The New Nation - Internet Edition

The present caretaker government has prepared a draft national woman policy giving birth severe controversy over some of its clauses and sub-clauses. One of such clauses is that a female will inherit property equal to the share of a male in the event of death of their parents or sons or daughters or as the case may be. Reasonably Islam oriented political parties have vehemently protested, however, without giving clarification as to why this draft woman policy is contrary to the Quran. Just one or two political leaders from them have pointed out that the reason behind a female's getting half of the shares of a male (4-11/12) is that she is not bound to spend a single farthing of that property for the family she lives in. In terms of verse No.4/32, a male is the owner of the properties he earns and a woman is the owner of the properties she earns. None can force a woman to spend from it. She has got full freedom over the properties she earns or inherits. And in terms of verse No. 4/34, a male will meet the total expenditures of his family or the parent's family in case of need. The female has no responsibility as to how will the family expenditures be met? Now may I question, who does enjoy more freedom in terms of properties-a male or a female?

We therefore oppose the Draft National Women Policy and ask all concerned to study the Quran. Any body that is ignorant must not resort to adventure to make him or her a laughing stock. The Quran says, "Speak not that of which you have no knowledge,"-17/34. I like to remind all in the end that Islam fights for an exploitation-free society based on justice and equality. An ignorant cannot realise this truth, because his heart is fully dark.

Rabbani

Dhaka