New Delhi: Islam does not prohibit a woman from solemnising a marriage and it was reflective of the 'slow and steady' changes happening in Muslim society, says Syeda Hameed, an official who courted controversy by performing the marriage rituals of a couple.
"As a religion, Islam does not prohibit a woman from solemnising marriage. We have to move forward. It is the need of the hour," Hameed, a member of the country's Planning Commission, said.
Hameed is pleased to see no hue and cry because on August 12 she performed the 'nikah' (solemnising a marriage according to Muslim practice) of Naish Hasan and Imran Ali. She terms it a healthy sign.
"I had apprehended there would be some hard reaction, but I was determined to fulfill the desire of Naish and Imran. I have known them for a long time," she said. "At the same time, I had thought that there would be acceptance of what I was going to do," added Hameed, who had specially gone to Lucknow to solemnise the marriage.
"Things were changing 'slowly and steadily', she said, adding, "Attitude is not as hard as it used to be. We have to move forward." What prompted her to take up a path-breaking initiative? "I belong to a family where reformism has been a deep-rooted tradition. My great grandfather Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali was known for his reformist views. He spoke of reforms in Islam 100 years ago," she said.
For her, being a reformist does not mean any compromise with the religion one espouses. "We are deep into religion but are extremely liberal in outlook. What I did by performing 'nikah' is in consonance with my great family tradition. I shall be happy if more and more women come forward and take path-breaking steps, befitting Islamic ethos and values."
Having ushered in a new trend by breaking traditional barriers, Hameed feels that a lot needs to be done for gender parity in Muslim society. "Yes, more path-breaking initiatives are needed to reflect the true image of Islam. It will be possible when the forward-looking people take initiatives," she said. "There are enough enlightened people in society to bring change in society," she further said.
Should a woman feel threatened in a society where there is a 'limited or restricted' role for women to play? "Reformists never stop doing good things," she quickly replied. (IANS)
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