Question:

Jama’at-e-Islami is a religious party. When such a party comes to power in a country (clear reference to Afghanistan of Taliban), then the modern educated class, the institutions, the organizations and more particularly the women folk get scared, that they would now be pushed behind the walls and veiled. That Jama’at would ban film-making and restrict T.V. dramas, arts and literature. Women education would be pushed a 1000-years back.....! How would Jama’at comment on these fears?

The latest information received was that women participated with greater enthusiasm in Jamaat’s membership campaign. This is not the first time. Women always show more interest in Jama’at’s activities than men. It is therefore nonsense to say that women are "scared" of Jama’at. Today's women are more worried about the family budgets and that how would they arrange for children's education, health, clothing, food and the rest. Let someone tell: how many of our women participate in fashion shows in the 5-Star hotels? How many are interested in reading fashion magazines? The number of those who visit some night club or women club, just to show their beauty and adornment is not even worth mentioning. A common house-wife is always pre-occupied how to manage household affairs within the limited income of the family. It is the ever rising cost of living that has really upset her. The question poses a totally distorted picture of the Pakistani woman that some one will compel her to wear veil, where in fact, more than 80 percent already observe the required ‘purdah’, whether using veil, stole or coverlet. It is a very small percentage of women who consider purdah to obstruct the type of freedom they wish to enjoy.

Certainly the educated Muslim woman today is more concerned about her honor. Her working environment is not conducive. When family requirements at times press her hard to come out of her house and work in offices and factories, her honor and chastity is in constant danger. The present day Muslim woman seeks a place where she is duly respected and remains safe from the onslaught of covetous and lustful glaring. For them the government of Jama’at-e-Islami will be a welcome news and blessing.

As far as the film industry and T.V. programs are concerned, people under the Jama’at’s government will avail healthy entertainment and satisfaction. Staying within the limits set by Qur’an and Sunnah, they will be free to participate in all activities. We believe that our women will never even think to transgress from the limits set by the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), because they love ‘Nizam-e-Mustafa’ more than the men and firmly believe that ours is the Religion of Nature, wherein one has limitless scope of entertainment, work and literature. Free of extremities, this religion leads to the middle Path and we all believe that Allah, the most Merciful, is pleased to have chosen this ‘Deen’ (religion) for us till the Hereafter. Therefore it provides answer to the needs of every age.

A part of the question that needed clear cut answer was, whether veil (Burqa) was obligatory for women or a sheet and coverlet could also serve the purpose?

Jurists and scholars have differed on the limits and permissibilities regarding ‘purdah’ or veiling. One, however, can see that the Palestinian women openly come on T.V. and at other public places, whereas these ‘mujahid’ ladies take direct part in the 'Hamas' independence movement and the ‘Intifadha’. They send forward their children to stone the Jews and support them from the rear with great courage and valor. The dress they wear from head down to the feet is, according to their local scholars, in total conformity with the Shariah injunctions. Women also observe specific ‘purdah’ in Malaysia, Egypt, Syria and Iran. As against it, some scholars insist that women must cover their faces also. The Jama’at does not indulge in this controversy or difference of opinion. It considers that ‘Ahram’ of the ‘Haj’ and ‘Umra’ totally meets the requirement of ‘purdah’. We cannot say that a woman in that dress is veil-less. On the other hand if a woman believes and wishes to cover her face also, Jamaat fully appreciates it and there is ample evidence that even such women have no problem in discharging their duties in and/or outside the house.

Sports reflect the positive and healthy entertainment activity of the youth. The Jamaat has, however, never organized such events. The youngsters would like to know the party programme on this subject?

No doubt, in this disturbed state of affairs, sports remain the only entertainment activity that can help save the youth from licentiousness and moral degeneration. By encouraging sports we can enhance the national physical and mental growth. This is part of our mission. The holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: that a healthy believer was better than a weak one. However, sports would not be let to propagate immorality and filth. In a current ladies’ lawn tennis contest in England, a Minister’s scandal came to surface that he was more attentive to the player’s half-body dress. So those people use even sports for sexual satisfaction and their stadiums look like festivals of nudism. We shall check all this and open the doors for healthy entertainment. It is worth asking that football was quite popular in the country, why then our teams miserably fail in the international events. Is it the lack of talent and training or we do not have the required level of health. Reportedly when the Pakistani team lost to Saudi team by 10, 15 goals the Saudi players made monkey of Pakistan’s football team every where. It seems that corruption has entered even the playgrounds, and that needs to be corrected.

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