– by Salil Gewali
Shillong (India), August 21, 2017: The most shocking fact about the 'Nikah Halala' has recently been brought to light by the India Today media. This media certainly deserves a pat on its back for broadcasting to the world the "darkness of lust" that invariably frightens away the very spirit of womanhood. How on earth such practices which openly dehumanize the woman are sanctioned by law is difficult to fathom. She is sexually exploited by an unknown person for over a night. Is it not outrageous?
Though many Islamic countries have long banned Nikah Halala, in India, this practice often forces the desperate women, who want to regain the warmth of the past husband, to depend on the cleric scholars around. Such lecherous people put up themselves for the job. Is it not humiliating fact that apart from spending one night with a complete stranger, the divorced Muslim women are required to cough up anywhere between Rs. 20000/- to Rs. 150000/-.
This shocking Nikah Halala or one-night-marriage makes only a divorced Muslim women eligible to further seek the formal reconciliation (marry) with the first husband. Is not the sex without "love" itself spiritually a big sin? Alas, this retrogressive and godless practice is still prevalent in the 21st century while the roar of the triple talaq is still getting shriller!
More vocal Malalas should take birth
Though no strong scream of protest against this bizarre practice is heard, a few conscious Muslim men and Muslim women are up in arms, also some Muslim Maulvi's. Maulana Maqsood-ul-Hasan Qasmi, the head of the Imam Council of India, retorts – 'This is lust. It's not permissible in "Islam". This is a "criminal offense" committed in the name of religion'. One friend of mine Mr. Shafiq Alam bursts out in deep anguish "As a father of three daughters I know how such anti-female practices have brought "grief" to millions of households. Much of the texts of the Holy Quran have been either misread or deliberately distorted and misinterpreted by the vested interests which they use to justify any inhuman activities". Indeed, most of the "explosive activities" that have often been rocking and shocking the world have their roots in the "wrong interpretation" of the holy texts.
Muslim women suffering
There is nothing secret how disgustingly countless females across the globe suffer under the veil of chastity which only contributes to stifling their "vigor" of individuality, feminine potentiality, and creativity. I guess, more vocal Malalas should take birth to raise the relentless voice against 'Nikah Halala', gender discrimination and irreligious prejudices strangling the holy Islam. Oh Allah the Almighty, save us all from the evil mongers!
Salil Gewali is a well-known writer and author of 'Great minds on India'. Twitter @SGewali
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