Islamic scholars’ long struggle has not been in vain: AFM Khalid

NN ONLINE:

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain today said the decades-long efforts of Islamic scholars and clerics have not gone in vain, as Islamic forces have once again gathered the strength to stand with dignity despite 54 years of repression and adversity.

“The sun is rising again in the eastern sky — it is only a matter of time before it fully emerges. At this moment, our greatest responsibility is to preserve unity,” he told a seminar titled “Muslim Family Law: The Bangladesh Context”, organized by the Bangladesh Mosque Mission, at the main auditorium of the National Museum this evening.

Speaking on the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance of 1961, Dr. Khalid said many provisions of the law directly contradicted Islamic Shariah. He noted that the eminent scholars of that time held movements, seminars and symposiums opposing the law but were unable to prevent its enactment.  “The then military ruler, Ayub Khan, passed the law by sheer force,” he added.

Highlighting abuses of talaq, the Adviser said that misuse of divorce often leads to emotional suffering for families. “When a husband divorces his wife, the children weep; the husband regrets it and tries to take her back. At this point, a certain group misinterprets Shariah to impose ‘Hilla Marriage’ on women. This practice is degrading to women and brings dishonor to Islam,” he said. Questioning how punishments should be enforced under Islamic law, he clarified that no scholar or ‘Mufti’ has the authority to impose penalties.

“Islamic scholars may issue ‘Fatwas’ by explaining Qur’anic and Hadith-based rulings, but only the courts can adjudicate and only the administration can enforce sentences,” he noted, urging everyone to act responsibly.

On the longstanding demand for establishing Shariah-based laws, he said, “We have been presenting this demand for 54 years. There is no harm in raising it. But unless the majority of parliament consists of individuals who follow Shariah, such demands will bring no tangible result.”  He stressed the need for long-term strategic planning, adding that major structural changes cannot be achieved by one or two individuals alone.

Chaired by Bangladesh Mosque Mission President Principal Maulana Zainul Abedin, the seminar featured a keynote paper presented by Dr. ABM Mahbubul Islam, former professor of the International Islamic University. Prof. Dr. Naqib Mohammad Nasrullah, Vice-Chancellor of Islamic University, spoke as the main discussant.

Islamic Arabic University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Shamsul Alam and Pro-VC Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shahidul Islam also addressed the programme as special guests. Prominent Islamic scholars, academics, media professionals, students and people from various walks of life took part in the seminar.