KARACHI: Renowned religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel’s recent comments on women in Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Ehsaas Telethon have once again created controversy.
Earlier on Thursday, Maulana Tariq Jameel was invited to the Ehsaas Telethon to initiate a collective prayer for the general public and also to guide people on how to take precautionary measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In his speech, Maulana Tariq Jameel stressed the need of spirituality, faith, and rationality in order to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
The religious scholar urged the people of Pakistan to look inwards and repent to Allah for their sins to get rid of the mayhem of coronavirus. He also supported the government’s decision to suspend congregational prayers and mass gatherings in the mosque.
He quoted historical anecdotes from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his teachings to explain the importance of the preventive measures. He added that protecting the lives of others and oneself is a key part of the Islamic faith.
In the latter part of his speech, Maulana Tariq Jameel spoke about his dissatisfaction with morality in our country. He displayed his dismay over the clothing choices of women and their desire to dance.
He said, “When a Muslim’s daughter practices immodesty and the youth indulges in immorality, then Allah’s torment is unto such a nation.”
He then quoted the example of the people of Lot and how Allah consequently sent them several torments because they crossed all boundaries when it came to morality.
The remarks have fired up a debate on social media platforms. Both groups exchanged harsh comments while discussing the merits and demerits of Maulana Tariq Jameel’s participation in the telethon.
People criticized the remarks over the repercussions of simply blaming women for the virus:
Tariq Jameel just said ‘immodest women’ were a national problem, second only to ‘jhoot’ and ‘dhoka.’ He lamented, “meray mulk ki betiyon ko koun nacha raha hai?”
First, we’re not your daughters
Second, didn’t you just describe IN DETAIL the bodies of hoors during a sermon?
— Hamna Zubair (@hamnazubair) April 23, 2020
Scientists: Wet markets. Bats. Pangolins.
Maulana Tariq Jameel.
pic.twitter.com/offMyW12yq— Amber Rahim Shamsi (@AmberRShamsi) April 24, 2020
Recent statements by Maulana Tariq Jameel which could have been worded in a more appropriate manner as opposed to singling one gender out, make me fear for further aggression and violence against women as a result of the situation we find ourselves in.
May we all stay safe.
— Ahmad Butt (@itsthepianoguy) April 24, 2020
#tariqjamil ‘s comments about immoral women & corona sum up the thinking of most clergy in Pakistan and dare I say, the Prime Minister himself & most of his party & followers.
The question is: if we women brought this azaab upon us why is the virus affecting more men than women?
— Benazir Jatoi (@BenazirJatoi) April 24, 2020
