Afghanistan will not be properly free until its women are also free

As the United Nations readies administration preparations for Afghanistan in light of the crumbling Taliban regime, there are hopes for peace, stability and long-desired freedom.

Men prance through the roads expressing joy and satisfaction at the Taliban’s fall, yet who can tell of women’s reactions and emotions as they exist under the image that the burqa portrays: being covered in darkness from society.

To give Afghan women the option of wearing the burqa would give them freedom from the oppression this garb represents. Keeping it as a requirement would only symbolize the Taliban’s reign and the extremely patriarchal society that no longer exists in the rest of today’s world.

The regime decreed that women always wear the burqa in public so they could not be noticed by men outside their family (and temptation would not obstruct a man’s religious journey).

If the burqa was meant to strengthen the existence of Islam, then unfortunately the requirement of this garb contradicts just that. Islam does not demand the burqa, furthermore the Qur’an entails women’s rightful equality. The holy book states that in times of fear and insecurity women should cover themselves, yet now the release from the Taliban’s hold is all the more reason to make the burqa optional.

If the regime’s justification for the burqa is religious enlightenment then, sadly, this is an open insult to the Qur’an.

The majority of Afghan women are prohibited from having a career, contributing to public decisions and even gaining an education. The burqa symbolizes this.

Indeed, some women are willing to wear it for personal reasons such as conservatism, yet if they are free from the oppression that the burqa represents, they are enabled to pursue careers, to gain and give education, and to make a rich contribution to the quality of Afghan society.

They have just as much to offer as men—even more, as patriarchy may have gone to men’s heads. This is what post-Taliban Afghanistan strongly needs if the country plans to work with the UN for peacekeeping, security and nation building.

If these women are given the opportunity to work with men and contribute to society without oppression, then Afghanistan would be a more secure and ideal place for future generations to inherit.

Tristan Marajh

Ramadhan is almost upon us and non-Muslims can show solidarity

The time for spiritual, physical, and moral purification has arrived as Muslims across the world welcome Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims will engage in fasting by abstaining from food, drink, and worldly pleasures from dawn to dusk. Exempted from fasting are children, the elderly, some travelers, and those who cannot fast due to health reasons.

Ramadhan is the month in which the Qur’an, the Muslim holy book, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A verse from the Qur’an declares: “O you who have attained faith! fasting has been ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you so that you remain conscious of God” (2:183). In addition to being a religious obligation in Islam, fasting has numerous benefits. It is an excellent way to strengthen one’s willpower by controlling worldly temptations for a fixed period of time. By doing so, the human being attains higher spiritual realms, ones that are otherwise overlooked in the hustle and bustle of life. The experience also enables those who are fasting to appreciate the hunger of the less fortunate in society. Furthermore, the medical world has proven that periodic fasting is extremely healthy.

Although fasting can be a challenging task, Muslims continue their daily routine, be it school or work. Hunger is surely felt in the cold winter days, and thirst is felt in the heat of the summer, but the believers tough it out! Each night, friends and families enjoy delicious meals as they break the day’s fast and prepare for the next one. The month of Ramadhan is a time for celebrating the bounties of the Almighty and a means of self-purification. It is a unique time for reflection, sharing, and forgiveness.

Across the world, Muslims in this month participate in charities to feed the hungry and provide shelter to the homeless. In the cycle of life, Ramadhan is the annual spiritual charger. At the end of the Holy month, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with congregational prayers, gift giving, feasts, and thanking God for an opportunity to have experienced the blessed Month of Ramadhan.

Given the recent geopolitical circumstances, show your solidarity to the Muslims and minorities who have suffered racism, hatred, and various forms of oppressions by fasting for one day. Note: Ramadhan is expected to start on Nov 17 and end on December 16 (subject to the sighting of the crescent).

Ramadhan Mubarak (Greetings) and Happy Holidays!

Zaheer Abbas Karim

Errata

Two stories had the last line of text cut off in the November 12 issue due to a production error. We apologize for the confusion.

Aaron Adel was not credited for the photo in November 12 issue, page 12.