Imams to give discourse on women’s rights in Islam

LUCKNOW: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has decided to launch an awareness campaign, directing Imams across India to give discourse on rights of women in Islam to avoid misuse of Islamic laws amidst fresh spotlight on triple talaq (divorce).

“Apart from discussing the triple talaq and uniform civil code issues pending before the Supreme Court, the board would also elect its office-bearers and members during the three-day convention in Kolkata beginning November 18,” AIMPLB executive committee member, Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali told Hindustan Times.

He said the controversy over triple divorce was unwarranted and the issue was being blown out of proportion despite the fact that Muslims had the lowest divorce rate (0.5%) according to Census of 2011.

Naseem Iqtedar Ali, who is also on the executive council of the AIMPLB, said there was need to create awareness especially among the illiterate sections of the minority community, who were still not aware of the Board’s stand on the issue. She said some ignorant, self-seeking publicist within the community, were trying to make capital out of the controversy. The Board is expected to ask Imams to give discourses after ‘namaz’ (prayers) to create awareness.

The AIMPLB, which is the apex governing body of Muslims on religious matters, has a total of 250 members drawn from various sects and school of thoughts. The president of the Board is Maulana Rabe Hasani Nadvi of Lucknow, who along with other office-bearers would be re-elected for another term during the conclave.