From the Indo-Asian News Service
Islam not against women solemnising marriage: Syeda Hameed (Interview)
Posted: 8:15a.m. IST, August 24, 2008
New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) Islam does not prohibit a woman from solemnising a marriage and it was reflective of the 'slow and steady' changes happening in Muslim society, says Syeda Hameed, an official who courted controversy by performing the marriage rituals of a couple.
'As a religion, Islam does not prohibit a woman from solemnising marriage.
We have to move forward. It is the need of the hour,' Hameed, a member of the country's Planning Commission, told IANS in an interview.
Hameed is pleased to see no hue and cry because on Aug 12 she performed the 'nikah' (solemnising a marriage according to Muslim practice) of Naish Hasan and Imran Ali. She terms it a healthy sign.
'I had apprehended there would be some hard reaction, but I was determined to fulfil the desire of Naish and Imran. I have known them for a long time,' she said.
'At the same time, I had thought that there would be acceptance of what I was going to do,' said Hameed, who had specially gone to Lucknow to solemnise the marriage.
'Things were changing 'slowly and steadily', she said, adding: 'Attitude is not as hard as it used to be. We have to move forward.'
What prompted her to take up a path-breaking initiative?
'I belong to a family where reformism has been a deep-rooted tradition. My great grandfather Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali was known for his reformist views. He spoke of reforms in Islam 100 years ago,' she said.
For her, being a reformist does not mean any compromise with the religion one espouses.
'We are deep into religion but are extremely liberal in outlook. What I did by performing 'nikah' is in consonance with my great family tradition. I shall be happy if more and more women come forward and take path-breaking steps, befitting Islamic ethos and values.'
Having ushered in a new trend by breaking traditional barriers, Hameed feels that a lot needs to be done for gender parity in Muslim society.
'Yes, more path-breaking initiatives are needed to reflect the true image of Islam. It will be possible when the forward-looking people take initiatives,' she said.
'There are enough enlightened people in society to bring change in society,' Hameed said.
Should a woman feel threatened in a society where there is a 'limited or restricted' role for women to play?
'Reformists never stop doing good things,' pat came her reply.
Related Articles:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j92O6R7bKc5sTmv5xu6WYr7hJTGwD92KKSU00
http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2008/aug/13/woman_performs_nikah_gets_endorsement_ulema.html
http://www.indianexpress.com/story/348122.html
Islam not against women solemnising marriage: Syeda Hameed (Interview)
Posted: 8:15a.m. IST, August 24, 2008
New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) Islam does not prohibit a woman from solemnising a marriage and it was reflective of the 'slow and steady' changes happening in Muslim society, says Syeda Hameed, an official who courted controversy by performing the marriage rituals of a couple.
'As a religion, Islam does not prohibit a woman from solemnising marriage.
We have to move forward. It is the need of the hour,' Hameed, a member of the country's Planning Commission, told IANS in an interview.
Hameed is pleased to see no hue and cry because on Aug 12 she performed the 'nikah' (solemnising a marriage according to Muslim practice) of Naish Hasan and Imran Ali. She terms it a healthy sign.
'I had apprehended there would be some hard reaction, but I was determined to fulfil the desire of Naish and Imran. I have known them for a long time,' she said.
'At the same time, I had thought that there would be acceptance of what I was going to do,' said Hameed, who had specially gone to Lucknow to solemnise the marriage.
'Things were changing 'slowly and steadily', she said, adding: 'Attitude is not as hard as it used to be. We have to move forward.'
What prompted her to take up a path-breaking initiative?
'I belong to a family where reformism has been a deep-rooted tradition. My great grandfather Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali was known for his reformist views. He spoke of reforms in Islam 100 years ago,' she said.
For her, being a reformist does not mean any compromise with the religion one espouses.
'We are deep into religion but are extremely liberal in outlook. What I did by performing 'nikah' is in consonance with my great family tradition. I shall be happy if more and more women come forward and take path-breaking steps, befitting Islamic ethos and values.'
Having ushered in a new trend by breaking traditional barriers, Hameed feels that a lot needs to be done for gender parity in Muslim society.
'Yes, more path-breaking initiatives are needed to reflect the true image of Islam. It will be possible when the forward-looking people take initiatives,' she said.
'There are enough enlightened people in society to bring change in society,' Hameed said.
Should a woman feel threatened in a society where there is a 'limited or restricted' role for women to play?
'Reformists never stop doing good things,' pat came her reply.
Related Articles:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j92O6R7bKc5sTmv5xu6WYr7hJTGwD92KKSU00
http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2008/aug/13/woman_performs_nikah_gets_endorsement_ulema.html
http://www.indianexpress.com/story/348122.html
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