Veil (Hijab / Parda) doesn’t come in the way of progress of the Muslim women. Being within the limits of Shariat, they can progress. Some narrow-minded persons think that Hijab is an obstacle in the way of progress of the Muslim women which is wrong.
These thoughts were expressed by Mr. K. Rahman Khan, Union Minister for Minority Affairs while addressing the valedictory function of the international seminar on the Role of Muslim women organized by the Center for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad yesterday.
He reiterated that the progress of Muslim women is possible only through education. He told that the top priority of his Ministry is to develop the status of Muslim women through education. He told that the status of women which existed 40 years ago doesn’t exist now. Changes are taking place. Awareness is being created. Education among Muslim women is being promoted.
He mentioned that personally he does not believe in the progress of the Muslims only through reservation because all those who have progressed did not enjoy the benefits of reservations.
He told that reservation is the right of the Muslims. He further said that the betterment of social conditions of Muslim women is the responsibility of the state governments. Those who can influence society should also pay attention to the emancipation of Muslim women.
He pointed out that although some voluntary organizations are engaged in the upliftment of Muslim women, there is a need for more organizations in this field. Pointing out the justice system of Islam, he said that Islam is a universal religion which gives equal rights to the Muslims specifying different roles for men and women. Islam has given supremacy to man only to protect woman. He mentioned that on behalf of his Ministry, efforts are being made to develop the status of Muslim women which are producing better results.
Famous social activist, Ms. Teesta Seethalwad also spoke on this occasion. She told that women are the architects of the future of any society. It is therefore, necessary to make them self dependent and to provide freedom to them.
She said that many issues could be resolved if women are educated. She told that there is a need to change the mindset of the persons who think about women in the wrong direction, because a woman is not merely a woman she is also a mother, a sister and a wife. She pointed out that if the Govt. implements the report of Sachar Committee to develop the social and economic condition of the Muslims it would enhance the confidence of the second largest majority of this country.
Prof. Shehnaaz Nabi, Head of the Dept. of Urdu of University of Calcutta in her valedictory address said that positive steps have to be taken on the issues raised in this conference. She reiterated that as a Muslim, she believes in letter and spirit in every word of the Quran and the rights it has given to Muslim women. There is a need to implement these rights in order to develop Muslim society.
She pointed out that it is imperative for the Muslims to make their identity better to develop good relations with their compatriots. Whatever rights and privileges, Islam has given to women, there is some motto in them. Prof. Shehnaaz Nabi stressed the need for Muslim women to understand the teachings of the Quran first ant hem to put them into practice.
Prof. Najmunnisa Mehtab, Head of the Dept. of Women’s studies of the university of Dhaka, Bangladesh also addressed on this occasion. Prof. Shaik Mohammed Rahmathullah Registrar of Urdu university welcomed the guests and the audience. Prof. Kancha Ilaiah, Director of the Center highlighted the objectives of the seminar. Prof. Mohammed Miyan, Vice chancellor of Urdu University made presidential remarks. Dr. Fareeda, Convenor of the conference proposed vote of thanks. A large number of staff, students and the dignitaries from the city attended the function.
——Siasat News