Question :
Sir, the way taliban are making their strategies for women for instance, no extra circular activities, no top position, no music, the hijab etc, how you see all this? is this true picture of Islam? is this how Islam wants to treat women? I, as a woman, do not like all these restrictions.
Answer :
Salaam
Thank you for writing to us.
The Taliban follow a certain interpretation of Islam, which they think should be implemented in society. We believe that they have a right to their interpretation but there are some fundamental problems with their approach to governance. In our understanding, Qur’an 42:38 makes it clear that a legitimate government is only that which enjoys the support of the majority of the population and runs state affairs in accordance with the majority opinion after consulting all Muslims. The Taliban believe that mere usurpation of power by force and establishing control over a territory is enough to legitimise a government and its decisions. They interpret Qur’an 42:38 in a different way, restricting the consultation process to only the religious jurists. So, this is a fundamental disagreement. Now, even if the Taliban had a certain position on sports, the participation of women in sports and politics, hijab, etc., in our view, they should have used the methods of persuasion to encourage the people to follow these views. But, since they hold the view that a government can enforce their interpretation on the people through legal force, it does create a problem. It is similar to how once the Saudi authorities restricted women from driving or travelling without a Mahram relative. Thankfully, the Saudis have now removed these restrictions. We can only hope that the Taliban also realize the limits within which a government can interfere in such matters and also the way a government can enjoy legitimate approval of the masses. As far as their position on music, sports, hijab and women participating in sports and political leadership is concerned, we do not agree with their interpretation and think that it is flawed.
You may consult the following write-ups on our website to know our position along with our evidences:
On Music and Fine Arts
1. https://www.javedahmedghamidi.org/#!/renaissance/5adb7233b7dd1138372d9287?articleId=5adb727eb7dd1138372da639&decade=2020&year=2021
Videos:
https://www.javedahmedghamidi.org/#!/search?q=music
The Basis of Legislation:
https://www.javedahmedghamidi.org/#!/books/5aa954f7b6705dbd7ccbf6a0?chapterNo=34
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Mushafiq Sultan
Al-Mawrid
Answered By :Mushafiq Sultan