'Some women's rights champions influenced by propaganda against Islam'

There are some women championing the cause of gender equality who have been influenced by propaganda aimed at tarnishing Islam, according to the Friday sermon text prepared by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

"Going through this process of modernisation, we can observe some women demanding equal rights which they claim is ignored by Islam.

"They raise 'hot' issues about rights to justice and fairness for women such as welfare, status of women, their role from a spiritual perspective, right to participate in politics, gender equality, legal rights, violence, the wearing of hijab and women's position in the Quran.

"The basis of these views are influenced by propaganda with certain agendas aimed at sullying Islam," added the text which was read out at mosques in the Federal Territories.

The sermon, titled "Islam Memerdekakan Wanita" (Islam liberates women), stressed that Islam placed women on equal footing with men.

"Islam has granted the necessary rights in women's lives compared to the Jahiliyyah (Pre-Islam) period where women were badly treated and was a black mark in their history,” it stated.

The sermon explained that abuses against women were due to the failure in understanding Islam.

"Sometimes, abuses against women are not due to the weakness in Allah's laws but a result of a lack of understanding and appreciation in the practice of noble Islamic teachings," it said.

The sermon said such despicable acts ruined the image of Islam and are used to criticise the religion.

"Intelligent people then use this as an issue to claim that Islam is not relevant in protecting women," it added.

As such, it urged Muslims to embrace the good values of Islam.- Mkini