A few days ago, it was announced by the Taliban run state of Afghanistan that women would be banned from universities.
According to reports, this is due to female students not adhering to its interpretation of the Islamic dress code and interaction between students of different genders.
The decision drew global outcry as the heads of various countries took the opportunity to slam the country for what appeared to be an irrational decision.
Even the citizens including the women of Afghanistan have taken to the streets to show their displeasure.
Contrary to Islamic principles
Among the notable critics of the move is former Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri who took to his Facebook to condemn the move.
In his post he wrote, “It clearly contradicts Islamic principles and the urge for both men and women to seek knowledge. Both genders are honourable and serve as Allah’s vicegerent on Earth. Education is both a right and an obligation for all men and women.”
“There is no discrimination in this place. It also implies that generating and teaching knowledge is not only done by males, but also by women.”
“Thus, what they are doing is absolutely not in favour of Islam, and creates more misunderstandings and Islamophobia; a combination of prejudice, fear, and hatred toward Muslims and Islam,” he explained.
Meanwhile, he also pointed out that there have been a number of female Muslim scholars who played prominent roles in early Islamic history.
“They were female companions of the Prophet PBUH, some of whom became references and masters to other male and female Prophet companions. I urge Afghanistan authorities to reconsider their decision because the truth is more deserving of being followed,” he concluded.
Did not match Afghan culture
The minister of higher education in Afghanistan’s Taliban government has since defended his decision to ban women from universities.
Acting higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem said that several issues had prompted the decision.
“We told girls to have proper hijab but they didn’t and they wore dresses like they are going to a wedding ceremony. Girls were studying agriculture and engineering, but this didn’t match Afghan culture. Girls should learn, but not in areas that go against Islam and Afghan honour.”
The higher education minister said that the Taliban “asked the world not to interfere in our affairs” as he said discussions over female education were ongoing.
What do you think of their decision?
Also read: Hadi Awang Meets With Taliban, Assures M’sian Aid For Afghanistan
