New Age Islam
Thu Apr 17 2025, 08:15 PM

Islam, Women and Feminism ( 14 March 2023, NewAgeIslam.Com)

Comment | Comment

Qatari Hurdler Mariam Farid: ‘For Arab Women, Impossible Is Nothing’

New Age Islam News Bureau

14 March 2023

• “I Stand with My Afghan Sisters”: Malala’s Oscars Jewels Once Belonged to Afghan Queen Soraya

• Saudi Arabia to Employ 80 New Women Taxi Drivers at Major Airports

• Sculptor Blazing A Trail For Women In Arts Field In Saudi Arabia

• Sydney Muslim Woman Savannah Was Asked, 'Are You Dressed Up As a Penguin’, In Australia about Wearing a Hijab

• Over 850 Delegates Set To Attend 5th Gulf Businesswomen Forum in Jeddah

• Pakistan Puts Women Filmmakers' Work on Display at International Film Festival

• Court Rejects Sisters in Islam’s Bid to Challenge Selangor Fatwa Declaring It as Deviant

• 'Blessing For All Foundation' Documentary Highlights Women's Rights In Islam

• Transgender Mother Performs Her Daughter's Kanyadaan in This Unique Indian Wedding

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:  https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/qatari-hurdler-mariam-arab/d/129320

--------

Qatari Hurdler Mariam Farid: ‘For Arab Women, Impossible Is Nothing’

 

Qatari hurdler Mariam Farid

-----

By William Mullally

14 March 2023

Running is the great equalizer. No matter your background, creed, gender, age or time, running is the sport that unites us all.

For Qatari hurdler Mariam Farid, it has been a key part of her own empowerment journey, as she has used running to not only gain prominence in her home country, but across the world, becoming the first hijabi female Qatari athlete to take part in the World Athletic Championships, and now, to star in a global adidas campaign.

Mariam Farid stars along with Liverpool football star Mo Salah as well as Egyptian runner Khadija Hegazy in the new global film ‘Running Needs Nothing But You’, a moment she hopes inspires women in the Middle East and across the world to “show the world what we can do,” she says.

On International Women’s Day, we spoke with Farid about her journey as a runner, her partnership with adidas, and the change landscape for women in sport in the region–a change she has been on the forefront of.

Esquire Middle East speaks with Mariam Farid

When did your relationship with running begin?

Mariam Farid: Running has always been a part of my life. It’s a sport that many people start at a young age, which they don’t realize.

For instance, running starts when you’re in kindergarten by playing tag with friends, sometimes, even to run away from your mother when she’s trying to feed you something you do not like. Furthermore, running is also incorporated in other kind of sports such as basketball and football.

For me, professionally, it has been almost 11 years since I have been doing track and field run and being part of the national team of Qatar. Running has become a big part of my life ever since I was a child.

What is it that you love most about the sport?

Mariam Farid: What I love most about running is that it brings me freedom, power, and effort, but most importantly, that it’s for everyone.

For every run, I am driven by desire to inspire the next generation of women to break down barriers and make their impossible, possible.

What moment from your professional hurdling career do you think back to the most?

Mariam Farid: It all started when I was 16 years old and was invited to be an ambassador for Qatar’s bidding team for the World Athletic Championship. I spoke on behalf of the women in the region, women in sports, in front of the International Olympic Committee.

In fact, out of all the speakers and ambassadors, I was the youngest of all from the bidding team. This was a huge challenge as I faced bids from other major countries such as the United States and Spain. However, Qatar ended up winning the bid and hosted the World Athletic Championship for the first time in the Middle East in 2019.

This was a big achievement and success for the country and for me, as it opened many doors. I managed to influencerand show that there are women in the Middle East that play sports, compete in global competitions, and strive for success.

Once that dream was fulfilled, I remembered the promise I made to girls my age and younger in my opening speech during the bid, that I will be competing one day in the World Athletic Championship, and in 2019, I did just that.

This made me the first hijabi female Qatari athlete to take part in this global championship.

What stands out to you about the sporting culture in Qatar?

Mariam Farid: Qatar is a country of sports. We have seen the great development of sports happen in the within the past few years, especially witnessing one of the world’s biggest events, the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Qatar has become a place where growth and opportunities are flourishing in sports. Not only do we see it in investments, but the people in Qatar are changing, as more are encouraged to do sports.

What does being a part of this Adidas campaign mean to you?

Mariam Farid: To start with, I am honored to represent adidas not just in the region, but globally, for their long-standing brand attitude, Impossible is Nothing – Running Needs Nothing But You. Together, adidas continues to show its immense support of women from different backgrounds and identities. And for me, this is crucially important, as I am a strong advocate for Arab women, especially hijabi women in sports, not just in the region, but internationally.

Within this campaign, we are not just showcasing two Arab hijabi women, we are breaking the stereotype that no matter your identity, women who run can make the impossible, possible. In addition, I was honored to take part in the narration for the Arabic voice over of the global campaign, which to me, is a great testament that looks at breaking down any kind of stereotype that women go through.

Nonetheless, working together with adidas on “Running Needs Nothing But You”, is to encourage all kinds of people, whether in the region or globally, that running just needs you to show-up.

What do you hope the world takes away from this spotlight on your career?

Mariam Farid: That I stand true to adidas’ long-standing brand attitude, Impossible Is Nothing. There is no set of limitations to what an Arab women can achieve. Hence, I encourage every young girl to dream big and aim for the success she wishes to fulfill. 

Furthermore, I hope that the world takes the career for every woman in sport, especially an Arab hijabi women, that we are all equal in terms of opportunities and dreams, no matter what our differences are or look like. The beauty of this world is that while we are all different, it make us who we are as individuals to strive better.

How has Adidas supported you on this journey?

Mariam Farid: adidas has really empowered, pushed, and gave me opportunities for my talent and identity to the rest of the world.

Through its long-standing brand attitude that Impossible Is Nothing, adidas has pushed the boundaries and is allowing athletes that are Arab, Qatari, hijabi and female to be part of conversations that are purpose-led.

Everything that I am and believe in, I find it within the brand attitude of adidas, especially as we come together to empower women in sports. Whilst there are stereotypes that might seem to be inevitable to break down, together with adidas, we are making the change with campaigns, especially with “Running Needs Nothing But You”.

Being featured alongside well-renowned faces, especially Mo Salah and female Arab hijabi runner, Khadija Hegazy, you see the change adidas is trying to make.

What message would you like to deliver to the young people of Qatar who look to you as an example?

Mariam Farid: My biggest message that I will always live by is, Impossible Is Nothing.

My advice is to girls my age and younger is to always dream big and aim for things that you love. This is because, the moment you do something you love, it will not only come from the heart, but it will help you grow and learn new things along the way.

Show the world that whatever you strive for, you are an independent and determined women that will be celebrated in the best way in your culture.

Source: Esquireme

https://www.esquireme.com/brief/qatari-hurdler-mariam-farid

--------

“I Stand With My Afghan Sisters”: Malala’s Oscars Jewels Once Belonged to Afghan Queen Soraya

 

Malala Yousafzai

-----

By Amu TV

14 March 2023

In fact, Yousafzai’s stunning outfit was finished off with jewelry that was previously owned by Queen Soraya Tarzi of Afghanistan – who was herself a legendary activist during the 20th century.

According to Britain’s Town and Country Magazine, Yousafzai wore a pair of 1920s diamond briolette pendant earrings in platinum and a 19th century diamond navette-shaped ring that had once belonged to Queen Soraya.

Queen Soraya was known as the driving force behind the education and emancipation of women in Afghanistan in the early 20th century and she founded the country’s first magazine for women which promoted women’s welfare. She also established the first primary school for girls in Kabul.

As Queen of Afghanistan, she was not only filling a position – but she became one of the most influential women in the world at the time.

Yousafzai meanwhile became a household name internationally in 2014 when she won a Nobel Peace Prize at just 17 years old.

Yousafzai’s support of Afghan women

In an interview with VOA a month ago, Yousafzai came out in strong support of Afghan women and said that the people of Afghanistan, Muslim countries and the international community should stand with Afghan women in their fight for their rights to education and work.

She said: “I have a message to all the people, not to stay silent. Stand with the Afghan women. Afghan women are raising their voices on the global stage. They are coming out to the streets in Afghanistan, raising their voices for peace, equality, and justice. Stand with them and raise your voices for their rights to education and work.”

She also said: “The fathers and brothers of Afghan girls should also come out to support their rights.”

She went on to state “I stand with my Afghan sisters. I salute their courage. They raise their voices for their rights. I hope they will get their right to education, employment, and political participation. I also hope that the international community will stand by them.”

Source: AMU

https://amu.tv/en/40276/

--------

Saudi Arabia to employ 80 new women taxi drivers at major airports

March 14, 2023

Dubai: Over 80 female taxi drivers will soon be employed in the four main airports of Saudi Arabia.

The airports include King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Prince Muhammad International Airport in Medina.

This is part of the “Woman’s Track” phase of an initiative launched by Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) to empower women in the transport industry, Al Watan newspaper reported.

The TGA will sign three agreements with major companies licensed to operate airport taxis to employ these women drivers. The second phase of the initiative will expand to include all other airports in the Kingdom. The initiative includes collaboration with a specialised driving centre to develop a comprehensive training programme for acquiring basic skills in driving cabs, as well as soft skills such as customer service, decorum, first aid, and English language.

The Tawteen Program-2 will provide support to empower national cadres and improve the experience of beneficiaries, including visitors and travellers. The TGA is committed to supporting job creation, increasing local content, and promoting the role of women in Saudisation programmes in the transport sector to promote GDP growth.

The authority and the MRHSD aim to localise jobs in the transport and logistics sector, with this initiative being one of several nationalisation initiatives to support the empowerment of women in various fields.

Source: Gulf News

https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-arabia-to-employ-80-new-women-taxi-drivers-at-major-airports-1.94458357

--------

Sculptor blazing a trail for women in arts field in Saudi Arabia

March 14, 2023

Riyadh: Saudi ceramic artist Awatif Al Keneibit walks proudly into a gallery displaying her work in Riyadh, where statues and earthenware figurines witness the return of plastic arts to Saudi Arabia after decades of restriction.

Her exposition includes ceramic faces, some with hollow eyes, others wearing eye glasses, and figurines of Saudi Arabian women, displayed on red bricks and coloured to reflect traditional desert dresses.

"Who could have imagined that one day, this exhibition, which was in a basement, could be displayed in Olaya (downtown Riyadh)?" said Keneibit, 60, who is blazing a trail for women in the arts in Saudi Arabia.

US-educated Keneibit said she resorted to creating a private gallery earlier at the bottom of her house for friends and guests.

Her work is now welcomed in Riyadh's most prestigious galleries, where other fellow Saudi artists have in the last few years also began enjoying their new-found freedoms.

"We are a generation that has gone through a lot of changes - from a total ban to a complete opening up," she said.

Source: Gulf News

https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/video-sculptor-blazing-a-trail-for-women-in-arts-field-in-saudi-arabia-1.1678764425186

--------

Sydney Muslim Woman Savannah Was Asked, 'Are You Dressed Up As a Penguin’, In Australia about Wearing a Hijab

14 Mar 2023

A Muslim woman has shared the disrespectful question an older man asked her about wearing a hijab while she was working at an aquarium.

Sydney woman Savannah said the man had the 'audacity' to ask her 'are you dressed up as a penguin' while she was wearing her black and white hijab on Monday.

She detailed the experience in a video posted to social media.

'Once he pointed that out, I was thinking do I look like a penguin?

'I didn't know what to say, so I was like "yeah, I'm a penguin", cause like I thought he was joking, but he was dead serious.'

Savannah said the man later offered her an apology.

'When he got to the end to the sales area I said to him "hey, I'm not a penguin by the way" and he said "I'm so sorry, I realise that",' she said.

Despite the apology, the young woman said she was still upset by the rude remark.

'What do you mean? Why did you say it then?' she said.

However, some viewers of the video jumped to the older man's defence, and were quick to see the funny side of the incident.

'I'm Muslim and think it's a valid question given the environment you were in,' one wrote.

'That's so sad, but so funny,' another wrote.

A third said: 'You should have said "I'm a nun" to make him feel guilty.'

'As a hijabi, I always try to avoid black with white because I've done it and they always think I'm a Catholic nun and call me sister,' a fourth added.

'Girl, I'm a hijabi, I hear you, but he probably didn't mean harm,' another said.

A fifth said: 'I'm sorry, that's a grandpa joke. Not right, but sure it wasn't malicious.'

Others called out the older man's actions.

'I'm sorry beautiful,' one wrote.

A second added: 'I think he was trying to insult you and justify it by expecting you to insult him back. When you didn't play along, he just felt bad.'

'That's so rude,' a third said.

Source: MSN

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/shocking-question-muslim-woman-was-asked-in-australia/ar-AA18ANFF?li=BBoPOOm

--------

Over 850 delegates set to attend 5th Gulf Businesswomen Forum in Jeddah

SALEH FAREED

March 14, 2023

JEDDAH: More than 850 businesswomen, entrepreneurs, delegates of private companies, representatives of organizations that support development projects, and national and regional banks are set to discuss ways to empower women when they gather in Jeddah for the 5th edition of Gulf Businesswomen Forum on March 15.

The two-day event will be hosted by the Federation of Gulf Cooperation Council Chambers in cooperation with the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The forum, held under the slogan “The Gulf woman: Between empowerment and leadership,” aims to enhance the role of businesswomen in the chambers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

In addition, there would be exchange of ideas in the field of strengthening the status of women, empowerment, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Addressing a press conference, Hassan bin Mujib Al-Huwaizi, president of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, said that the forum will tackle issues related to the empowerment of women as an active and influential partner in the process of growth and development.

For his part, Muhammad Youssef Naghi, chairman of the board of directors of the Jeddah Chamber, lauded the continuous work to empower women in the leadership fields and to enhance their role in various economic sectors.

Commenting on the forum, Sarah Al-Ayed, a member of the board of directors of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, said, “It is an opportunity to exhibit the progress Saudi women have achieved under the wise leadership and the tremendous support of the government.”

The forum includes four sessions. The first discusses the role of Gulf businesswomen in planning and economic development while the second reviews cooperation between Gulf businesswomen and the launch of joint initiatives.

On the other hand, the third session deals with the successes of Gulf women personalities in the world of finance and business while the fourth one reviews the growth of female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.

Source: Arab News

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2268271/business-economy

--------

Pakistan puts women filmmakers' work on display at international film festival

14 Mar, 2023

The 7th Women International Film Festival came to a close in Islamabad on Sunday after showcasing films from countries like Argentina, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Turkiye, the UK and the US.

The two-day festival featured 18 short films, including two by Pakistani filmmakers, "Baira Gharakh" by esteemed director Mehreen Jabbar and "Awaaz" by Halimah Tariq.

Unfortunately, the censor board blocked the third Pakistani submission, "My Mother's Daughter," directed by Ahmen Khawaja and Mariam Khan, from being screened at the festival because its plot revolvs around the controversial topic of child marriage and the story of a Christian girl's forced conversion.

The founder of the 7th Women International Film Festival, Madeeha Raza, expressed her disappointment at the ban on the Pakistani film "My Mother's Daughter" by the censor board, stating that it was "very unfortunate" for the festival to be discouraged from showcasing much-needed voices in Pakistan. Raza lamented that the festival was able to screen films from other countries, but it was unable to showcase one of its own.

Prashant Thaker, co-writer of the US entry "The Woman Under the Tree", expressed the hope that more female filmmakers from Pakistan would have the opportunity to showcase a true representation of the country. The festival, which aims to promote female filmmakers, will continue to screen short films in Karachi and Lahore on March 16 and 18, respectively.

Source: Daily Pakistan

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/13-Mar-2023/pakistan-puts-women-filmmakers-work-on-display-at-international-film-festival

--------

Court Rejects Sisters in Islam’s Bid to Challenge Selangor Fatwa Declaring It as Deviant

By Ida Lim

14 Mar 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 — The Court of Appeal in a majority ruling today dismissed a challenge by women’s rights group Sisters in Islam’s (SIS) — via SIS Forum (Malaysia) Bhd — against Selangor’s 2014 fatwa which had labelled the company as deviant from the teachings of Islam.

The majority decision was made by the panel’s chair Datuk Has Zanah Mehat and Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali.

In reading the broad grounds of the majority ruling, Che Mohd Ruzima said the High Court’s August 27, 2019 decision — which SIS Forum had appealed — was correct.

“As a majority, we find no merit in the appellant’s appeal which justifies our intervention at the appellate stage. With that, the appellants’ appeal is dismissed, and the High Court’s decision is maintained. We use our discretion to make no order as to costs,” the judge said when reading out the broad grounds of his judgment online through the video-conferencing platform Zoom.

Datuk M. Gunalan, the other judge on the Court of Appeal panel, gave his minority or dissenting judgment — which, among other things, viewed that the Selangor Islamic bodies could not apply the fatwa to SIS Forum (Malaysia) Bhd as it is a company not capable of professing the religion of Islam.

SIS Forum’s lawyer Datuk Malik Imtiaz Sarwar then immediately applied for the status quo to be preserved while his clients pursue an appeal at the Federal Court.

The Court of Appeal then agreed to issue an interim stay order to ensure that the fatwa is not enforced on SIS Forum or the appellants for now.

Imtiaz said he would be formally filing a written application for an Erinford injunction — similar to a stay order — to have the status quo preserved until the Federal Court decides on his clients’ bid to appeal the matter. Until the courts decide whether to grant the Erinford injunction, the Court of Appeal’s interim stay order today will continue to apply.

The interim stay is important as the 2014 fatwa issued by the Selangor fatwa committee is extensive, labelling SIS Forum (Malaysia) and any individuals, organisations or institutions holding on to liberalism and religious pluralism beliefs as deviant from the teachings of Islam. The fatwa did not explain or define the phrase “liberalism and religious pluralism”.

The Selangor fatwa issued and gazetted in July 2014 had also said any publications with elements of liberalism and religious pluralism should be “diharamkan” (banned or made forbidden) and can be seized, stating that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) should block any social websites which goes against the teachings of Islam and hukum syarak (Islamic law), and also declared that any individuals holding on to liberalism and religious pluralism beliefs should repent and return to the path of Islam.

SIS Forum (Malaysia) Bhd’s lawyer Surendra Ananth later confirmed to Malay Mail that the company will be filing for leave to appeal at the Federal Court.

Appeals to the Federal Court are not automatic, as the Federal Court will have to first decide whether to grant leave or whether it would proceed to hear and decide on the appeal.

Apart from Imtiaz and Surendra, lawyer Fahri Azzat also represented the three appellants in this case today, namely SIS Forum (Malaysia) Bhd, Zainah Anwar and Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim.

The Selangor fatwa committee was represented today by lawyers Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, Danial Farhan, Azman Marsaleh, while Mais was represented by lawyers Yusfarizal Yussoff and Majdah Muda, and the Selangor state government was represented by Selangor state legal adviser Datuk Salim Soib @ Hamid and assistant state legal adviser Husna Abdul Halim.

SIS executive director Rozana Isa and SIS founding member Zainah Anwar attended the Zoom session today, while Md Rasyid Ridha also attended as a representative for Mais.

What the Court of Appeal decided today

In brief, here’s what the Court of Appeal’s majority decision read out by Che Mohd Ruzima today decided:

The Court of Appeal said it was bound by the Federal Court’s 2022 decision in a SIS Forum case which challenged the constitutionality of Section 66A of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003.

In that case, the Federal Court had decided that only the civil High Court has the jurisdiction to hear and decide on judicial reviews and also ruled that Section 66A — which attempted to give the Shariah courts the power to hear judicial reviews — was invalid as it went against the Federal Constitution.

“With that, this court is bound to that decision, which found that the Shariah courts have no jurisdiction to hear judicial reviews,” the judge said.

But Che Mohd Ruzima went on to say that some of the matters in SIS Forum’s case today should be decided by the Shariah courts instead of the civil courts, and gave the view that a fatwa cannot be challenged through judicial review.

In deciding whether the civil High Court has the powers to hear and decide on SIS Forum’s judicial review application, Che Mohd Ruzima said it must first be decided whether the civil High Court has jurisdiction to hear on the core issues of the case.

Che Mohd Ruzima noted that the Selangor fatwa committee is given powers under Section 47 of the 2003 Selangor law to prepare a fatwa on any “unsettled or controversial question” relating to hukum syarak (Islamic law), and said that this meant fatwas are under the Shariah courts’ “exclusive jurisdiction” due to fatwas revolving on matters based on Islamic law.

Arguing that SIS Forum’s judicial review application directly disputes the Selangor fatwa committee’s views regarding matters relating to hukum syarak or Islamic law, Che Mohd Ruzima said the respondents had testified that liberalism and religious pluralism deviates from “akidah” (creed) and “syariah” (Islamic law) in Islam.

“Matters relating to akidah and syariah of the religion of Islam is certainly only under those whose expertise is in hukum syarak; therefore, we find those matters should be disputed in the Shariah courts, not in the civil courts,” he said.

The judge also said the fatwa is “dynamic” in nature as the Selangor fatwa committee can amend, modify or revoke the fatwa which is regarding its views about SIS Forum.

“This means the applicant can at any time apply for the respondent to review, if it can be proven their philosophy does not amount to liberalism and religious pluralism beliefs which are found to have deviated from the true teachings of Islam,” the judge said, referring to SIS Forum as the applicant.

“Based on those reasons, we are of the view that the gazetted fatwa is not final in nature. With that, we are of the view that a fatwa is not something that can be challenged through a judicial review,” he said.

But even if the Court of Appeal accepts SIS Forum’s arguments that its challenge was on the procedure in which the fatwa was made and not regarding hukum syarak, the judge said the majority ruling still views SIS Forum’s appeal to be without merit due to those reasons.

As for the Federal Court’s 2022 judgment in SIS Forum’s case which said the professing of religion can only be done by natural persons or a human being instead of artificial persons, Che Mohd Ruzima viewed the remarks to be “obiter dictum” or remarks made in passing in the challenge against Shariah courts being given powers to hear judicial review.

One of the key issues in this case is whether the 2014 fatwa applies to SIS Forum which is a company, with its lawyers having argued that it could not profess the religion of Islam as it is an artificial person, based on the Federal Court’s decision in a 1998 case and the Federal Court’s 2022 decision.

The Court of Appeal instead focused on the “philosophy” which it said SIS Forum would be able to hold.

Among other things, the Court of Appeal judge said the Selangor fatwa committee’s views regarding practices and laws in Islamic teaching are not related to the professing of religion, and went on to say that SIS Forum (Malaysia) Berhad which has a mission for its establishment would also be able to have “philosophy” and beliefs.

The judge said that SIS Forum’s philosophies can be shown through activities held, and that suitable action can be taken under the law if the philosophy and activities held by SIS Forum goes against any law.

The judge then concluded that this means that any issues relating to whether SIS Forum can profess religion does not arise in this case.

The Court of Appeal’s majority decision was also of the view that the Selangor fatwa committee had complied with the procedures under Section 48 of the 2003 Selangor law when it issued the fatwa against SIS Forum.

Che Mohd Ruzima said the Selangor fatwa committee did hold a dialogue with SIS Forum and viewed that such a dialogue gave SIS Forum space to state its vies about philosophy can manifested its right to be heard before the fatwa was issued.

But even if the dialogue is viewed as being insufficient for SIS Forum to exercise its right to be heard, Che Mohd Ruzima said the majority of the panel’s judges were of the opinion that the procedure of making a fatwa itself does not require a right to be heard to be given to SIS Forum, and that the Selangor fatwa committee’s duty is only to give its views on SIS Forum’s philosophy.

“The first respondent (Selangor fatwa committee) only gave views on the current philosophy of the first applicant (SIS Forum) and its members that were expressed through writings and opinions. With that, we view that in such a situation, there is no need for the right to be heard to be given,” the judge said.

The Court of Appeal’s majority decision was also of the view that SIS Forum had failed to show that the 2014 fatwa issued by the Selangor fatwa committee was ultra vires or had gone beyond its powers under the 2003 Selangor law.

The Court of Appeal agreed with the High Court decision which said the 2014 fatwa had not gone against the Printing Presses and Publications Act’s (PPPA) Section 7 and the Communications and Multimedia Act’s (CMA) Section 3(3).

The Court of Appeal said the High Court was not wrong to say that the 2014 Selangor fatwa only makes publications with liberalism and religious pluralism forbidden and does not give the Selangor fatwa committee to seize such publications, as the power to prohibit publications is still in the hands of the home minister.

The Court of Appeal also agreed with the High Court’s views that the Selangor fatwa committee merely asks the MCMC to block websites and does not give itself the power to do so.

The Court of Appeal went on to highlight that the Selangor 2014 fatwa only states a prohibition on liberalism and religious pluralism beliefs and only requires individuals to repent and return to Islam, and does not involve matters such as physical punishments.

The majority decision also ruled that the 2014 fatwa did not go against Article 5 and Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.

In short, the majority decision in the Court of Appeal agreed with the High Court that the civil High Court has no jurisdiction to hear and decide on SIS Forum’s challenge.

What the dissenting judge said

As for Court of Appeal judge Gunalan, he was of the view that the High Court decision was incorrect and that SIS Forum should succeed in its appeal.

Regarding the High Court’s 2019 decision that civil courts have no jurisdiction to hear SIS Forum’s case due to Section 66A of the 2003 state law, Gunalan said this was no longer an issue as the Federal Court in its 2022 landmark decision had already unanimously struck down Section 66A as invalid.

He focused on the five key issues in this appeal, with the first issue being whether the Selangor Islamic bodies lacked the powers to make the 2014 fatwa as SIS Forum is a company and not a person professing the religion of Islam.

The four other key issues are whether the fatwa was ultra vires or went beyond the 2003 Selangor law and whether it violated the PPPA and CMA and the Federal Constitution’s Articles 5, 8, 10, 11 and whether it had breached the rules of natural justice.

For these five key issues, Gunalan said he would comment on only the first matter, which he said was enough to have the case decided in SIS Forum’s favour. He said he would comment on the four other matters in a full judgment if there is an appeal.

Highlighting the Federal Court’s 2022 and 1998 decisions stating that only natural persons or human beings could profess or declare a faith, Gunalan emphasised the doctrine of “stare decisis” — where courts should follow binding precedent of previous decisions — as being an important part of Malaysia’s judicial system.

“It is particularly so when the apex court has come to final determination on constitutional questions of great significance which are squarely in point with the present appeal and grounds to challenge the decision of the High Court. On this point, I am unable to agree with the view of the majority that the pronouncement was merely obiter and need not be followed in this case,” the judge said.

In other words, Gunalan disagreed with the two other Court of Appeal’s judges’ views that the Federal Court’s 2022 judgment which said artificial persons — which would cover companies like SIS Forum — cannot profess a religion was only a passing remark, and viewed that it should be followed by the Court of Appeal in today’s case.

Previously, SIS Forum had argued that the Selangor fatwa committee could not issue and gazette the fatwa as SIS Forum as an incorporated company could not embrace the religion of Islam.

In commenting on the first key point, Gunalan again cited the Federal Court’s 2022 decision which also adopted the Federal Court’s 1998 decision which held that companies — like SIS Forum — are not capable of professing any religion.

“This is where the importance of the SIS Forum decision comes into picture. The Federal Court in that landmark decision unequivocally and without any reservation held that the respondents had no jurisdiction at all over artificial persons like a limited company established under the Companies Act or any corporations,” the judge said.

Agreeing that the High Court judge had erred when deciding the Selangor Islamic bodies could issue the 2014 fatwa against SIS Forum, Gunalan said the High Court was also wrong to lift the corporate veil to show that the company’s directing minds are Muslims.

“In my considered view and with respect, the learned judge had no basis in court to lift the corporate veil on the first appellant (SIS Forum) and make a finding that the controlling minds of the first appellant (SIS Forum) are Muslim and therefore the company itself could be considered as professing the faith of Islam,” he said, viewing the High Court’s approach to be incorrect in law.

Based on the Federal Court’s 2022 decision, Gunalan also said the 2014 fatwa against SIS Forum should definitely fall outside the scope of matters falling within the states’ jurisdiction in the Federal Constitution — where the state has powers over a list of matters involving “persons professing the religion of Islam”.

“I would conclude that at this juncture on this ground alone, among others, we should hold that the learned judge had erred in law in deciding the appellants’ judicial review application should be dismissed,” the Court of Appeal judge said when expressing the view that SIS Forum’s appeal should be allowed.

As Gunalan’s judgment is the minority judgment, the majority decision — which dismissed SIS Forum’s appeal — will apply to this case.

Source: Malay Mail

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/03/14/in-2-1-ruling-court-rejects-sisters-in-islams-bid-to-challenge-selangor-fatwa-declaring-it-as-deviant/59496

--------

'Blessing For All Foundation' Documentary Highlights Women's Rights In Islam

13 Mar, 2023

LAHORE - Blessing for All Foundation will release a documentary about the role of women in society and women's rights in the light of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life and the Quran.

This will be the second episode released by this foundation, sponsored by Chaudhry Aurangzeb, to highlight the life & message of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the teachings of Islam.

The first episode of this series introduced Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH to the world as the greatest messenger of peace after the publication of blasphemous caricatures in France and Denmark. This, second episode, about women, will be released in the coming Ramadan.

Chaudhry Aurangzeb, who is a real estate tycoon, and PTI leader from Okara is the chairman of this foundation. It was founded with the help of poet/ play writer Amjad Islam Amjad (late), Major (r) Rafiq Hasrat and the founder of the Akhuwat Foundation, Dr Amjad Saqib.

This foundation produces documentary films, short films, public service messages, TVC, and advertisements and creates all forms of print, audio and video productions about the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Islam. It is produced by director/ creative head Ali Zeeshan Amjad.

The episode of this series was released on social media in December 2021, and since then it has been translated into seven languages and has been viewed millions of times.

The first episode was primarily targeted at those who are unaware of the compassionate teachings of the prophet Muhammad PBUH. The second episode is under production.

Source: Daily Pakistan

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/13-Mar-2023/blessing-for-all-foundation-documentary-highlights-women-s-rights-in-islam

--------

Transgender Mother Performs Her Daughter's Kanyadaan In This Unique Indian Wedding

MARCH 13, 2023

Marriage is a special day in everyone’s life. A woman’s wedding day is currently making news because of a unique twist it gave to a traditional ritual. A transgender mother in Haryana performed her daughter’s Kanyadaan (bride’s farewell); and seeing this, people got emotional. Even though she is not her biological mother, she raised a girl named Jannat since she was a child, and then got married with great fervour. The mother took care of all the responsibilities, from the bride and groom’s jewellery, and reception, to food.

The girl’s mother expressed surprise that she had never thought her daughter would be married with such fanfare. Later, while hugging her daughter, the mother began to cry. Then she said to a media portal that all she wants for her daughter is to be happy and to have a happy married life. The transgender woman also claimed that Jannat has lived with her since childhood. She loves her as much as a mother loves her daughter. As a result, she arranged a lavish wedding for Jannat. Seeing this unusual wedding, many were surprised but loved the effort and bonding.

Well, this is not the first time, earlier a transgender community took another unique initiative. They took the marriage responsibility of five Hindu and Muslim daughters from poor families.

According to reports, the head of a transgender community named Nettu Bai — who has been organising such weddings every year since 2012 — got ten women (from poor families, whose parents were unable to afford to marry them) married. In addition to paying for their weddings, the group also provided decorations, attire, and food for the guests. Nettu Bai, more commonly referred to as ‘mausi,’ was elected in November 2014 to serve as the corporator of Bharatpur (Rajasthan) Municipal Corporation’s ward 29.

As a social worker, Nettu Bai has worked her entire life to help girls from poor families. Throughout her career, she has planned marriages for more than 60 poor Hindu and Muslim women in her ward. Nettu Bai makes daily deposits of Rs 4,000 to help organise the annual mass weddings. She claims that she goes to impoverished families, identifies girls from those families who don’t have the proper financial background to marry their daughters and then selects ten of them each year for mass weddings.

Source: News18

https://www.news18.com/buzz/transgender-mother-performs-her-daughters-kanyadaan-in-this-unique-indian-wedding-7280359.html

--------

URL:  https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/qatari-hurdler-mariam-arab/d/129320

 

New Age IslamIslam OnlineIslamic WebsiteAfrican Muslim NewsArab World NewsSouth Asia NewsIndian Muslim NewsWorld Muslim NewsWomen in IslamIslamic FeminismArab WomenWomen In ArabIslamophobia in AmericaMuslim Women in WestIslam Women and Feminism

Loading..

Loading..