Women pouring onto the streets in protest is essential as change only comes when female activists are involved and in the forefront.
Take it from Imam Khomeini, the architect of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran that uprooted a 2,500-year-old monarchy: "Women have shown that they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their menfolk in the struggle; one could even go so far as to say that they lead the way."
Throngs of Pakistanis came out for an Aurat March (Women's March) on March 8 International Women's Day to demand long overdue rights for females, such as equal pay and safe working conditions, and to end wrongs, such as sexual harassment and domestic violence. Demonstrations took place in cities across the country and were organized by hundreds of women dedicated to making life better for millions of their fellow sisters.
But because Muslims, including Pakistanis, have endured centuries of oppression by a violent pharonic colonial system that weakened, humiliated, and fomented self-hate, our minds are also colonized. So while we can pick out the glaring problems blighting our society, few are enlightened enough to understand the roots, solutions, and the path to attain those fixes.
That's why the Aurat March turned into such a public fiasco and national humiliation. It was run by women--surely, good-hearted and well-intentioned--who were doing the bhangra, waving unsavory placards, and chanting "azaadi" (freedom) without realizing that first it's their minds that need to be freed from the fetters of generations under oppression.
This crippling psychological effect of brutal subjugation is as old as time. To help us see straight, God relates stories of previous nations, and, in particular, anecdotes of women as influencers of those societies. Two oppressed nations described in detail belonging to Prophets Musa (A) and Lut (A) offer distinct and relateable examples of women either perpetuating or fighting oppression.
The women of Prophet Musa's tribe Bani Israel and the wife of Prophet Lut are the standard bearers of misguided activism while Asiya, the wife of Pharoah and foster mother of Prophet Musa, is hailed in the Quran as a stellar examplar of a righteous rebel and revolutionary.
See for yourself whose footsteps the Aurat Marchers were following.
Could they see Islam as the solution?
Bani Israel: refused to accept Prophet Musa's solution--to bring down the tyrant Pharoah, dismantle his system, and implement an Islamic socio-political system--to their problems. They said: "So go, you and your Lord, and fight you two, we are sitting right here." (Quran 5:24)
Asiya: exemplified righteous rebellion. She actively resisted the corrupt system of her husband and supported the Islamic system being established by her foster son. "My Lord...save me from an unjust people.” (66:11)
Aurat Marchers: did not offer the implementation of the Islamic system already on the country's books as the answer to the woes of Pakistani women.
 |
| If you like the dupatta (head covering) so much then tie it around your eyes. |
Were they settling for less?
Bani Israel: were content with procuring small gains from God, such as garlic, lentils, and onions, to which Musa (A) replied: "Do you seek to replace what is superior with that which is inferior?"
Asiya: had her eye on the big picture, which was attaining nearness to God. That's why she supported Prophet Musa in establishing a system that guides people to live their best lives in this world while achieving success in the Hereafter. “My Lord, build for me with Thee a house in heaven." (66:11)
Aurat Marchers: demanded "paratha rolls instead of gender roles" and exemption from having to warm up food for their husbands! But, seriously, they were picking and choosing issues when they could get it all with systematic change.
Who has Stockholm Syndrome?
Bani Israel: were mentally weakened from living for centuries under a pharonic system, and they believed imitating their oppressors was the solution to their problems. "O Musa, make for us a god as they have gods." (7:138) The women, in particular, were duped by trickster Samari into donating their jewelry so a golden calf could be built for worship.
Asiya: didn't want anything to do with tyrannical Pharoah and his ways even though his government was providing her with wealth, privileges, and luxury. "My Lord...save me from the Pharaoh and his doings." (66:11)
Aurat Marchers: even stole the name "Aurat March" from the "Women's March" first organized by American feminists to protest the election of President Donald Trump. Affinity to the secular, liberal, and free lifestyle that the West promotes was on display at the march in their manifesto, dances, songs, slogan, and placards.
Do they support LGBTQ?
Prophet Lut's wife: embraced the queer lifestyle. As a result, she was "among those who remained behind" for not necessarily practicing homosexuality but being an ally to them. She was killed in a God-sent natural disaster.
Asiya: opposed homosexuality as it was outlawed by the Law of Prophet Musa.
Aurat Marchers: "Our feminism is queer, trans-inclusive, class conscious...The Aurat March brings under its banner a diverse array of feminists, queer individuals, activists and organisers." (Aurat March Lahore Manifesto)
It is clear that the women of the Aurat March are dancing to the tunes of female activists on the wrong side of history: the women of Bani Israel and wife of Prophet Lut.
To truly improve the condition of women, activists need to turn to Asiya, whom God celebrates as a paragon of righteous rebellion and correct political insight. Indeed, she is considered one of four perfect women of all times along with Maryam, Khadija, and Fatima (A).
"And Allah presents an example of those who believed: the wife of Pharaoh." (66:11)
No comments:
Post a Comment