THE FATWA, JOB AND MUSLIM WOMEN

                                                                                                         MOONISA BUSHRA ABEDI



When I was a student at The University of Mumbai; doing my M.Sc in Nuclear Physics, after a Seminar; I was asked by a press reporter, as to why the number of Muslim women is so less in jobs? Well, I could rather have questioned him when the number of Muslim men itself is pathetically low in jobs, where to regret for the women? Still I referred to “unhealthy job conditions” as the deterrent for our women. And he had not only agreed to it, but also expressing concern over it held up the need to improve them. Presently as we notice, much water has flown under the bridge and the job conditions have deteriorated further, whereas the number of women in jobs; including Muslims; are increasing. Besides, there seems to be a policy to promote women by the employers against men.
It was surprising that Fatwa pertaining to the job of Muslim women was misunderstood once again. It was condemned, distorted, misquoted and interpreted out of context. We, at the first place, forget that Fatwa is issued in response to a question asked by anyone who seeks religious guidance and never as per the whims and fancies of the Ulema. Further they are to be issued in the light of authentic knowledge of Islam, even mentioning the sources with due accountability. Still the impression being created by the media is; as if the Ulema are simply eager to issue fatwa in order to restrict people’s freedom and depriving them of their fundamental rights especially women. And this they do to espouse their dominance over the Muslim society, which is simply a despicable allegation.
It can hardly be denied that Islam doesn’t approve of free mixing of the two sexes. During the prophets time also, the women have participated in the public affairs of the society with Hijab dignity and chastity. Whereas; the atmosphere at the workplaces today hardly needs to be commented upon. Ulema from Deoband have further clarified that Fatwa had been issued on 6th of April 2010 in response to a question asked by a women; willing to know whether she can work in a public or private institution? The fatwa reads as “the working in public or private institutions where she has to mix freely with the men, talking freely and boldly to them without Hijab; is prohibited for women” In fact no sensible person would oppose this. It would be proper to mention yet another Fatwa of Deoband stating “if it is inevitable for a woman to work then she can do so with Hijab avoiding free mixing with men and talking frankly and boldly to them. Further her income can not be used, even by her relatives, without her permission.” This is again perfectly compatible with Islamic spirit .To our surprise the fatwa has been branded as Talibanisque by one of the leading English dailies; which is misguiding and dangerously provocative .Later the matter was blown out of proportion by the media, targeting Ulema for suppressing Muslim women. The whole propaganda seems to instigate Muslim masses against Ulema and project the so called Islamic scholars and activists as the true representative of Muslims, endorsing their social eminence and imposing their un-Islamic views on Muslim community through excessive boosting.
It was disappointing to see some such intellectuals defending the right to work for Muslim women by citing the examples of Razia Sultana or the women rulers of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Turkey. Each of them though Muslim; was practically far away from Islam and can hardly be considered as the role model for Muslim women. One can’t off course deny the appointment of women in the ministry of second Caliph of Islam Hazrat Umer (RA). Nor can one deny the participation of women in the important decision making meetings called upon by the Prophet (PBUH) in his mosque at Medina. But which of these examples can justify the unhealthy atmosphere, vulgar behavior, immodest dressings, jazzy make ups, bold attitude, obscene free mixing and the party culture which has become inseparable component of the public and private institutions where the women have to work. Had the first wife of Prophet Hazrat Khadija ever involved with men freely during her trade which she carried out in partner ship with them? Or was there any scope for immodesty in the battle led by Prophets youngest wife Hazrat Aisha? In fact none of the evidences from the Islamic history can be used to justify what women is found to be involved in most of the occupations except for those concerned with education , health and other such inevitable and noble professions.
There are people who claim that fatwa will not have any impact at all on the society in general and Muslim women are not going to leave their jobs. Surely no women has been forced to leave the job; nor is any forced to wear Hijab but the one who sought the guidance in the light of Islamic injunctions has been provided with it, through Fatwa .Some demand that Fatwa should be according to the requirements of the present times , perhaps they forget that Islam has the strength to modify the priorities of the time itself; and has the capacity to in to provide a favorable atmosphere; in order to safeguard the human interests and ensure healthy development of the human society. It hardly leaves any scope for interpretation of its basic principles as per the vested interests. The instructions for Hijab are based clearly on the Quranic verses and can not be distorted to suit ones choice and benefit.
It is amusing to note that women like Avisha Kulkarni, the convener of the so called Desh Bhakti Andolan; has not only condemned the Fatwa but has threatened to launch a nationwide movement against Hijab for Muslim women on jobs. Out of sheer prejudice, unmindfully enough, she has disregarded completely the plight of working women, ignoring the steep rise in the rate of crime against women; which is the highest at their workplaces. The observant Muslim women do realize the true spirit of fatwa and are hardly influenced by any false propaganda against it. They are of the opinion that; the Andolan is needed to be launched against the atrocities on women and their sexual exploitation in various professions. Further they wish o ask the self acclaimed sympathizers of women; why they deny us the right to dress up modestly and uphold our dignity and self esteem through Hijab. That is provided to us by Islam as the foremost precautionary measure against sexual crimes. Moreover what steps are being taken to prevent these crimes except legislation of laws; which are proven to be almost ineffective without the safety measures to be taken by the women for themselves.
It is the high time for the Muslim intellectuals to guide the community to establish separate institutions for women. In order to provide them with better prospects to utilize their abilities and work with dignity, self esteem and better security. We wonder why they don’t avail us with these kind of facilities while in countries like Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States and Iran Muslim women are running their separate educational institutions and the hospitals ; managed absolutely by women. They have special courts for the women with female judges and lawyers. Women are operating their own branches in banks and even stock exchanges. They also enjoy separate shopping malls, beaches, restricted for women, and other places of entertainment. Why can’t we think and plan on these lines, for the development of Muslim women. So that they may be provided with the full fledged opportunity to apply their talent and can set the example for others. Lest they may realize that mixing with men is not essential at all for the development and growth of women instead they can achieve these goals in healthier way without it.