they are prevented, and a few countries close by. You go to the Haram-Sharif in Mecca, in Masjid-e-Nabwi, they are allowed. But Al-Hamdullillah there are few Mosques in India, even in Bombay, which have started allowing women in the Mosque \u2013 Hope the other Mosques will follow.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Thank you\u2026 the next question please.<\/p>\n
(Q). Excuse me, I would like to ask this question, please. This question comes from a student of \u2018College of Social Work\u2019 \u2013 this meeting is on \u2018Women\u2019s Rights in Islam\u2019, but I believe that most of the questions, have satisfied our male audience. As far as practicality is involved\u2026 as far practicality is, that is an infinite series of argument will go on\u2026 if you if you are going to look at that.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Excuse me, if you could put your question, we will try to satisfy that.<\/p>\n
(Q). This question that \u2026Okay.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) Could you please put your question, because we have a very
\nshort time \u2013 You put your question, we would try to satisfy that.<\/p>\n
(Q). This question goes to Islamic Research Foundation. I want to ask, that this meeting is on \u2018Women\u2019s Rights in Islam\u2019, and why is not there any single woman, sitting on the stage?\u2026 Why do we have male panel only, on the stage \u2013 And we believe that if this does not satisfy our female audience\u2026 audience, for whom the meeting is organized?<\/p>\n
(Dr.Zakir) The sister has posed a question, that why are not women sitting on the stage, in this function \u2013 Because there is no woman speaker today, sister. We have programmes in IRF on Fridays\u2026 we have programmes in our organization on Friday, where there are ladies speakers, and there\u2026 the lady speaks. Here I am supposed to speak on the topic, and I am a gent, Al-hamdullillah. I am not a female\u2026 and\u2026 and the chief guest also\u2026 Al-hamdullillah, Justice M. M. Kazi, and the coordinator, all are men. There are programmes in which females speak, and we have female speakers, as well as female, chief guests. InshaAllah, when we have a programme next time, we will invite you for that.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question is, on \u2018Talaq\u2019 \u2013 Is it necessary, for the husband to take permission of the first wife, before marrying the second? \u2013 in brief please.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) The question posed is \u2013 Is it necessary for the husband to take the permission of the first wife, before marrying? It is not compulsory for the husband to take the permission of the first wife, before marrying, because Qur\u2019an says\u2026 \u2018The only reason\u2026 the only condition, for a person in which he can take more than one wife, is\u2026 he should be just, between his wives\u2019 \u2013 but it is preferable, that he takes the permission. And it is his duty, to inform his first wife that he is marrying, because Islam says\u2026 \u2018If you have more than one wife, you have to do justice\u2019. And if the permission is given by the first wife, but natural\u2026 but natural there will be more cordial relationship between the husband, and both the wives. But it is not compulsory, except in one condition\u2026 except in one condition, if the wife mentions in her marriage contract, that\u2026\u2018I do not want you to take any other wife, as long as I am there\u2019 \u2013 Then it becomes compulsory for the husband, to take the permission of the wife, before marrying \u2013 Otherwise, in all other cases it is not compulsory\u2026 it is preferable.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) The next question in brief please, in one line.<\/p>\n
(Q). My name is Yawar Hussain. When men and women are not allowed to mingle\u2026 so how women were allowed to mingle in the battle fields, in the past?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Brother has asked the question, that Islam does not allow intermingling of sexes \u2013 how come they intermingled in the battlefield? If you heard my speech correctly brother, I said\u2026\u2018Even in the battlefield they were\u2026 they were doing Hijab \u2019 \u2013 There were slight concessions given. If you read Sahih Bukhari, it said that\u2026 \u2018The feet of the women were seen\u2019 \u2013 Normally even the feet are covered. So Islam gives the concession\u2026 that during battlefield, since women even rode horses, the feet were seen. So Islam gives little leniency \u2013 but there, they do not intermingle\u2026 like what they do in the American Army \u2013 they had to maintain the Islamic ethics, as well the Islamic dress code.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) We will allow this last question in brief. Video culture, films, songs, novels, magazines, co-education, have filled the present situation with sexual anarchy \u2013 Is it recommendable in these circumstances, to allow our children, specially daughters, to get married by their own free will \u2013 this is Mohammed Aslam Gazi.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) The brother asked the question, that since in the world of science and technology\u2026 and we have so many films on sex, etc. \u2013 Is it advisable to allow the daughter, to have her own free choice in marriage? I told you, that the parent can surely give guidance\u2026 can guide their daughters in marriage \u2013 they can not force them \u2013 And how do you know that the parent is always right? So here, Islam gives permission that the parents can guide their children in marriage, but they can not force, because it is finally the daughter who has to live with the husband, not the parent.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) We will allow a quick one line question from the top, and then we have the vote of thanks.<\/p>\n
(Q). As-Salam-Alaikum \u2013 I am Mrs. Razia Khan. According to Muslim Personal Law, only the father is natural guardian of the\u2026 of his children \u2013 Why?<\/p>\n
(Dr. Zakir) Sister has posed a question \u2013 According to the Muslim Personal Law, only father is the natural guardian \u2013 It is wrong sister. According to Islamic Shariah, if a child in its initial stages\u2026 approximately at the age of seven\u2026 if he is below the age of 7, the guardianship goes to the mother \u2013 because a mother\u2019s responsibility, is more than the father\u2019s responsibility, in the initial stage. After that, the guardianship goes to the father \u2013 and after he becomes matured, it is his\u2026 it is the free will of the child \u2013 he chooses himself, or she chooses herself, who she wants to be with. But during this course, Islam says that\u2026 irrespective the child is with the\u2026 with the father, or the mother, the child is allowed to meet with both the parents. Hope that answers the question.<\/p>\n
(Dr. Mohammed) I would like to thank all of you who gave so many questions \u2013 I have yet so many\u2026 so many questions in balance, so many people standing on the sides. We are sorry, we cannot continue on, because of time restrictions of this hall. And we would welcome you to come the IRF, and we would love to answer these questions in humble manner\u2026 I would love to answer all your questions, throughout the day \u2013 there are time limitations to this hall. I thank you all \u2013 I specially thank the Justice Kazi, an eminent Jurist, to be present here to speak to, and support our \u2018Womens\u2019 Rights programme\u2019 I thank the\u2026 all management, the video team present here, and all of you present who have made this programme so lively, with your enthusiasm and interest \u2013 Thank you \u2013 As-Salam-Walaikum \u2013 JazakAllah Khair\u2026<\/p>\n
(Casting)\u2026<\/p>\n
(Back Ground Azaan, By Brother Yusuf Islam)<\/p>\n
Islamic Research Foundation An International Resource Centre For Understanding And Clarification, On Islam And Comparative Religion. Islamic Research Foundation Provides For Free Hire And Sale, Video And Audio Cassettes, On Islam And Comparative Religion. This Being, The Largest And Best Collection Internationally. It Includes Films, Television Programmes, Documentaries, Qur\u2019anic And Islamic Studies Programmes As Well As Interviews, Lectures, Symposia, Debates, Etc., Of World Renowned Speakers Like Shaikh Ahmed Deedat \u2013 South Africa, Dr. Zakir Naik- India, Dr. Jamal Badawi \u2013 Canada, Dr. Khalid Al-Mansoor \u2013 U.S.A., Brother Yusuf Islam \u2013 U.K., Brother Gary Miller \u2013 Canada, Dr. Israr Ahmed \u2013 Pakistan, Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh- India, And Many Others. Islamic Research Foundation Also Provides On Request, Free Literature On Islam And Comparative Religion. Please Phone, Call, Or Write To Islamic Research Foundation, 56\/58, Tandel Street (North), Dongri, Mumbai 400 009.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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