Quran, the primary source of Islam, affirms human dignity irrespective of color, caste, religion, social status, gender, and age. "We have bestowed dignity on the children of Adam… and conferred upon them special favors above the greater part of Our creation." Here, the children of Adam mean all people and the allusion is not explicitly intended for Muslims.
Developed states acclaim equality, fairness, and transparency and reject the notion of patriarchal domination, but the claims in underdeveloped countries are loosely connected and vague. The in-depth analysis of Pakistani society reflects the worst conditions, and equality seems no more than a hollow voice. According to the teaching of Prophet Muhammad SAW, there is a dire need to streamline the country.
A typical glance at the evolution of human societies from hunting-gathering groups to the post-modern era shows that they were divided into two major groups: male and female. The latter enjoyed inferior status to men in all fields of life except where biological feminine superiority doesn't seem subdued. This traditional-oriented division of society kept females out of all fundamental rights, a common practice in all earthly pre-Islamic religions. After the advent of Islam, in many cultures and even in this contemporary world, patriarchal domination continues ruling the roost despite the teaching of treating females fairly.
However, Islam stood
for female rights causing a heavy blow to that time's status quo, gradually sweeping this menace across the Arabian Peninsula.
Islam blessed women with protection and social dignity and defined their rights, categorizing different holy roles as mother, daughter, and sister. The role of females is not confined to only giving birth to children instead, she is given rights to inherit property, get an education, participate in political affairs, and have economic independence. This includes freedom of expression and security from persecution.
Despite Islam being a silver lining in the dark clouds of
oppression, the world, in general, is still not ready to fully accept the
dignity of females and Pakistani society in particular. Many factors are
involved, which lead to promoting this social evil. Prevalence of ill practices,
so-called Ghairat, lack of education, awareness, and
campaigns to highlight the rights of a female in Islam are significant factors, and reversing these evils can be the solution.
Religious seminaries and scholars, syllabi, and media can play significant roles by highlighting the rights; otherwise, Zainab and Motorway cases like incidents can become ordinary in Pakistan. We, the Pakistani people, are emotive and need a more constructive approach by having no long-term policy, and the list goes on. Laws are not effective unless we don't change our mentality.
To change the mindset of any
society or nation, revolution is needed, but unfortunately, in Pakistan, it is
the opposite. From Politicians to religious scholars, everyone tries their best to exploit people and their followers, and everything will remain the same without harmony, unity,
conformity, and new thinking.
I have the same belief
as Avijeet Das.
"You don't have the right to be called a man if you do not have respect for a woman."
