- 26 Feb 2007, 13:24
#9155
It is interesting to see the contradiction of ideas in this forum. Sis.Kulsham, it would be more beneficial if you aired your opinions in the public then solely for my benefit. I also think face-to-face would be a tad bit difficult considering the geographical locations of Dar and Birmingham!
While I am not arguing the fact that Hijab is a primary concern, I still think we as a community can work our way round this issue.
Also, from my personal opinion I dont see Hijab stopping women from going to work, school, university or social occassions (including weddings) where they interact with men.
Why the sudden restriction when it comes to Juloos?
Seminars with the attendance of men and women have been successfully attempted in the past by the Jamaat, and their continued occurence surely attests to the fact that such a gathering can occur. I dont see how the Juloos would be any different.
As for the 'men/boys wont be able to concentrate' issue, a simple lesson can be learnt from the way we pray namaz - i.e. women always pray behind the men to prevent them from not being able to concentrate. I am sure this ideology could be applied in Juloos.
As for Sis.Kulsham's concern for the total time it may take for the whole Juloos - I am sure if women participate, the route can be shortened or changed. If you are concerned for women with children or the elderly, the participation could be done on a voluntary basis/ 'those who can' basis.
I dont think that by conducting the Juloos with women we are trying to copy any Jamat or I dont think the women who want to participate are doing so on a feminist basis.
I am certainly not trying to belittle the current role of women in organizing and participating in the majalsis and day of Ashura, all I am saying is we need to realize that we are doing the Juloos for a purpose, and I dont see why there is an exclusion of women when clearly they can have a great role in promoting this purpose.
I think in the past and certainly in current time, muslims have been gaining the interest of the international mediai for the all the wrong reasons. I think the Juloos would be an instrumental tool in reversing this to gain their attention for all the right ones.
If you think knowledge is expensive, try ignorance!