SLFP dissidents urge Colombo to prevent Rights abuses

Former Sri Lanka's Foreign minister, Mangala Samaraweera, and former Port Development Minister, Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi, on Thursday accused the Mahinda Rajapakse government of alleged human rights violations, and warned that Sri Lanka faced international isolation unless steps were taken to stem the tide of disappearances and extra judicial killings, sources in Colombo said. Addressing a press conference at the Parliamentary complex, Mr. Samaraweera said his concern about the growing human rights violations in Sri Lanka was one of the main reasons that he was sacked by Mr Rajapakse.

He said that their aim is to stop the Government from moving away from the middle path of the SLFP, and towards extremist policies.

Some of the points raised in the letter follow:


* To create programme to look into the grievances of those who helped bring the President to power. The government is today run by 3 persons but those who worked for the President’s victory is ignored.
* Reduce Cabinet size to 35
* Restore all the departments and institutions that were under different ministries which have now been taken over by the President.
* Improve relations with India and other friendly nations by taking immediate steps.
* Human rights and media freedom must be restored
Find a political solution to the national problem and submit proposals in two months.
* Allow the business community to operate without restrictions and fear
* Take steps to bring down the Cost of Living
* Fight bribery, corruption and waste.
* Restore good relations with the JVP and get their support and improve relations with the UNP.UNP.

Condemning rebel attack in Sri Lanka, Ban Ki-moon calls for end to violence

27 February 2007 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned an attack by separatist rebels in Sri Lanka which injured senior aid officials, including one from the United Nations, and urged both sides in the conflict to halt the bloodshed and resume talks.

Mr. Ban’s statement came in reaction to the shelling by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) of a helicopter airfield in Batticaloa in eastern Sri Lanka, where 12 people, including the UN Resident Coordinator and other members of a high-ranking international delegation taking part in a humanitarian assessment mission, were injured, according to a statement released by his spokesperson condemning the incident.

“The attack was in total disregard for the lives of civilians, humanitarian workers, Government officials, and the international community,” Michele Montas told reporters in New York.

“The Secretary-General urges the parties to the conflict to end the destructive spiral of violence and calls on them to make every effort to return to the peace process as soon as possible,” she said.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other agencies have been struggling to assist tens of thousands of civilians who have fled fighting between the Government and the LTTE.

UNHCR estimates that some 70,000 people have been killed and 465,000 displaced by the more than two decade-long conflict, including nearly 205,000 uprooted since fighting erupted anew in April 2006 despite a ceasefire signed in 2002.

Timeline: Sri Lanka

From BBC

A chronology of key events:

Fifth century BC - Indo-Aryan migrants from northern India settle on the island; the Sinhalese emerge as the most powerful of the various clans.

Third century BC - Beginning of Tamil migration from India.

1505 - Portuguese arrive in Colombo, marking beginning of European interest.

Sacred temple complex at Kandy was targeted by bombers in 1998 2003: Sri Lanka bombers face death

1815 - British become first European power to win control over whole island, known as Ceylon. Start bringing in Tamil labourers from southern India to work tea, coffee and coconut plantations.

1833 - English made official language.

1931 - British grant the right to vote and introduce power sharing.

1948 - Ceylon gains full independence.

Sinhala nationalism

1949 - Indian Tamil plantation workers disenfranchised.

Srimavo Bandaranaike: The world's first woman PM 2000: Tearful farewell to Sri Lanka's 'mother' On This Day 1960: Ceylon elects world's first woman PM

1956 - Solomon Bandaranaike elected on wave of Sinhalese nationalism. Sinhala made sole official language and other measures introduced to bolster Sinhalese and Buddhist feeling. More than 100 Tamils killed in widespread violence after Tamil parliamentarians protest at new laws.

1958 - Anti-Tamil riots leave more than 200 people dead. Thousands of Tamils displaced.

1959 - Bandaranaike assassinated by a Bhuddist monk. Succeeded by widow, Srimavo, who continues nationalisation programme.

1965 - Opposition United National Party wins elections and attempts to reverse nationalisation measures.

1970 - Srimavo Bandaranaike returns to power and extends nationalisation programme.

Ethnic tensions

1971 - Sinhalese Marxist uprising led by students and activists.

Sri Lanka is one of the last havens for wild elephants 2003: Sri Lankans battle with elephants

1972 - Ceylon changes its name to Sri Lanka and Buddhism given primary place as country's religion, further antagonising Tamil minority.

1976 - Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) formed as tensions increase in Tamil-dominated areas of north and east.

1977 - Separatist Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) party wins all seats in Tamil areas. Anti-Tamil riots leave more than 100 Tamils dead.

1981 Sinhala policemen accused of burning the Jaffna Public Library, causing further resentment in Tamil community.

1983 - 13 soldiers killed in LTTE ambush, sparking anti-Tamil riots leading to the deaths of an estimated several hundred Tamils. Conflict develops in north of island between army and LTTE.

Civil war intensifies

1985 - First attempt at peace talks between government and LTTE fails.

1987 - Government forces push LTTE back into northern city of Jaffna. Government signs accords creating new councils for Tamil areas in north and east and reaches agreement with India on deployment of Indian peace-keeping force.

1988 - Left-wing and nationalist Sinhalese JVP begins campaign against Indo-Sri Lankan agreement.

1990 - Indian troops leave after getting bogged down in fighting in north. Violence between Sri Lankan army and separatists escalates.

1991 - LTTE implicated in assassination of Indian premier Rajiv Gandhi in southern India.

War and diplomacy

Tea exports are a mainstay of the economy 2004: White tea - pick of the crop 2003: Sri Lanka moves to protect tea industry 2002: Sri Lanka tops tea sales

1993 - President Premadasa killed in LTTE bomb attack.

1994 - President Kumaratunga comes to power pledging to end war. Peace talks opened with LTTE.

1995 - Peace talks collapse and LTTE resumes bombing campaign. Government launches major offensive, driving separatists out of Jaffna.

1996 - State of emergency extended across the country after LTTE bombs capital, Colombo.

1997 - Another major government offensive against LTTE.

1998 - Tigers bomb Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist site. Tigers capture key northern town after intensive fighting.

1999 - President Kumaratunga is wounded in a bomb attack at an election rally. She is re-elected president.

2000 February - Norway says it will act as intermediary in peace push.

2000 April - LTTE captures strategic Elephant Pass in north of island.

2000 October - President Kumaratunga's People's Alliance wins general elections.

Civil war claimed 65,000 lives; tensions still simmer On This Day 1986: Terrorist bomb kills 21 in Sri Lanka On This Day 1987: Tamil Tigers blamed for bus garage blast

2001 February - Britain labels LTTE as "terrorists" under new anti-terrorism law designed to halt funding and support for UK-based militant groups.

2001 July - President Kumaratunga suspends parliament for two months to save her minority government from defeat in a no-confidence vote.

2001 July - Suicide attack by Tamil Tigers on the international airport.

2001 October - Kumaratunga dissolves parliament hours before a no-confidence vote which her Marxist-backed minority government seemed likely to lose. Elections set for 5 December.

2001 December - New cabinet, led by Ranil Wickramasinghe, is sworn in after the opposition United National Party narrowly won the parliamentary election.

Peace moves

2002 February - Government and Tamil Tiger rebels sign a permanent ceasefire agreement, paving the way for talks to end the long-running conflict. The peace initiative is sponsored by Norway.

2002 March-May - De-commissioning of weapons begins; the road linking the Jaffna peninsula with the rest of Sri Lanka reopens after 12 years; passenger flights to Jaffna resume.

Chandrika Kumaratunga spent 11 turbulent years as president 2005: What is the Kumaratunga legacy? Profile: Chandrika Kumaratunga

2002 September - Government lifts ban on Tamil Tigers - a rebel demand. First round of talks begins in Thailand. Both sides exchange prisoners of war for first time. Rebels drop demand for separate state.

2002 December - At peace talks in Norway the government and rebels agree to share power. Under the deal, minority Tamils would have autonomy in the mainly Tamil-speaking north and east.

2003 February - Peace process talks get under way in Berlin.

2003 April - Tamil Tigers suspend their participation in peace talks, saying they are being marginalised.

2003 May - Country's worst-ever floods leave more than 200 people dead and drive some 4,000 people from their homes.

Political crisis

2003 November - President Kumaratunga dismisses three ministers, suspends parliament. She had been at odds with government over peace process. Parliament reopens after two weeks but negotiations with Tamil Tigers are put on hold.

2004 tsunami killed more than 30,000 people in Sri Lanka In depth: Asia quake disaster 2005: In pictures - Tsunami rehabilitation

2004 March - Renegade Tamil Tiger commander, known as Karuna, leads split in rebel movement and goes underground with his supporters.

2004 April - Early general elections held amid political power struggle. Party of President Kumaratunga wins 105 of 225 parliamentary seats, falling short of overall majority. Mahinda Rajapakse sworn in as prime minister.

2004 July - Suicide bomb blast in Colombo - the first such incident since 2001 - raises fears for the fragile peace process.

2004 December - More than 30,000 people are killed when massive waves, generated by a powerful undersea earthquake off the coast of Indonesia, devastate coastal communities. Hundreds of thousands are forced from their homes. The government declares a national disaster.

2005 June - Deal reached with Tamil Tiger rebels to share nearly $3bn in tsunami aid among Sinhalas, Tamils and Muslims. Sinhala nationalist JVP party pulls out of coalition in protest.

2005 August - State of emergency declared after Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar is assassinated.

2005 November - Mahinda Rajapakse, prime minister at the time, wins presidential elections. Most Tamils in areas controlled by the Tamil Tigers do not vote.

Mounting violence

2006 February - Government and Tamil Tiger rebels declare their respect for the 2002 ceasefire at talks in Geneva.

2006 April - Explosions and rioting in Trincomalee, in the north-east, leave 16 people dead. Police blame Tamil Tiger rebels for the blasts, which come amid a marked escalation in deadly violence.

Jaffna: Flashpoint in fighting between Tamil rebels, army Q&A: Sri Lanka crisis

A suicide bomber attacks the main military compound in Colombo, killing at least eight people. The military launch air strikes on Tamil Tiger targets.

2006 May - Tamil Tiger rebels attack a naval convoy near Jaffna. International monitors describe the deadly attack as a "gross violation" of the 2002 ceasefire.

2006 June - 64 people are killed in a mine attack on a bus in Anuradhapura district. Days later, more than 30 people are killed in a land and sea battle between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels.

Tamil Tigers insist that most of the 65-person Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission be replaced in light of an EU terror ban against the rebels.

2006 August - Tamil Tiger rebels and government forces clash in the north-east. It is the worst fighting since the 2002 ceasefire. Hundreds of people are killed and the UN says tens of thousands have fled their homes.

2006 September - The government says it has pushed Tamil Tiger rebels from the mouth of strategic Trincomalee harbour. This is seen as the first major capture of enemy territory by either side since a 2002 ceasefire.

2006 October - A suicide bomber attacks a military convoy, killing more than 90 sailors.

Tamil Tigers attack a naval base in Galle, the southern city frequented by tourists.

Peace talks resume in Geneva but fail over the rebels' demand that the government reopen a key highway to Tamil-dominated Jaffna peninsula that was closed owing to fighting in August.

2007 January - After weeks of heavy fighting the military says it has captured the Tamil Tiger stronghold of Vakarai, in the east. Tens of thousands of civilians flee the area.

President Mahinda Rajapakse's government secures a long-elusive parliamentary majority after 25 opposition MPs defect to its ranks.

2007 February - Unidentified gunmen shoot dead a Hindu priest days after he welcomed President Rajapakse to the former Tamil Tiger stronghold of Vakarai. The government blames the killing of Selliah Parameswar, an ethnic Tamil, on Tamil Tiger rebels, who deny responsibility.

Women in Islam: An exegesis - Part 2

Women are downright inferior!

Islamists often write prolix essays showing the merciful and glorious treatment of women under Islam. If you have read one of this extremely lengthy rhetoric with mind-boggling logic, you have read them all. Because they are all written in almost the same format, so much so that sometimes you may wonder whether all these essays are written by the same writer or not. Their pens are absolutely fluent in describing the half-truth and twisted, convoluted logics. However, they will never tell the true status of women in 'real Islam.' Here I am citing a few examples from the roots of Islam, that is, Qur'an and hadith.
Women witness is half of men...2:282

This is a very well known fact in Islam. Even if a woman is the Prime Minister of an Islamic Paradise she is still inferior to the dumbest of men when it comes to legal matters. Her evidence by herself is never acceptable in an Islamic court of law. It is because of her deficiency in intelligence and lack of memory. What a disgrace to women and their ability of judgment! What happens if a woman becomes a judge? I really do not know the answer. Not only that a single woman's evidence is unacceptable in an Islamic court, but also the women witnesses are completely unacceptable in Sharia where Hudud punishments are involved such as adultery, apostasy, theft-etc. This means that if a woman is raped her evidence or the evidence of any other women (even though there were thousands of women who witnessed the very act with their own eyes) will not be accepted unless four adult Muslim men give evidence that they saw the actual act of fornication with their own eyes. What a justice! I think even a Kangaroo court is better than this type of Islamic court. Now, let us hear from the Qur'an. This verse is very lengthy, in fact, the longest verse in the Qur'an. Therefore, I shall quote only the relevant part.

002.282
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write: as Allah Has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear His Lord Allah, and not diminish aught of what he owes. If they party liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable Himself to dictate, Let his guardian dictate faithfully, and get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her.

This verse is nothing but a slap on the face literally to every woman in this world. In today's world, we have women in almost every profession, even in the tough professions like Law, Medicine, Engineering, Education, Professor, even Astronaut. If we go by 'real Islam,' then all those professional ladies who are not only highly qualified, but also superbly capable of managing the affairs of a company or even a nation are simply lacking in intelligence (read stupid). It's a small wonder that we see the most of the wretched women in Islamic paradises.

Could it be that I probably made some mistake in commenting on verse 2:282? Could it be that there may be some divine/secret reason for sending down verse 2:282 that only God knows? May be, God really did not mean to insult the women. May be our interpretation is all wrong. If you are thinking in this fashion, then perish that thought. See Shahih Bukhari confirms women's lack of intelligence in the very words of Muhammad.

Majority of women are in hell...( Shahih Bukhari 1.6.301)

Volume 1, Book 6, Number 301:

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle ?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."

This hadith not only confirms what I wrote previously, but also goes one-step further in saying that hell is the abode for most of the women in hereafter. Why should it be so? The reason is also explained in this hadith.

Are you still appalled? No, not yet? Look at this hadith.

Women are like animals and slaves.
Women, slaves and camels are same; must seek Allah's refuge from all these...(Sunaan Abu Dawud 11.2155)

Book 11, Number 2155:

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: If one of you marries a woman or buys a slave, he should say: "O Allah, I ask Thee for the good in her, and in the disposition Thou hast given her; I take refuge in Thee from the evil in her, and in the disposition Thou hast given her." When he buys a camel, he should take hold of the top of its hump and say the same kind of thing.

Here is another insult to women. In the following hadith a woman is as impure as a dog and a monkey. In fact, there is a very little difference between the treatment of a dog and a woman if we really go deeper to get the latent meaning of this pernicious hadith. What words do we have to use to express our disgust? What would be the feeling of a modern, educated, working, respectable lady reading this authentic hadith?

A prayer is annulled by a passing woman, dog and a monkey...( Shahih Bukhari 1.9.490)

Volume 1, Book 9, Number 490:

Narrated 'Aisha:

The things which annul the prayers were mentioned before me. They said, "Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the praying people)." I said, "You have made us (i.e. women) dogs. I saw the Prophet praying while I used to lie in my bed between him and the Qibla. Whenever I was in need of something, I would slip away. for I disliked to face him."

All women have natural menstruation cycle. This is completely normal and almost 100% women are fully at ease with this natural phenomenon. It is not something for which a woman has to see a doctor every time she has her period unless there are complications. However, Islam is different. What the world thinks as simple and natural phenomenon, Islam thinks otherwise. It considers menstruation as a pestilence. Here is yet another the verse from the Qur'an.

Menstruation is a disease...2:222

002.222

PICKTHAL: They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who have a care for cleanness.

Whenever this verse is cited as anti-feminine and derogatory to women, our Islamic brothers get very defensive. They would twist and turn, and beat around the bush by saying that this verse is really meant to protect women during her period by warning people that it is a difficult time for women. How merciful! See how great Islam is! No science could discover that menstruation is a disease, but look at Islam. It is truly great. It can discover which no science or medicine could find! Let me ask our Islamic brothers a simple question. If menstruation is a disease, then why do we not ask the women to see a doctor? Why should the women be ostracised during her period? Sex during period is not advisable, although medical evidence shows that it is ok. This simple fact does not need any intervention from the almighty God through His mighty Qur'an. Even the primitive people had the knowledge of this natural periodic cycle of women and knew how to tackle it without insulting and ostracising women. Why did Muhammad do that? It was all based on the old Jewish/Zoroastrian practice of segregating women to a secluded place during her period. Muhammad did not have the guts to completely reform this discriminatory treatment of women but maintained that age-old tradition.

Here is a hadith that further confirms the gross insult (and gross miscarriage of justice too!) to women due to her physical makeup and biology. Please note that this hadith restricts a woman from doing her religious obligations because of her natural biological phenomenon. If we go by this hadith, then I wonder how would a workingwoman manage to go to work during her period.

Menstruation is a defect in women for they cannot fast and pray during their periods... (Shahih Bukhari 3.31.172)

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 172:

Narrated Abu Said:

The Prophet said, "Isn't it true that a woman does not pray and does not fast on menstruating? And that is the defect (a loss) in her religion."

In today's world, there are a few countries ruled by women including Bangladesh. This is what Islam has to say about a nation being ruled by women.

People ruled by a woman will never be successful...(Shahih Bukhari 5.59.709)

Volume 5, Book 59, Number 709:

Narrated Abu Bakra:

During the days (of the battle) of Al-Jamal, Allah benefited me with a word I had heard from Allah's Apostle after I had been about to join the Companions of Al-Jamal (i.e. the camel) and fight along with them. When Allah's Apostle was informed that the Persians had crowned the daughter of Khosrau as their ruler, he said, "Such people as ruled by a lady will never be successful."

Imam Ghazali is one of the greatest Islamic scholars of all times. Some Muslims would even say that his position is next to Muhammad. This 'great' Islamist was one the most anti-woman scholar I had ever read. Here are a few 'gems' from this greatest of all Islamists. I wonder how is it possible for a woman to be more pious than a man is when both Qur'an and ahadith find so many faults in her and relegate her position in society to that of a slave and an animal. To make sure that a woman is inferior to a man and she is always below him Imam Ghazali categorically advises Muslims not to marry rich women forgetting the fact the founder of Islam (Muhammad) himself married one of the richest lady in Arabia (Khadija) and without her immense wealth Muhammad could never have been what he dreamed of. Talk about double standard in Islam! Why does Imam Ghazali have to prescribe such a marital prescription? A prescription for disaster, may I add? He knew the power of money and wealth. He knew that a rich lady would never accept the degrading treatment of hers in the hands of her husband; she will simply desert her man if ever any man dares to dehumanise her. Nevertheless, the gross sexism of Islam must prevail. Therefore, he had no choice but to recommend marrying poor women, for, their financial dependence on men will ensure their inferiority and servitude. Here are the quotes from Ghazali' famous book.

Women should be beneath men on four things (Ref: 7.Vol II p373)

And someone else remarked: " A wife should be beneath her husband in four things or else she will despise him: age, height, wealth and lineage. She should be better than him in four others: beauty, manners, character and scrupulousness in matters of religion."

Do not marry a rich woman, marry a poor woman (Ibid, p373)

Someone once said: "The man who marries a rich woman will find five things in her, an expensive dowry, a delayed wedding, a lack of service, constant expense and an inability to divorce her should he wish to do so, because of his fear of losing her money. The case of poor woman, however, is quite the opposite."

The matter of inheritance in Islam is quite a lengthy issue and it is downright contentious too!. It is not an appropriate matter to be discussed in this essay, which is solely devoted to women related issues. However, let us not forget the unfairness of Islam towards women on this matter. Women get only half that men get. Many Islamists justify this rule by saying that a woman does not contribute anything to the creation of a family wealth. All the money she gets is for hers to keep. They also contend that other religions gave no rights of inheritance to women. Islam was/is the only religion that gave women some rights of inheritance. The first argument can be countered by the reasoning that the man who inherits something from his relatives also did not put an effort to the creation of wealth of the relative concerned. So, a man or a woman inheritor is in the same footing. So, why shouldn't they have equal share in inheritance? The second argument is simply not relevant in today's world. No other religion follows their age-old/antiquated inheritance rules any more. Most of them follow the secular rules. It is only the Islam that still persists on keeping this gross unfair inheritance rules.

Rules on inheritance women get half of men: (Note as per Shah Waliullah these verses abrogate 2:180)...4:11-12

004.011
YUSUFALI: Allah (thus) directs you as regards your Children's (Inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased Left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases ('s) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Al-wise.

Women in Islam: An exegesis - Part 1

by Abul Kasem


Prologue: After the Islamic revolution in Iran many people became interested in Islam, which was, hitherto, a very obscure religion usually associated with the Arabs, the poor, and the Blacks. Although I was a born Muslim and was indoctrinated in the faith in a very rigid manner in my childhood, I had very little idea about the 'real Islam.' Just like most Bangladeshis, I thought Islam to be peaceful, tolerant, and very positive towards women. After the Iranian revolution, I read a lot about Islam. The advent of Internet brought me the greatest opportunity to learn about Islam in a short period of time. I scanned innumerable essays in various Islamic web sites written by Islamic scholars mostly residing in the Western countries. Their essays on women gave an impression that Islam has many goodies for them. Like an ordinary gullible Muslim, I also believed in whatever they wrote. Then I found a great discrepancy in what these Islamic scholars (read Islamists) wrote and the unspeakable barbarity and gross unfairness perpetrated on the women in the Islamic paradises like, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and certain parts of Nigeria and Malaysia. If the present trend continues, then, soon Bangladesh would be in the list of Islamic paradises. I thought about my aging mother. I thought about my working sisters. I thought about my loving wife. I was greatly distressed when I thought of what could happen to these dearest relations of my life if Bangladesh goes Islamic and Allah's laws (read Sharia) are enforced in Bangladesh. This forced me to dig deeper and deeper into Islam and especially the Sharia provision/s for women. I made a microscopic dissection of Islam from its very root. What I found was shocking. Sometimes, I just could not believe what I was reading. Thus, I completely discarded the explanations, apologies, and tafsirs from the erudite Islamic scholars and started to use my own brain, common sense, and judgment to find the truth. After I found the 'real Islam', I could not look straight into the eyes of my mother. I could not sit comfortably with my sisters. I could not be at ease with my wife. I was forced to pick up the pen (read keyboard) to tell all the mothers, sisters, and wives of Islamic faith what Sharia/Islam means for them. We must let our women folk know the truth about the treatment of Islamic women before many so called 'moderate' Muslim countries bring this Trojan Horse into their lives and become another Afghanistan, Iran, or the Northern parts of Nigeria and Malaysia. As I write, I heard the news that a Nigerian woman would be stoned to death after her newly born so called illegitimate daughter is weaned, probably after a period of two years. Please think of this barbarity. Please remember your mother, remember your sisters and your loving wife when you read this essay. Won't you?

This essay is quite lengthy. I apologize for writing such a prolix article, but I could not help it. No matter how much I tried, I could not shorten further. It had to be very lengthy, for there is so much to tell. For convenience, I have divided the essay in 7 (seven parts).

To begin with, let us start with the unfairness of Allah towards women.
Allah prefers men and you know it!

The interdependency of men and women is recognized in Islam. This is because of the importance of women as a preserver of human species. However, a thorough examination of Qur'an, ahadith and the Islamic Sharia clearly demonstrates the heavy bias of Allah towards men.

Why men are considered superior? It is because of their physical strength, financial ability to pay dower and to spend on women. The Qur'an is very clear about the superiority of men over women. Let us review a few verses from Qur'an to demonstrate this fact.

Men have a degree over women...2:228

002.228
YUSUFALI: Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah Hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

This verse establishes the supremacy of men over women, although Qur'an ambiguously claims to bestow similar rights for both men and women. This verse never mentions what those rights are; neither do we find the clarification on this matter in the entire Qur'an. Therefore, a variety of interpretation can be made out of this verse. This verse can really be used to justify anything that a man can find convenient to establish his superiority over women. Of course, the Islamic apologists take this opportunity to make Qur'an look very fair and non-discriminatory to women. It could be true that Muhammad really wanted to see some improvement of status of women in Arabia during his time. However, he was reluctant to enforce a radical change for fear of a backlash from the male dominated Arab society. This verse may look a little benign for it does mention about certain rights of women although not being so specific. To see the real Islamic treatment of women we need to look elsewhere.

Let us examine the following verse up close:

Men are protectors and maintainers of women; women must be devoutly obedient, if not then beat them...4:34

004.034
YUSUFALI: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).

The above verse is quite clear about the superiority of men over women. The verse is lucid in telling the reason for the superiority of men. It is because of their physical strength and their ability to support women financially. Islamists often use this divine decree to justify the subjugation of women in Islam. But their logic falls flat if we recognize today's reality that physical size and strength does not mean a thing. Many animals are much stronger physically than men. How about an elephant? An elephant is hugely stronger than a man is but that does not make it superior to a human. Similarly, a woman may be weaker in physical strength (with proper training a woman can be as strong as any man, if not more) but her physical weakness, in no way make her inferior to men. Financial dependence? This could be true for some ancient societies; but surely not true any more. We have many examples of single women leading a financially independent happy life. There are plenty of single mums (either widowed, divorced or unmarried) who steadfastly support her family without the help of any man.

This verse also prescribes physical punishment for disobedient women. I shall write more on Islamic wife beating later. Why does God have to prescribe this torture on wives? Isn't it because men make women dependent on them? Imagine what would happen to a man if he were completely dependent on a woman for his financial support? Will he dare to raise his hand against her?

Please note the comment (lightly) inserted by the translator Yusuf Ali. He deliberately did this keeping in mind that beating is a gross indecency and a criminal offence in western societies. His purpose of translation of Qur'an was primarily aimed at the western people and the non-Muslims. That is why he softens Qur'an from its extremely harsh statements. The original Qur'an and the translation by other authors do not contain the comment (slightly) insert. Here is the translation of Pickthal and Shakir. While Pickthal translates to whip women, Shakir translates as plain beating without specifying the method.

PICKTHAL: Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.


SHAKIR: Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great.

When Qur'an treats women in such a disgraceful manner, one may wonder why almighty Allah created women after all. Was it not better to have no woman at all? Actually, Qur'an does not really know the reason for creation of women because Qur'an is not really from God. Muhammad himself with the help of a few of his scribes wrote it. Therefore, in Qur'an we simply find the mention of what people believed in those days regarding the creation of human albeit in a new format.

Here is the verse that tells the reason for the creation of women

God created us from a single person and made mate of like nature; pregnancy is a light burden to women...7:189

007.189
YUSUFALI: It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah their Lord, (saying): "If Thou givest us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful."

The verse is rather very ambiguous. It says that God created a single person first. What was the sex of that single person? Islamists often use this verse to portray the sexual equality of Islam and how Islam differs from the Christianity and Judaism. In the Bible God says that He created Adam first then He created Eve from Adam's rib. Do not be fooled by this simple-minded interpretation of the Islamists. The key word in this verse is 'you'. Who is this 'you' that God seems to be talking to. Is it a man or a woman? Remember, whom did God reveal the Qur'an? It was not a woman but a man. Moreover, elsewhere in the Hadith we read that women were created from a rib that is why they are crooked (See Shahih Muslim 8.3467). Therefore, the meaning of this verse is no different from the verse in the Bible. In this verse, the Qur'an says that women were created to give companion and pleasure to men. Please take a moment to read and think about the meaning of this verse once again. We do not really need exegesis/mullahs/Islamists to tell us the "Real" Tafsir of this verse. Simple common sense tells us that God created women to give men companionship and pleasure and to bear children. God did not create women as his primary reason. One may conclude that God made women on second thought to alleviate the loneliness and the dullness for men. Women were merely created for men's sensuous pleasure. Pure and simple. This is obvious from the following verse.

God created mate for tranquil living and put love and mercy among sexes-30:21

030.021
YUSUFALI: And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.

Does this verse seem to be contradicting the previous verse (7:189)? Of course, it does. This verse seems to suggest that God created women for men and vice versa. That is to say, God created two persons, and not one as was suggested in the previous (7:189) verse. Doesn't it? Who was created first? Man or the woman? Surely, God did not create men to give pleasure and tranquillity to women. It was the woman who was created for men. Thus, from the very beginning of creation of human we see the unfairness of God. Not only that God created woman as a second thought but also he burdened her with the task of child bearing. One may legitimately ask, 'Why? Why God has to put women in such a burdensome position?' The answer, if we go by the Islamic rule, is a simple one. Only God knows the answer. And that's all. But it is not that difficult to ponder on the real reason. All religious books are written by men (religionists say that they are the messages sent by God through His postman like Gabriel). It is, then a simple matter to realize that these prophets of God could never displease men by giving them a secondary position (like women) in the process of creation. Therefore, the women must accept without question the superiority of men. After all, pregnancy and giving birth are dirty/painful jobs that fit only slaves. Doesn't it make sense to realize that when these 'messengers of God' wrote their holy scriptures they viewed women as nothing more than sexual pleasures and slaves to carry the burden of sex (pregnancy)? Read the ancient history of Arabia that will confirm of what I have written.

Can you then guess what would have been the story of creation of Adam and Eve if God's messengers were women?

Another reason given by Qur'an as to why God prefers men is simply laughable. Have a look at the following verse.

Men love to purify themselves-9:108

009.108
YUSUFALI: Never stand thou forth therein. There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure.

In this verse, the Qur'an says that God prefers men because they (the men) love to purify themselves. Are we then to assume that the women does not know how to purify/cleanse themselves? In other words, are women unclean? Of course, the apologists will say that the meaning of purify means spiritual/mystical, sublime etc. Nowhere in the verse, it says what is the meaning of purification. It could be both spiritual as well as physical (meaning ablution before prayer). Let us take examples from the real world. Are there differences in cleanliness/purification between men and women? The answer is 'No.' Then, why should Qur'an use such inane argument to justify the divine superiority of men? Some may say that the verse did not say that the women do not know how to purify; it simply says that God loves those men who go to the mosque and purify themselves. This argument is simply not unacceptable. Are not women allowed in the mosque? If it is so, then the unfairness of God becomes more inexcusable. Why does God blatantly show his preference for men when both sexes are equally praying in the mosque? Isn't it a kind of religious apartheid?

This kind of Islamic bias for men is again demonstrated in the following verse.

Men are true to their covenant-33:23

033.023
YUSUFALI: Among the Believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah: of them some have completed their vow (to the extreme), and some (still) wait: but they have never changed (their determination) in the least:

How about the believing women? Are they not true to their faith and are they not ready to die for it? We shall, later in this article, see that women are equally commanded by God to go for Jihad and lay down their lives, if required. Why then God has a clear bias for men? Does not God trust women believers regarding their truthfulness and fealty in faith?

Only men receive revelation from God

The Qur'an and God are absolutely adamant that only men are capable of handling revelations from God. God always sends revelations to men. Thus, we have all the prophets to be men. God has never selected a woman as a prophet and in future also, he will not do so. Here are two verses that demonstrate amply this unreasonable desire of God. Have you ever wondered what would have God decided if women were financially strong in the Arabian Desert? What would have God chosen? Do you remember many extant tribal societies where the women ruled supreme? I wonder why God overlooked them.

For more unfairness of God, look at the following verses.

Revelations are sent to men only-12:109

012.109
YUSUFALI: Nor did We send before thee (as messengers) any but men, whom we did inspire,- (men) living in human habitations. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before them? But the home of the hereafter is best, for those who do right. Will ye not then understand?

Only men are chosen by God to be His messengers-16:43

016.043
YUSUFALI: And before thee also the messengers We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if ye realise this not, ask of those who possess the Message.

God chooses messengers from men and angels-22:75

022.075
YUSUFALI: Allah chooses messengers from angels and from men for Allah is He Who hears and sees (all things).

Let us briefly review those three verses. In 12.109 God says that he had never sent any messenger before Muhammad who was not a man. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet and messenger from God. Therefore, the natural conclusion is that there will never ever be woman messenger from God. In verse 16:43, God confirms his commitment of selecting only men as his messenger before Muhammad was selected to be his Prophet and messenger. This is to say that God had never selected a woman in the past to be his messenger. In 22:75, God confuses us. This time he says that he sometimes chooses men and sometimes chooses angels as his messengers. We have heard the name of a few messengers of God including Muhammad. Who were the angels sent as messengers? Was it Gabriel, Michael, Azazil, Azrael, Malik, Harut or Marut? Or does God mean that men and angels are at the same level in the eyes of God as far as the reception of his messages are concerned? Why were women excluded from the list of angels? This, too, is answered in the following verse.

Men are superior in the worshipping of God -24:37

024.037
YUSUFALI: By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: Their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new),-

Well, the above verse tells it all. Men are simply miles ahead in the worshipping of God than the women folks. Need no further explanation.

Here is a hadith that tells us that there never were perfect women although there were many perfect men. Since God is the only authority who reserves the right to bestow perfection to whomever he pleases, we must, therefore, conclude that only men are given perfection and not women no matter how much they (the women) may try. Perfection by women is simply out of question.

There are many perfect men but there are no perfect women except Mary, Asiya (Pharaoh's wife) and Aisha (Muhammad's wife)- (Shahih Muslim 31.5966)

Book 031, Number 5966:

Abu Musa reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: There are many persons amongst men who are quite perfect but there are not perfect amongst women except Mary, daughter of 'Imran, Asiya wife of Pharaoh, and the excellence of 'A'isha as compared to women is that of Tharid over all other foods.

Having established the indisputable superiority of men, God now elevates a man to the position of a kind of smaller god in the eyes of women. Here is what Islam thinks a woman should do for a man.


A man is next to God for a woman

This concept of absolute superiority of men in Islam is very similar to the Hindu practice. In Hinduism, women are asked to worship their husbands as Devota (demi God). Islam is no different on this. A woman's single purpose in life is to please her husband. Nothing is holier than this. In fact, if a woman were required to worship any one other than God it would be her husband. In hadith we read:

If a woman is to prostrate to another person (besides Allah) it will be her husband.

.(Sunaan Abu Dawud 11.2135)

Book 11, Number 2135:

Narrated Qays ibn Sa'd:

I went to al-Hirah and saw them (the people) prostrating themselves before a satrap of theirs, so I said: The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) has most right to have prostration made before him. When I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him), I said: I went to al-Hirah and saw them prostrating themselves before a satrap of theirs, but you have most right, Apostle of Allah, to have (people) prostrating themselves before you. He said: Tell me , if you were to pass my grave, would you prostrate yourself before it? I said: No. He then said: Do not do so. If I were to command anyone to make prostration before another I would command women to prostrate themselves before their husbands, because of the special right over them given to husbands by Allah.