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RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES ON HUMAN RIGHTS

E-Newsletter
Vol.2 No.22
May 29, 2000


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Religious Perspectives on Human Rights is now available online at: http://www.rghr.net

Religious Perspectives on Human Rights is a weekly e-newsletter issued by Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic and Christian Groups on Human Rights, initiated by the Asian Human Rights Commission.

Dear friends,

"While the Qur'aan, because of its protective attitude toward all downtrodden and oppressed classes of people, appears to be weighted in many ways in favour of women, many of its women-related teachings have been used in male-dominated Muslim societies against, rather than for women" is the observation made by Dr.Riffat reproduced here for your reflection. These reflections we feel apply not only to Pakistan but also to other muslim communities living in other countries. We allow the reader to draw a logical nexus between these reflections and the reports coming from Ambon. Here we have included an appeal made by the Indonesian Bishops.

Additionally an interesting edict by King Ashoka regarding the treatment of prisoners is presented here so that a comparison can be made with the present day practices.

1) Ethical Principles embodied in the Qur'aan and the Rights of Women
2) A Plea by the Bishops
3) The Edicts of King Ashoka regarding the Treatment of Prisoners

1) Ethical Principles embodied in the Qur'aan and the Rights of Women

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following news item appeared in THE NEWS, Karachi, Pakistan, on May 2, 2000. It focuses on the message contained in Dr. Hassan's "Open Letter to General Pervez Musharraf" published in PAKISTAN TODAY (Los Angeles) on February 25, 2000

Dr Riffat, a known American Muslim scholar of Pakistani origin and Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, in an open letter to Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf, published recently in the Los Angeles-based newspaper 'Pakistan Today', drew his attention towards the injustice and brutality with which the women and girls were subjected to in Pakistani society in general and rural areas of the country in particular. She writes: "I want to focus your attention on the issue of gender equality and gender justice in Pakistan as Pakistan is overwhelmingly a Muslim country and, in fact the only country in the world which was created in the name of Islam."

Dr Riffat maintained that it was important to place women-related issue in Pakistan in the larger context of Muslim history and culture adding that a brief review of the latter brings to light many

areas in which Qur'aanic teaching notwithstanding, women continued to be subjected to diverse forms of oppression and injustice, often in the name of Islam and far worse, in the name of a just, merciful and compassionate God.

"While the Qur'aan, because of its protective attitude toward all downtrodden and oppressed classes of people, appears to be weighted in many ways in favour of women, many of its women-related teachings have been used in male-dominated Muslim societies against, rather than for women", she pleaded. The senior theologian further writes of a big gap or discrepancy between the ideals of Islam and Muslim practice, particularly in the context of women-related issues. She stressed that there was first a need to create an awareness amongst Muslims, including Pakistanis, regarding the fact that much of what is legitimised in the name of 'Islam' is, in fact, contrary to the normative teachings of Islam."

According to her: "There is also an urgent need to motivate masses, through various means of education and dialogue, to reform and reconstruct those elements in popular culture, which are in violation of the lofty ethical principles embodied in the Qur'aan and the life of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him), as well as universally accepted norms of human behaviour." In the letter to the chief executive, she argued, "Although Islam, like the other major religions of the world, which developed in patriarchal cultures, has been used traditionally to deprive women of their God-created, God-given fundamental human rights, I believe very strongly that Islam is profoundly justice-centred and that it is deeply concerned about the rights of human beings especially those who are socially disadvantaged." If one can separate the normative teachings of Islam from patriarchal interpretation, which reflects negative cultural assumptions, ideas and attitudes regarding women, Islam can become a most powerful means of women's empowerment," she observed. She claimed her statement to be based upon the fact that the vast majority of Muslim women - including Pakistani women, had a deep faith in God and that this faith had been a sustaining factor in the lives of millions of them and enabled them to survive in conditions of great hardship, suffering and oppression." Girls in Pakistan and other Muslim societies could be educated to internalise the liberating and enlightening vision of the Qur'aan, which Allama Iqbal knew so well and with which he mobilised the masses of Muslims in India to uplift themselves," she said in the letter. She also mentioned of her being well aware of the fact that Pakistan is faced today with a number of very acute crises with regard to human rights, particularly the rights of women and minorities. Quoting Abraham Lincoln, Dr Riffat Hassan said, "Nation could not survive half-slave and half-free. Likewise, without establishing gender equality and gender-justice, Pakistan can never become what Allama Iqbal, the Quaid-e-Azam, or you...would want it to be." She further maintained that economic and military strength, important as they are, cannot stem the rot that has set in through a long period of intellectual myopia and moral bankruptcy adding: "The only way you (Gen Musharraf) can start reversing the process of ruin is by building, brick by brick, a tradition of respecting the fundamental human rights of all citizens and residents of Pakistan, irrespective of gender, class, and ethnic, sectarian or religious difference."

Dr Riffat said that such action would help win approval and respect of the international community. "Its importance is felt by all those who are aware of the way in which Islam and Muslims are negatively stereo-typed in the West, how they are associated with images of violence, brutality and backwardness," she added. The mistreatment to girls and women in Muslim societies and communities throughout the world is always cited to substantiate these images. "Having lived in the West for most of my life, I know from experience that there are more negative ideas associated with Islam and Muslims in the context of women than on any other account," she said. Reflecting on the BBC documentary on 'crimes of honour' in Pakistan, she says, "After the documentary was aired by ABC's Nightline a year ago, I received hundreds of messages from people, including many Americans and Muslim students of South Asia (mainly Pakistani) background who had watched the programme. Two important sentiments that were common to these messages were a strong sense of outrage that vulnerable girls and women were being subjected to so much brutality and violence in Pakistan, and a keen desire to do something about this state of affairs."

"In response to these messages I took the initiative of setting up a network called The International Network for the Rights of Female Victims of Violence in Pakistan (INRFVVP)," she revealed. Dr Riffat Hassan said, "I am, of course, aware of the fact that honour killings and crimes of honour are, by no means, confined to Pakistan or even to Muslim countries and communities and that these crimes have their roots in ancient tribal customs, which became incorporated in many cultures."

2) A Plea by the Bishops

A letter (in Indonesian and English) from KWI (the Indonesian Bishops' Conference) about the latest holy war that is still going on strong since May 19'2000 in Ambon, Indonesia. This is a heart breaking article. Please forward this mail and we hope HELP will come their way. This is their words " We are afraid that this is our last cry." May God be with all of us.

Densy
Mari kita doakan :
Subject: Ambon, May 19, 2000

Dear All,

On May 18,2000 Ambon is in its extreem danger. Only a small number of young Christians try to defend themselves without any meaningful weapon. There is no single help from the part of the army or police, while the Islam army "Jihad" coming from Jawa, their number is about 8000, with the help of the unknown snippers keep their attack on. On May 19, 2000 in the morning, Pattimura Street, around which the Cathedral and other church buildings are, has been blocked. The children has been evacuated from the retreat centre in which the have got shelter, so far.

They are now hiding in the forests. Please help! Tell the world community that their brothers and sisters in Ambon, are in the brink of extinction. Ask to stop it by any possible way. We are afraid that this is our last cry.

If you need further information please call:

Margaretha, Tommy :

08123213831
021-7430870 or reply this posting.

3) The Edicts of King Ashoka regarding the Treatment of Prisoners

" In the past there were no Dhamma Mahamatras but such officers were appointed by me thirteen years after my coronation. Now they work among all religions for the establishment of Dhamma... ... They work among soldiers, chiefs, Brahmans, householders, the poor, the aged, ... .They (Dhamma Mahamatras) work for the proper treatment of prisoners, towards their unfettering, and if the Mahamatras think, "This one has a family to support," "That one has been bewitched," "This one is old," then they work for the release of such prisoners"