The violent protests against certain provisions of giving women equal rights, incorporated in the National Women Development Policy (NWDP), that some Islamic groups resorted to recently, prompted the government to form a review committee to examine the issue in detail. The committee has recommended that six of the provisions be expunged from the NWDP as it found them contravening the Islamic laws. However, some Islamic scholars have observed that the committee has failed to point out precisely where the provisions contradict the injunctions of the Holy Quran. They also welcomed the policy as a charter of women’s rights and condemned those who are opposing it vehemently.
That is indeed a significant development, since the situation certainly called for the genuine Islamic scholars to come forward with their interpretations of the Islamic laws on women’s rights. It was also a dire need that the truly religious people would give a call for shunning the path of violence, which Islam does not approve of. There is ample room for arguments, counter arguments and a logical discourse on the issue. But what was most undesirable was the attempt on the part of some fanatic groups to clinch the issue through applying physical force. They tried to incite people and turn the whole thing into an emotive issue that degenerated into direct clashes with the law enforcers. Sadly absent in their action plan was logic and reasoning. They tried to create a bogey in the name of religion.
It is really a matter of great relief that Islamic scholars are showing interest in the issue and have realized that religious bigots should not be given the sole responsibility of interpreting the laws on the rights of women.
The criticisms levelled against the NWDP show that the obscurantist forces are not ready to settle any issue peacefully. They also conveniently forgot that equal rights for women would actually help to enhance the latter’s social security. And Islam is known for its unflinching support for any action that aims to ensure fair play and justice. We believe the Islamic scholars will play their due role in shaping public opinion in favour of establishing a just social order. Besides giving women equal property inheritance rights, all conscientious and truly religious people should strive for eliminating vices like dowry and repression on women which are a gross violation of what Islam teaches us.
Source: The Daily Star
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