SHOAIB SHAIKH
shoaib@herald-goa.com
Panjim: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has termed the system of pronouncing triple talaq at once as un-Islamic and wants to immediately stop the system.
In an exclusive interaction with Herald, Fakhira Ateeq, Member of AIMPLB said, “AIMPLB wants to immediately stop the pronouncing of triple talaq at once because it is un-Islamic and it is not the way. We will educate the community and reach out to every home with this message not to pronounce three talaqs at once.”
She said that the misrepresentation of Shariah laws by Muslims is sending a wrong message to society and the masses. She said, “Board is of the opinion that due to lack of knowledge of Shariah laws, such untoward incidences are on the rise and therefore as a first step we need to educate the masses and then pre-marriage counselling for prospective brides and grooms.”
Stating that AIMPLB is against any change in the Shariah laws, she said that if the law is being misused then the people should be punished and the laws itself cannot be changed.
“Board is of the firm opinion that the Shariah laws are according to nature of human being, however, if someone is misusing the laws you cannot abolish the law. Nobody, be it the muftis or members of the AIMPLB, has the authority to change the laws,” she stated.
Fakhira further said that the community will delve into the matter and through a consensus build upon the methodology to deal with those who misinterpret or misuse the Shariah laws.
Citing the example of laws of inheritance, she said, “As per Shariah laws of inheritance women in 16 scenarios are entitled for more share than men and in 10 scenarios women are equal shareholders to men in the property.”
“Unfortunately whenever Shariah laws are discussed only polygamy and divorce is the focus”, she added.
Stating that women are suffering in the absence of Shariah courts or the Darul Qaza, she said that the Board will establish cells across the country to benefit women who can approach them for justice instead of longing to get justice from the courts.
She further said that the government and politicians were creating a civil war like situation by time and again, especially around the elections, projecting Muslims in bad light and isolated in a biased manner.
She said, “Even according to the census figures, the cases of polygamy, divorce and child marriage are higher in other communities than Muslims. But Muslims because of the vote bank are used and abused.”
