DAMMAM, 4 July 2007 — “The role of the Muslim woman is being redefined today and in the modern context she is expected to be more socially and economically alert. She has to be more dynamic, playing the role of a competent and productive member of society,” said Asma Zehra Tayyaba while addressing a select group of women in Jubail recently.
Asma is an active educationist and a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. She runs a Muslim women’s helpline and a hospital in Hyderabad. She is currently visiting the Kingdom.
She said Muslim women needed to reinvent themselves in the current context. “Education should be a priority not only for herself but for her family too. A well-educated mother has a great impact on the upbringing of the family.”
Asma said the recently published Sacchar Commission report revealed the pathetic condition of Muslims in India. “And if we have to improve ourselves then the effort has to come from within the Ummah. The Muslim woman has to take up new challenges and she should be prepared to usher in improvement. She has to understand the value of education and money”, she said. Women in India are still subjected to the social evil of dowry. “This and other such regressive practices need to be stopped”, she added.
Asma saw no contradiction in a Muslim being modern and religious at the same time. “It is strange that today one gets the feeling that if you are an educated, modern individual, you are not supposed to be religious. This needs to be addressed. Modern education can coexist with religion. Muslim women need to blend both if they want to improve their social and economic status.
“One silver lining is that the Muslim youth of today are a lot more aware and are making efforts to find their own identity,” commented Asma.
