Muslim body bans music at weddings

Days after Darul Uloom Deoband issued a fatwa prohibiting Muslim women from plucking their eyebrows, Islami Markazi Majlis-e-Shoura in Kishtwar district here has banned music at Muslim weddings, asked teachers to segregate boys and girls in classrooms, and urged women to avoid going to a marketplace alone.

Islami Markazi Majlis-e-Shoura, a grouping of social and religious organisations in Kishtwar, issued the 'islahi mashwara', that is, 'reformative advice', and threatened to boycott those who play music at marriage ceremonies.

"Organising musical events during marriage is unislamic. Those who do it are liable for social boycott," said the one-page document of dos and don'ts issued by Islami Markazi Majlis-e-Shoura.

The organisation has also asked teachers to segregate boys and girls in classrooms stating that co-education is not part of Islamic culture. "Teachers in coaching centres are urged to organise separate classes for boys and girls. Islami Markazi Majlis-e-Shoura will be compelled to take action against those flouting the directives," it said.

The 'advisory council' also reprimanded women for going to markets and exhibitions without being accompanied by a male member of the family, and asked them to refrain from moving about alone .

It urged people not to use phones and Internet, saying it engenders immorality.