What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Amid polling in Gujarat, the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad on Sunday sparked row with his assertion that Islam forbids women to contest elections. He also said allotting tickets to women in elections is a rebellion against Islam and weakens the religion.
The Shahi Imam, Shabbir Ahmed Siddiqui, told reporters that women are not allowed to offer Namaz (prayer performed by Muslims).
“If you talk about Islam…Do you see even a single woman offering Namaz? Namaz has great importance in Islam. Had it been justified in Islam for women to come before people, they (women) would not have been stopped (from entering) the mosque.
“Women are stopped from visiting mosques because they have a certain status in Islam. Whoever (whichever party) gives tickets to (Muslim) women rebels against Islam. Don’t you have men (candidates) that you are bringing in women? This will weaken our religion,” the Shahi Imam said.
The Shahi Imam also remarked that Muslim women are fielded in elections as a part of poll strategy.
He said, “Women have their say in household affairs. By appeasing women, they want to also cash in the votes of the rest of the family.”
It’s pertinent to note that BJP has fielded 4 women candidates belonging to Pasmanda Muslim community in Delhi MCD elections which concluded on Sunday.
The first phase of voting for 89 seats in Saurashtra, Kutch and south Gujarat regions was held on December 1, when an average voter turnout of 63.31 per cent was recorded. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 8.
The first phase of voting for 89 seats in Saurashtra, Kutch and south Gujarat regions was held on December 1, when an average voter turnout of 63.31 per cent was recorded. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 8.
