Personal laws a major challenge for Muslim women, says Dr. Mumtaz

Noted writer and gynaecologist Khadija Mumtaz on Monday said that the greatest challenge faced by modern Muslim women, who are educated and have a sense of democratic rights, is the persistence of personal laws maintained under the guise of unchangeable divine words.

Delivering the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Lecture organised by the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Research Centre (VMMRC) at the Christ Church Centenary Hall here, Dr. Mumtaz said that inheritance laws within personal laws are a primary concern.

She noted that these were contrary to the Islamic ideals of equality, justice, and independent reasoning upheld by Vakkom Moulavi.

The Moulavi had reacted strongly against superstitions, regressive rituals, the community’s tendency to ignore the Malayalam language and modern education, and discrimination against women. He argued logically that the right to independent judgement granted to a believer was as important as faith itself. Consequently, he had no doubt that women should receive equal opportunities in Islam to maintain rights and social relations, just like Muslim men, Dr. Mumtaz said.

“Focussing on these ideals, the Moulavi emphasised that while keeping faith in the Quran and Prophetic traditions, worldly matters could be amended by considering logic, public good, and justice according to the changing times,” she added. 

The intellectual revolution carried out through language by Vakkom Moulavi and Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai is an unforgettable chapter in the Independence struggle of Kerala and the princely State of Travancore, she said.

It was a courageous act that brought significant personal hardships and losses to both. History has always progressed through such small and large acts of bravery. Remembering Vakkom Moulavi’s contribution to the freedom struggle is highly relevant in the current political climate, where Muslims are increasingly being marginalised, Dr. Mumtaz said.

The Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Award for this year was presented to senior writer and journalist G. Priyadarshanan at the event.

The book, Navothanathinte Neekkiirippukal: Vakkom Moulaviyude Sampoorna Krithikal edited by K.M. Seethi and published by DC Books, was also released. Former Director of Malayalam Mission (Kerala), Suja Susan George, presided over the function.