Pakistan has a colorful culture without any doubt with lots of traditions and customs. But the problem arises when they endorse some of the culture as a name of Islam. The religion Islam does not endorse such things, so we are here with part two of such things.
So here we are with another part of culture vs Islam. Every country has its peculiar set of customs that are appropriate according to their geographical whereabouts. It can be any wedding tradition, societal restriction, or weird government law. For example, it is frowned upon if you talk in the elevators in Japan. It is weird of us but this law is accepted by the local Japanese so we cannot outlaw it.
In the last part, we discussed a few things that are considered taboo in Pakistani society, you can read that article here. Most of them targeting freedom and self being of women in the society. Today we will discuss few other things that also targets only women UNFORTUNATELY!
Here is the list of culturally appropriate customs but not Islam approved.
Right Of Divorce
In Pakistani society, women are not entitled to ask for a divorce. If they ask for it, they are instantly labeled as characterless or corrupt. Meanwhile on the other hand, if men ask or even deliver the divorce, no one bats an eye or even blames the women for the consequences.
In Islam, Divorce is equally permissible to men and women without any discrimination. It is not appreciated if divorce is taken without any valid reason. But if a woman or man is not happy with his or her spouse, they can call it off instantly.
Women Are a Source Of Sin and Misdeed
In Pakistani society, women are objectified as a source of sin or misdeed. The culture often describes them as a ‘Fasaad ki Jarr’ or the root cause of the disaster. Society explains the mindset as because of women, men got diverted from their ‘great goals’ and got unsuccessful in life and God. The prime example they gave is of Eve convincing Adam to eat an apple and later getting abducted from paradise.
But in Islam, women are respected as a Mother, Daughter, Wife or Sister. Even a man as no relation with a woman, man is obligated to lower his gaze and respect the lady. There are no exception that a man got ‘diverted’ because of women and other rubbishes. According to Islam, women completes the Deen, a source of love and harmony in the home, and prospererors of the society.
Stay Maiden till Marriage
In Pakistani or many desi cultures, it is considered taboo of having a sexual relationship without any wedlock. But if a man does or cheats on his wife, he can get away with it convincingly. But if a woman does it, or someone has a slight ‘doubt’ about her infidelity. She can be questionable or even get killed because of it. ‘Kaar o kaari’, ‘Wani’, and many other customs were created which punish both of them, but in most cases, the men got away and only women got punished severely.
In Islam, it is a severely prohibited sin to have a physical relationship out of wedlock. The restriction imposed upon both the genders and the level of punishments is also the same. If a couple is found out doing ‘zina’ (intercourse without getting married), the Islamic punishment is ‘Rajam’ (throwing stones until dead). This bold punishment is for both parties.
So stay vigilant and choose wisely before taking any action as the culturally appropriate act can take you to the deep pits of hell or a lush meadow of paradise.