KARACHI: Change of ideas must for progress: seminar
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Nov 5: Our problems can not be solved merely through changes in the role of men and women in society and the government, but only after change of perceptions about our living standards, lifestyle and through a self-reliant economy.
This was the consensus among speakers at a seminar organized by Jamaat-i-Islami (women wing)’s women commission, Sindh, entitled: “Economy, Women and Islam” , at the Defence Library auditorium on Tuesday.
Presided over by president of the International Women Commission, Dr Anees Ahmad, and addressed by economist Dr Shahid Hasan Siddiqui, Attia Nisar and Amina Murad, the speakers were of the view that “We should seek guidance from the Holy Quran instead of looking towards the West, including the US, and the UN as a role models to solve our problems.”
Dispelling the impression that society could not progress until women were turned into truck drivers, traffic constables and workers, Dr Anees said in villages a majority of women had been engaged in economic activities and without their participation no economic results could be obtained.
However, he said, this attitude could not be justified that without the participation of women no progress was possible, as family is an institution and for its good management man is responsible and provider of the family.
Dr Anees said Islam is the only religion in which men and women have equal rights and which declares economic activities to be an integral part of the faith.
Dr Siddiqui said Islam is a complete code of life and economic system is one of its important parts and there are 300 verses which provide guidance about economy.
“Islam stands for an end to all sorts of exploitations and oppression and establishment of a welfare society is only possible through social justice and judicious distribution of wealth.
“The religion also forbids luxurious expenditures and adopts moderation in meeting the necessities of life to help avoid corruption,” he pointed out and said women can participate in economic activities if it did not affect their training of children and resulted in creating tension in the family life.
He agreed with the charter of women of the JI and hoped that with the coming into power of the religious-minded people in the country, the charter would be implemented which would help solve the problems of people.
Attia Nisar said like in the past the woman of today is a victim of oppression and exploitations due to obsolete traditions and un-Islamic perceptions. “We are striving to revive the stature, honour and respect of women as ordained in Islam,” she added.
