A female colleague of mine was once asked to interview an official in charge of a religious establishment. She wanted to know his views about the work of women employed in that department. The official was chosen because he supervised the jobs carried out by the women’s section at his department. This information was given to my colleague by the media and public relations office of the establishment.
To her utter dismay, the official refused to talk to my colleague on the ground that he never spoke to women. Even this shocking news was conveyed to her by his secretary. She could not understand why an official in his position would refuse to talk to her although she would speak to him as a journalist seeking information to be published in her newspaper. She had made arrangements for the interview through his office which is open to the public. If she contacted his home, there would be enough reason for him to decline to talk to her.
One more thing my colleague could not understand was that the refusal only applied to women and not men who could freely talk to the official. She was wondering what words or language any women would use that would make the official refuse to answer questions addressed to him over the phone.
Some men refuse to speak to women out of religious convictions. Is there any connection between being a religious person and refusing to speak to women just because they are women? I think being religious means wanting to know more and more. Knowledge only comes by talking to others. Religious people are supposed to be the most understanding and tolerant and the ones most keen on copying the example of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his righteous caliphs and companions. During the life of the Prophet and the righteous caliphs women, like men, addressed questions to know more about their religion and about life in general. Not only that, they came forward with useful suggestions.
Some men would not only refuse to speak to women on the phone but would reply in a very harsh manner if a woman dared to ask about something unlawful. Sometimes, they would refuse to return “salam”, the Islamic way of greeting.
We must, however, show full respect and appreciation to those scholars who wouldn’t hesitate to answer any questions addressed by anyone, whether male or female, with an open heart and great understanding while addressing women callers as daughters and sisters.
