Muslim Woman Converts Hindu Man for 'Nikah', 5 Held After Father's Complaint in UP's Bijnor
New Age Islam News Bureau
10 February 2025
· Muslim Woman Converts Hindu Man for 'Nikah', 5 Held After Father's Complaint in UP's Bijnor
· Taliban’s systematic oppression of women in Afghanistan
· Iranian women rise in science, tech. after Islamic Revolution
· Iran too strong for Uzbekistan at 2025 CAFA Women's Futsal Championship
· Newly released activist protests against death sentence for women activists in Iran
· Surat property sealed over sale to Muslim woman: What is the Disturbed Areas Act in Gujarat
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/muslim-woman-converts-hindu-nikah/d/134574
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Muslim Woman Converts Hindu Man for 'Nikah', 5 Held After Father's Complaint in UP's Bijnor
February 10th 2025
Muslim Woman Converts Hindu Man for 'Nikah', 5 Held After Father's Complaint in UP's Bijnor | Image: Shutterstock
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Bijnor: Five persons, including a cleric and a woman, have been arrested for allegedly converting a Hindu man and solemnising his nikah, officials said on Monday.
Jaswant Singh, a resident of Purana Dhampur, lodged a complaint on Sunday, alleging that his son Mukul was in a relationship with a Muslim woman.
On Saturday night, the woman along with her father Shahid, mother Rukhsana, cleric Maulana Irshad, and Maulana Gufran, took Mukul to a madrasa, where they allegedly converted him to Islam and performed his nikah, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dharam Singh Marchal said.
Following the complaint, police registered a case against Maulana Irshad, Maulana Gufran, Saima, and her parents under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.
All five accused were arrested on Sunday and further probe is on in the matter, the ASP said.
Source:republicworld.com
https://www.republicworld.com/india/muslim-woman-converts-hindu-man-for-nikah-5-held-after-father-s-complaint-in-up-s-bijnor#google_vignette
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Taliban’s systematic oppression of women in Afghanistan
9th February 2025
Afghan women (File Photo)
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Under the Taliban regime, Afghanistan women face a harsh reality where their voices, bodies, and freedoms are systematically erased. Women and girls are being stripped of their autonomy, and forced into compliance with increasingly stringent laws that deny them their basic rights.
Oppressive rules that women in Afghanistan face
Among its repression of women’s bodily autonomy is the forced veiling of all their bodies and faces in public, under the threat of arrest, violence and intimidation. The right to choose hijab or not has been weaponized against women with those accused of wearing “bad hijab” facing severe punishment.
Afghan women’s voices are being literally silenced, as the Taliban has banned them from hearing each other. In addition, orders have been issued to alter or block windows to prevent women from being seen in public.
The media landscape in Afghanistan has also suffered a significant blow, as women are barred from appearing in Afghan television dramas, significantly diminishing their representation in the public sphere.
The Taliban also shut down Afghanistan’s only women’s radio station, Radio Begum, after a raid on February 4 seizing computers, hard drives, files, and staff phones. Two male employees, not in senior roles, were detained, the station said in a statement, as reported by AFP.
Increase in child marriage
The Taliban forces its soldiers to marry girls as young as 12 years of age. The culture of child marriage is so common that almost 30 percent of Afghanistan girls get married before attaining the age of 18 years, and 9.6 percent get married before the age of 15.
In addition, women in Afghanistan are legally oppressed as the regime bars them from taking men to court. Cases of domestic violence filed by women have been dismissed, and many victims of abuse have no legal redress.
Women’s access to mobility has similarly been curbed. The Taliban has banned women from operating vehicles, meanwhile prohibiting them also from using available taxis, catching public transport and travelling more than 45 miles without a male guardian.
Education, a basic right for any citizen, has been taken away from Afghan girls. The Taliban has made Afghanistan the only country in the world where girls and women are prohibited from secondary and higher education. Around 1.4 million Afghan girls have been deliberately deprived of education, ensuring that an entire generation of women will be ripped off the opportunity to learn and grow.
Further, the Taliban ordered women to “stay home” which meant being barred from employment. This led to the forceful removal of women from workplaces.
68 pc of Afghan women report poor mental health
UN Women data has noted a growing mental health crisis linked to the loss of rights in Afghanistan. Sixty-eight percent of women reported experiencing “bad” or “very bad” mental health with eight percent knowing at least one woman or girl who had attempted suicide.
An Indian woman who returned on February 5 after three years in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan told The Times of India, “I lived through immense fear, depression, and anxiety, especially in the early months of their rule.”
A senior official with the UN agency championing gender equality emphasized that the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls will have long-term effects. “Our analysis indicates that by 2026, leaving 1.1 million girls out of school and 100,000 women out of university will lead to a 45 percent increase in early childbearing and a rise in maternal mortality by up to 50 percent,” she said.
Source:siasat.com
https://www.siasat.com/talibans-systematic-oppression-of-women-in-afghanistan-3168803/
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Iranian women rise in science, tech. after Islamic Revolution
Feb 10, 2025
The Islamic Revolution of 1979 in Iran marked a significant turning point in the country's history, reshaping its political, social, and cultural landscape. Among the many transformations that followed, the role and status of Iranian women underwent a profound evolution. A closer examination reveals a remarkable story of resilience, empowerment, and achievement.
Iranian women have made significant strides in the fields of science, education, and technology, defying stereotypes and contributing to the nation's progress. This report delves into the achievements of Iranian women in these domains, emphasizing the positive impact of the Islamic Revolution on their success.
Historical context: women in pre-Revolutionary Iran
To fully appreciate the progress made by Iranian women after the Islamic Revolution, it is essential to understand the context of their status in the pre-revolutionary era. Under the Pahlavi regime, women's rights were ostensibly promoted as part of the modernization agenda. However, these reforms were often superficial, benefiting a small elite while leaving the majority of women, particularly those in rural areas, marginalized. The literacy rate among women was low, and their participation in higher education and professional fields was limited.
The Islamic Revolution, with its emphasis on social justice and equality, sought to address these disparities. It created opportunities for women to engage more actively in public life, including in education and the workforce.
Education: foundation of empowerment
One of the most significant achievements of Iranian women in the post-revolutionary era has been in the field of education. The Islamic Republic placed a strong emphasis on education as a means of social mobility and national development. This focus on education, coupled with the revolutionary ideals of equality, led to a dramatic increase in female literacy rates and educational attainment.
1. Literacy Rates: In the years following the revolution, the literacy rate among Iranian women saw a remarkable improvement. According to UNESCO, the female literacy rate in Iran rose from 36% in 1976 to over 80% by 2016. This increase is particularly notable in rural areas, where access to education had previously been limited.
2. Higher Education: Iranian women have not only caught up with their male counterparts in terms of literacy but have also surpassed them in higher education. Today, women constitute more than 60% of university students in Iran. They are well-represented in a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, engineering, and the humanities. This surge in female enrollment in higher education has been a key driver of their subsequent achievements in science and technology.
3. Educational Leadership: Iranian women have also made significant inroads into academic leadership roles. Many women hold positions as university professors, deans, and researchers, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the training of the next generation of Iranian scholars.
Science and research: breaking barriers
The post-revolutionary period has witnessed a surge in the participation of Iranian women in scientific research and innovation. Despite facing challenges such as limited access to international collaborations and resources, Iranian women scientists have made notable contributions to various fields.
1. Medical Sciences: Iranian women have excelled in the medical sciences, with many becoming leading physicians, surgeons, and researchers. Women make up a significant proportion of medical students and practitioners in Iran, and their contributions to healthcare have been instrumental in improving public health outcomes.
2. Engineering and Technology: In traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering and technology, Iranian women have broken barriers and achieved remarkable success. Female engineers have played key roles in Iran's infrastructure development, including in the construction of dams, bridges, and transportation networks. In the technology sector, women have been at the forefront of innovation, contributing to advancements in information technology, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
3. Scientific Publications: Iranian women researchers have made significant contributions to the global scientific community through their publications in international journals. Their work spans a wide range of disciplines, from physics and chemistry to biology and environmental science. The increasing visibility of Iranian women in scientific literature is a testament to their growing influence in the global scientific arena.
Technology: pioneering innovation
The rise of Iranian women in the field of technology is another testament to their resilience and ingenuity. In a sector that is often characterized by gender disparities, Iranian women have emerged as pioneers, driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
1. Information Technology: Iranian women have made significant strides in the field of information technology, with many becoming successful software developers, data scientists, and IT entrepreneurs. The growth of Iran's tech industry has provided women with opportunities to showcase their talents and contribute to the country's digital transformation.
2. Startups and Entrepreneurship: The post-revolutionary era has seen a surge in female entrepreneurship in Iran. Women-led startups have emerged in various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, and healthtech. These ventures not only contribute to the economy but also challenge traditional gender roles and inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs.
3. STEM Education: The increasing participation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields has been a key factor in their success in technology. Iranian women are actively involved in STEM education, both as students and educators, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Challenges, opportunities
While the achievements of Iranian women in science, education, and technology are commendable, it is important to acknowledge the challenges they continue to face. Societal norms, legal restrictions, and limited access to international collaborations can hinder their progress. However, the resilience and determination of Iranian women have enabled them to overcome these obstacles and achieve remarkable success.
The Islamic Revolution, with its emphasis on social justice and equality, has played a crucial role in creating opportunities for women to excel. The revolution's focus on education and empowerment has laid the foundation for the achievements of Iranian women in various fields. As Iran continues to navigate its path toward development, the contributions of its women will undoubtedly remain a driving force for progress.
The story of Iranian women in the post-revolutionary era is one of resilience, empowerment, and achievement. Despite facing numerous challenges, they have made significant strides in science, education, and technology, contributing to the nation's progress and challenging stereotypes.
The Islamic Revolution, with its emphasis on equality and social justice, has played a pivotal role in creating opportunities for women to excel. The success of Iranian women in these fields is not only a victory for them but also a victory for the ideals of the Islamic Revolution and the nation as a whole.
Source:mehrnews.com
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/228099/Iranian-women-rise-in-science-tech-after-Islamic-Revolution
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Iran too strong for Uzbekistan at 2025 CAFA Women's Futsal Championship
February 9, 2025
Maral Torkman (two goals), Fatemeh Hosseini (two goals), Elham Anafcheh, Nasimeh Gholami, Zahra Kiani and Roghayeh Sume'eh scored for Iran.
Fatemeh Hosseini was selected the Player of the Match.
Team Melli will also play Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday, Turkmenistan on Friday, and Tajikistan on Sunday.
Iran have won three titles out of three editions.
The tournament, organized by the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA), held in Dushanbe for the third time on Feb. 9 to 16.
Source:tehrantimes.com
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/509584/Iran-too-strong-for-Uzbekistan-at-2025-CAFA-Women-s-Futsal-Championship
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Newly released activist protests against death sentence for women activists in Iran
10 February 2025
Iranian authorities released activist Maryam Sadat Yahyawi after spending one year in Tehran's Evin Women's Prison on Sunday.
Following her release, activist Mariam held up a banner in front of the prison door reading "No to execution", along with the name of women's rights activist Bakhshan Azizi, member of the Free Women Association in Eastern Kurdistan and Warisha Muradi, to demand an end to their death sentences
Civil activist Maryam Yahyawi has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned, and faced legal challenges for her activities, as well as arbitrary charges including "assembly, collusion and propaganda against the regime".
The Iranian authorities arrested Maryam Yahyawi from her home in November 2014, transferred her to Evin prison, and released her on bail after 17 days of detention.
In July 2015, Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced her to 9 years in prison for "assembly, collusion and propaganda against the regime", and the court later reduced her sentence to one year, and on March 4, 2024 she was arrested and transferred to Evin prison to serve her sentence for one year.
Source:hawarnews.com
https://hawarnews.com/en/newly-released-activist-protests-against-death-sentence-for-women-activists-in-iran
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Surat property sealed over sale to Muslim woman: What is the Disturbed Areas Act in Gujarat
by Parimal A Dabhi , Sohini Ghosh
February 9, 2025
Recently, the Surat district collector sealed a property in the Salabatpura area of the old city, as its owner, a Hindu woman, had sold it to a Muslim woman in what the collector termed was a violation of the Disturbed Areas Act.
The sale, though incomplete, was seen as violating Section 5 of the Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Provision of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Act, popularly known as the Disturbed Areas Act.
Under the Act’s Section 5 (a) and (b), the person intending to sell the property has to apply to the Collector for sanction. The Collector holds a formal inquiry, hears various parties, and has the right to clear or reject the deal.
What is the Disturbed Areas Act?
Under the Disturbed Areas Act, the district Collector notifies a particular area of a city or town as ‘disturbed area’. This is generally on the basis of the history of communal riots in the area.
Following this notification, the transfer of immovable property in those areas requires express permission of the Collector. In the application, the seller has to attach an affidavit stating that he/she has sold the property of his/her free volition and that he/she has got a fair market price.Violation of the Act’s provisions invites imprisonment and fine.
According to the Gujarat government, the Act is aimed at checking communal polarisation in parts of the state.
Amendments in 2020 gave more power to Collector, government
In 2020, the Gujarat government amended certain sections of the Act, giving the Collector more powers.
This was following reports of anti-social elements allegedly bypassing the Collector and selling and buying properties in the “disturbed areas” by threatening people or luring them with high prices.
Before the amendments, the Collector would give permission for the transfer of property following an affidavit by the seller that he/she was selling the property voluntarily and at a fair value.
The amended Act gave the Collector more powers to ascertain if there was a likelihood of ‘polarisation’ or ‘improper clustering’ of people belonging to a particular community through the sale, disturbing the ‘demographic equilibrium’ of an area. It also gave the state government authority to review and probe a collector’s decision even if there was no appeal filed against it.
The amendments raised the imprisonment for violation from six months to between three and five years.
Challenges in the High Court
Several cases of property transfers in “disturbed areas” were challenged in the Gujarat High Court.
In Vadodara alone, five cases of property sale between communities since 2016 were challenged after neighbours filed petitions objecting to the sale. In at least three of these cases, the court drew a line on third-party interference and gave orders favouring the deal.
In October 2023, the Gujarat government told the HC it was reconsidering the amendments and would come out with fresh amendments. This was in response to a petition challenging the constitutionality of the amendments.
Among the petitions was one moved by Jamiat Ulama Welfare Trust and Nisar Ahmed Mohammad Yusuf Ansari, who is the general secretary of JU-e-H Gujarat, in 2020. This primarily challenged the concept of “improper clustering of persons” as has been defined under the newly introduced Section 2(d) of the Disturbed Areas (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Which areas are covered under the Act?
Several areas in the districts of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Anand, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Panchmahals and others remain under the purview of the Act, with newer areas being added. The Gujarat government last month extended the application of the Act in existing areas of Anand district for another five years.
Source:indianexpress.com
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/surat-property-muslim-disturbed-areas-act-9826746/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/muslim-woman-converts-hindu-nikah/d/134574