DAMMAM, 19 December 2004 — Bazme Urdu Dammam launched Indian writer Aleem Khan Falki’s anti-dowry book that has controversial but thought-provoking titles, both in Urdu and English.
Poet Naz Muzzafar Abadi presided over the ceremony and G.M Qureishi of Alkabeer was the chief guest.
Several speakers commended Falki for writing on a sensitive and important topic. Commenting on the dowry situation, poetess, Dr. Anila Safdar said, “A woman is never weighed in virtue but in dowry. Everyone condemns dowry, yet happily accepts it. Women are anti-dowry when it comes to their daughters, but become pro-dowry when it’s time to marry off their sons.”
Qureishi said that dowry was India’s burning problem. “Muslims could have taught the Hindu society about the beauty of simple Islamic weddings without dowry, but unfortunately, we ourselves became big dowry seekers.”
Dr. Azhar urged the poets and writers to write in simple Urdu which the masses would understand. “We must teach our children Urdu and keep their interest alive by writing stuff that does not go over their heads.”
Mir Shamsheer Ali, president of Bazme Urdu, said that his 25-year-old organization had launched many books but he had never felt better than now in launching a book against dowry. He hoped that Falki’s efforts would not go in vain.
Falki said that he planned to distribute his book in Indian educational institutions. A preview sampling showed that his book was well accepted by young Hindus who were surprised that Islam had such a simple solution to India’ big problem. He hoped that his book would teach some young Muslim boys to reject dowry even if the girl’s family could afford it. “After all, the Qu’ran calls men, the Qawwam and dignifies a man for spending money on women, not vice-versa.”
A mushaira followed the book launching ceremony. Many local poets participated in the event.
