In wake of the suicide of Ayesha Banu Makrani in Ahmadabad due to severe harassment from her husband and in-laws, Dr Asma Zehra, chief organiser of the Women’s Wing of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly urged the members of the Muslim community to eradicate the un-Islamic practice of Dowry.
“Dowry is ‘Haraam’ and an act of sin. Marriages should be made simple and easy according to Sunnah of Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Participation and attendance in marriages where dowry is given or taken should be avoided totally to eradicate this evil,” she urged.
Highlighting that Islamic laws empower women with “Mahr” at the time of marriage and that the responsibility of setting up the house lies on the man as he is the “Qawwam” (Care-taker) of the family, she pointed out that “it is a sad reality that the Muslim community has gone into collective transgression by deviating from the path of Islam. Lack of awareness and deep-rooted un-Islamic customs and traditions have made marriage difficult.”
“Daughters are precious pearls. Their safety and security should be the top priority of the community. It is time to introspect and repent for this collective criminal negligence of the Muslim community towards the daughters,” she urged.
Dr Zehra also appealed to the elders of the Muslim community especially Ulema and Imaams to create awareness of “simple marriage” and condemn the taking and giving of dowry in any form at Friday “Khutba” (sermons) in Mosques.
“The issue of dowry and harassment for dowry has led to the death of an innocent daughter. This needs condemnation in the strongest terms,” she said, referring to the tragic incident. “Her departing video has shaken the community, especially women.”
“Suicide is “Haraam” but the circumstances leading to this event need deeper introspection”, she added.
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Rushda Fathima Khan is the Staff Reporter for The Cognate.
