Over 25 founder members of the Anti-dowry campaign established by the Socio Reforms Society, Jeddah Chapter pledged never to attend any dinner or dowry ridden marriage where the expenses are imposed on the bride’s parents. The leading members included Dr. Haroon Sayeed, Saleem Farooqui, Abdul Qader Warangali, Md. Abbas Khan, Engr. Sayeeduddin President SIBN, Abdul Razzaq, Sikender Ali singer and Dilshad Ahmed.
Members of various social and educational organizations extended full support to the campaign.
The dowry in Islam is the bride price (MEHR) which the man has to pay to the woman. But it is reverse in the sub-continent. The woman has to pay to the man before the marriage.
The function held at Shadab Restaurant on 6th June was addressed by Aleem Khan Falaki. He said the boycott is the first step towards the eradication of the dowry system. He emphasized that the dowry system is a worst violation against Islamic ethics, Human Rights and Woman’s rights. The dowry system is destroying the Economic and moral fabric of the society. The fathers and brothers have to spend most of their life long savings for the marriages of their daughters or sisters and consequently they suffer all the life. Unfortunately, the sufferer himself makes the other persons suffer in his turn of marriage. Thus a vicious cycle is going on to encircle the whole society in to poverty, debts, lack of higher education and lack of support in the retired life or at the time of illness.
He said that the dinner party on the first day has become compulsory on the bride’s parents which has increased the burden. This is totally un-islamic and unethical to ask somebody to pay the bill of the groom’s guests. He said unless we start boycotting such dinners and the dowry related parties, people will not realize the sensitivity of the issue. To make the dowry takers realize the dowry’s evil, everyone must avoid attending such parties.
Engr. Sayeeduddin, President Saudi Indian Business Network praised the Arab’s particularly of Saudi Arabia’s system of marriage and suggested all the sub-continent people to follow. The System in Saudi Arabia is that the Nikah (marriage agreement) takes place In the court then the Groom gives the Walima dinner on the day of departure of the bride to the new home. The system is completely opposite in the sub-continent. The Bride’s parents have to give dinner on the wedding day, then the Groom invites for Walima. The enormous time and money lost in two consecutive days party is a big loss and opens the ways of pomp and extravagance.
Dr. Haroom Sayeed said that the campaign will be launched among the youths and bachelors. The number of the pledge takers will be increased to thousands in Jeddah only.
Abdul Razzaq, Catering Manager at Jeddah Clinic said that those who sign the pledge must publicize it so that those will be alarmed who may invite them in future for such marriages.
Saleem Farooqui, well known social activist said the pamphlets, booklets and corner meetings will be organized to spread the awakening. He emphasized to ask the support from the Scholars and political leaders to eradicate the dowry system.
Hafez Sheikh Hussain, Jama Nizamiya said that helping the poor girls to arrange the dowry strengthens the dowry system and makes the men hungry of dowry. People should support the boys to pay the Mehr. Engr. Imdad Ali said that the Qazis who wield enormous influence on conducting the marriages must be approached to change the system of the dowry.