Mehbooba bats for equality under Sharia, says Afghan crisis worsening Islamophobia

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 9

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Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday batted for equality of genders and religion under the Islamic law and said her statements on the Sharia had been deliberately distorted.

She also said the Afghanistan crisis was worsening Islamophobia and rued the developments in the strife torn nation.

“Not surprised that my statement on Sharia has been deliberately distorted. Can’t point fingers since most countries that claim to uphold Sharia have failed to imbibe its true values. They are only fixated with restricting women through dos and don’ts and dress codes,” said Mehbooba.

Citing the real Medina Charter, she said it stipulates equal rights for men, women and minorities and in fact grants property, social, legal and marriage rights to women.

“Non-Muslims have the same rights in religious freedom and equality of law which is the essence of secularism,” Mehbooba said today in context of the Taliban resorting to a harsh interpretation of the Islamic Sharia to muzzle human freedoms and rights.

The former JK chief minister said Hazrat Khadija Tul Kubra, Prophet’s first wife was an independent and successful businesswoman and Hazrat Ayesha Siddique led the Battle of Camel and headed a force of 13,000 soldiers.

“Islamic history is full of such examples of emancipated & empowered women. But at a time when India has become so polarised, there is increasing Islamophobia and Afghanistan crisis has only worsened it. Muslims are always expected to prove that they don’t stand for violence. I can see why my statement is being used as click bait to further this impression,” said Mehbooba Mufti.