Muslim women say Deoband edict goes against the Quran

The Darul Uloom Deoband’s edict restricting women from working with other men has not gone down well with Muslim women in the city. They say the fatwa, posted on the Deoband’s website, is specific and cannot be a generalisation.

“Today people are living in cities and many are poor. Often women are the only earning members of a family. It becomes a need for her and prophet Mohammed himself has said that women can earn,” says Urma Naheed, director of Iqra Foundation.

Scholars say it is the misinterpretation of the Quran that is the source of confusion. There were instances of the prophet’s first wife being a businesswoman, and his youngest wife even led a battle. Patriarchs in society have misinterpreted the Holy Book by passing such edicts.

Zeenat Shauqat Ali, head of Islamic studies, St Xavier’s College, said, “The prophet changed the face of Arabia by giving rights to women. He has in fact said in verses of the Quran that whatever the woman earns she has the right to keep it for herself. The framework, too, clearly states that she cover herself and her head.”  She added, “The problem is that our societies have been largely patriarchal and the men have misinterpreted the words of the Quran. Let me reiterate that these edicts are against the verses of Quran.”

In fact, the Naheed says that even the prophet has not specified the kind of hijab to wear. It is specified in Quran that the woman has to be fully covered, and that code varies according to every country.

“The woman has to work according to the framework of Sharia and cover herself wearing a hijab. It means to cover oneself and hide your beauty. The hijab has varied according to the dress code of each country. In some countries they wear a scarf, while here they cover themselves from head to toe,” says Naheed.

However Gulzar Azmi, general secretary Jammat-E-Ulma Hind, Maharashtra, says a woman is allowed to work only in exceptional cases. Only in the cases where the family is extremely poor and or in a helpless situation can the woman go out and earn.

“The primary responsibility of the woman is to look after the children. The responsibility to earn and look after the family is that of the husband’s. The woman can work only in exceptional situations,” says Azmi. He adds, “It is not a waste of a woman’s education if she grooms her children and educates them.”