Reference to the letter by Anees Lokhande (Dec. 31) about the writers taking a dig at religious scholars, I have found nothing derogatory or offensive in their writings. In fact, what has been questioned in the columns was very apt, appropriate and timely. What was wrong if one of the Western educated writers challenged the people engaged in passing and broadcasting unwarranted scornful and deriding remarks against the women who wish to earn their livelihood or put their skills to some productive use?
When we agree that the Shariah and Islamic teachings give freedom to women, do they not enjoy the right to express their thoughts and question injustice and unfair attitude by a section of male chauvinists? Doesn’t the Shariah give a woman the right to protect the dignity of womenfolk? The limits have not only been marked out for women; they have also been equally marked for men and curtailing the rights that Allah and His Messenger have granted to women is a clear transgression.
There is no point in raising the flag of Shariah every time to suppress the rights of women. There is a need to accept the existence of women and accommodate them in the mainstream. Let us stop casting aspersions and doubts on every woman who comes out to study and work.
I find it very amusing to see Lokhande trying to curtail the rights of the writers by suggesting them the topics on which they should write while he wants to retain the right to criticize and comment on any issue under the sky. — Safi H. Jannaty, Dammam
Injustice and unfair attitude
