New Delhi, Feb. 7: In a concerted effort to combat the societal scourge of dowry, the Women’s Department of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Delhi, collaborated with ‘Hamaari Sada Trust’ to organize a program in JJ Colony (Madanpur Khadar) here Monday. The event, held at Falak Shiksha Center, witnessed participation from approximately 200 students and women.
The program commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Zahi Qasimi, followed by a welcome speech from Safiya Yasmeen. Emphasizing the importance of the anti-dowry campaign, she highlighted the detrimental impact of this societal malaise, shedding light on the plight of unmarried girls ensnared by its grip. She also guided the proceedings, fostering awareness and dialogue aimed at addressing and eradicating this pervasive issue.
Highlighting a crucial aspect, she underscored the prevalent trend of prioritizing extramarital or live-in relationships, labeling it as a societal menace poised to dismantle the very fabric of our communities. Urging collective action to combat this menace, she emphasized the imperative of raising awareness, particularly among women. This imperative drove the launch of the anti-dowry campaign by JIH Delhi Women’s Department.
Furthermore, addressing the notion of daughters being perceived as burdens, Maryam Shemi articulated that such perceptions stem solely from practices like dowry, despite Islam’s affirmation of daughters as blessings.
She highlighted the grim historical practice of female infanticide prevalent before the advent of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, juxtaposing it with the contemporary issue of sex-selective abortion facilitated by modern technology. Emphasizing the divine will behind the birth of children, she asserted that gender is determined solely by Allah’s decree.
Subsequently, Insha Kulsoom and Zahi Shemi delivered a poignant poem celebrating daughters.
Ms. Samina addressed the detrimental impact of dowry, stressing that neither Shariah nor the Quran endorse its practice. She attributed the adoption of this custom to non-Muslim cultures lacking provisions for daughters’ inheritance, leading to extravagant dowries as compensation. Urging comprehensive education of children to mitigate such societal ills, she advocated for cultivating values that eschew practices like dowry.
Concluding the event, Mrs. Nuzhat Yasmeen, JIH Delhi Secretary for Women’s Department conveyed her joy at the program’s successful execution. Reflecting on the anti-dowry campaign, she emphasized its pivotal role in combating numerous social maladies, advocating for its cessation to uproot such entrenched evils from society.
