Afghanistan told to reconsider move on women’s access to universities

 

Former religious minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri has criticised a move by the Afghanistan authorities to suspend access to universities for female students.

The senator urged Afghanistan authorities to reconsider their move.

“I commend (the) Grand Imam of Al-Azhar’s stand and profoundly regret the choice made by Afghanistan authorities to deny Afghan women access to university education.

“It clearly contradicts Islamic principles and the urge for both men and women to seek knowledge.

“Both genders are honourable and serve as Allah's vicegerent on earth,” he said in a statement today.

Zulkifli (above), who served under the previous Muhyiddin Yassin-led government, joined the chorus of calls that have condemned the Taliban government for banning women from attending universities in Afghanistan, including the DAP and PKR Women wings.

Quoting Prophet Muhammad, Zulkifli added that education is both a right and an obligation for all individuals.

“There is no discrimination in this place. It also implies that generating and teaching knowledge is not only done by males, but also by women.

“Thus, what they are doing is absolutely not in favour of Islam, and creates more misunderstanding and Islamophobia; a combination of prejudice, fear, and hatred toward Muslims and Islam,” said Zulkifli.

He highlighted the prominent roles played by female Muslim scholars in early Islamic history, such as A’ishah Abu Bakr, Ummu Salamah Abu Umayyah, Hafsah Umar, among others.

On Dec 20, the Taliban government drew global flak for suspending access to universities by female students until further notice.

The decision came as many university students were sitting for their end-of-term exams.

In March, the Taliban drew criticism from many foreign governments and some Afghans for making a U-turn on signals that all girls' high schools would be opened. - Mkini