New fatwas : Muslim women not to work in Beauty parlours, men to avoid second marriage

- Anil Narendra 

Fatwas by Deoband's most important education centre are once again being talked about. In a recent fatwa, Deoband has advised women not to work in beauty parlours, as it is against the Shariat laws. This decision of Deoband has attracted sharp political and social criticism. Keeping in view the social and economic upliftment of women, some Muslim leaders have called it a wrong decision. Steering clear of the controversy, the Congress Spokesman Rashid Alvi said that it is not proper to comment on religious matters. BJP Spokesperson Nirmala Sitaraman was of the view that like women of other religions, Muslim women must also be given unhindered opportunity to prosper. Fatwas should not be allowed to obstruct the economic-social development of women. On the other hand, Independent Rajya Sabha MP, Mohammed Adeeb has said that we should keep in mind as to what made Deoband to issue such a fatwa? He was of the view that somebody must have asked Deoband that if men frequent beauty parlours, then should women work in such parlours? This fatwa must have been issued in response to such a question that it is not right for women to work at these places. Adversely, social activist Rajani Kumari has declared this as a completely wrong fatwa. She said that such decisions prove hindrance in the economic-social development of women. The religious institutions must consider the changes being brought about in the society. Beauty parlours continue to be a main source of employment for women and what is wrong, if a woman tries to earn her livelihood through such means.

 

Another Deoband advice to Muslims is regarding second marriage. In a major change in its earlier policy, Darul Ulum has advised Muslims to avoid more than one marriage. Such marriages are considered lawful under Muslim laws, but now Deoband has cautioned Muslim men intending to perform second marriage that considering the need and demand of the time, it is more right and more Indian to have one wife only. According to Sharia, a Muslim man has right to keep two wives at a time. Darul Ifta, the department responsible for issuing on-line fatwas, said that usually, such things (more than one marriage) are not recognized in Indian traditions. Such marriages in India mean inviting lot of troubles. Besides, it is very difficult for a person to treat both the wives equally. As such, please forget about performing second marriage. The Chairman of the Fatwa Committee, Mufti Arshad Farooqui said, 'One should not perform second and third marriage without any sound base or reason. Trivial domestic disputes must not be made basis for divorce or second marriage. No doubt, the Sharia has allowed a Muslim man to perform four marriages, but it has also said clearly that all the four should be treated equally. A member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Dr. Naeem Hamid has said that polygamy was allowed in earlier days, as a number of girls from poor families remained unmarried due to various economic and social reasons, but now Muslim men  should avoid second marriage, what to talk of four marriages. The second marriage adversely affects the family structure. Darul Ulum used to allow polygamies earlier, but now its focus is on economic and social upliftment of Muslims.