Iran’s Suspension Of Stoning Of Sakineh Ashtiani – Respite For A Beleaguered Religion, viz. Islam

It is a great news that the global outcry has ultimately forced Iran to suspend its ultra-barbaric plan to stone to death Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, an Iranian woman accused of adultery.

It is a great victory for the civilized society, against a bunch of insane people (the Iranian government and the clergy) who have turned their country into a medieval state with 21st century infrastructure.

I sincerely hope that the world will always come up with such a strong protest every time in future a conservative country has any such heinous scheme, be it in the case of Iran or any other country.

Hearty congratulations to Ms. Sakineh for this god send respite.

However, the actual respite was for Islam, the beleaguered religion which finds its hand soaked with the blood of thousands of innocent people thanks to the flawed sense of piety of some of its fanatical followers.

With the suspension of stoning of a helpless woman, Islam was saved from being soaked with at least few drops of more blood (though it is nothing in comparison to the sea of blood that the religion is already soaked with). The immortal soul of the Holy Prophet has heaved a sigh of relief, while feeling depressed and shocked with the madness of those people who claim to follow him, and end up maligning him to no end.

Burqa Banning In Europe – Possibility Of A Negative Impact On Local Muslim Women

Like any forward thinking and progressive person I was also elated to know about the decision of the governments of France, Belgium and Italy to ban Burqa in their respective countries. The reason why I dislike Burqa is not only because I feel it to be an unjustified baggage forcibly imposed on my mothers and sisters from the Muslim community. I also dislike it because I sincerely doubt whether the great Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had at all issued any diktat, in the first place, by commanding the Muslim women to wear Burqa. From whatever I have read and learned about the great Prophet’s life and philosophy, he was a pragmatic person with a huge respect for women. And honestly I find it very difficult to accept that he issued any such command.

However, while I eagerly welcome the firm steps taken by the governments of the above mentioned European countries, I have also started feeling a bit uncomfortable about the possibility of certain negative developments. Few days back I read in news that a Muslim gentleman from Italy has said that since his wife can no more wear Burqa in public, therefore now he will not allow her to go out at all. And from now onwards she will remain confined within her home.

It was this news that left me quite nervous. We the progressive people (including the progressive members of the Islamic sect) might feel very jubilant that Burqa is getting banned in certain countries. But have we thought about the possible negative impacts that the Muslim women of those countries might have to face?

I am 100 per cent sure that are some Muslims in all these countries who will never be able to accept these ban on Burqa for their wives, daughters, sisters, etc. But at the same time they will be unable to defy the ban, as it is a government decision. So what will they do? They will put a complete “ban” on the “public life” of the women in their families, forcing the latter to sever all ties with the external world and lead the life of a detainee within the four walls of their respective homes.

I feel the governments banning Burqa in their countries must think about this possible outcome, and take suitable steps beforehand to prevent any such outcome.