MERI Maán Meri Ustad has been published to commemorate the In ternational Women’s Day and it has been designed in accordance with the teachings of Islam with historical perspective. It does notmalign any political or religious party, more so it does not stand against the empowerment of women rather favours the Islamic way of life in the light of modern society. It impinges upon women against their dual responsibilities as a mother, a wife, a sister and a daughter, nurturing the children to be a responsible citizen in life. The book recommends women for a collective efforttomaintain a perfect equilibrium for a healthy family life. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has fully granted equal rights with the men, conforming to a happy life with integrated and holistic approach in all spheres of life. A balanced and a moderate lifestyle is truly close to the nature and spiritual values of Islam which is the main goal of women’s empowerment. When we wrote this book the slogan “MyBodyMy Choice”, is only present in the culture of western feminists and not the Pakistani female activists. Hence we did not feel to embark onthis subject as we are Muslims and the discussion on the above subject will be irrelevant in our culture. Recently, a section of female activists have fearlessly demanded a debate on the subject which were promptly highlighted in the media. Since we are not an authority on the subject, we felt it necessary only to throw some light on the subject. Perhaps, according to a section of vocalists of “Mera Jism Meri Marzi” think that physical emancipation of females willleadthe men to lose the physical control over women or socialliberation of females willleadto freedom from political, economical and social bondage from the male chauvinism. As such men will not be able to throw acid on the faces if a girl denies her hand in marriage to a particular person or consider himself innocent for honour killing by a real bother, father or a relative, blamed against sexual infidelity. In fact, our society gives equal rights to men and women to decide their participation in terms of marriages under certain limitations in order to regulate their future life in a most organized way which differentiate them from animals. If we allow “Mera Jism Meri Marzi” which means physical or sexual autonomy will result in chaotic situation in the society, currently observed in certain states which claim to be advanced nations. In fact, we need to educate our people to alienate such slogan “My Body My Choice” from our culture and live a peaceful and happy life under regulatedlimitations of Islamto avoid sexual anarchy. Marriage in Islam is a social contract between man and women. It is a way of life, an idea to beautify the world. Nikah in a Muslim society and culture is an agreement to share happiness and sadness to create a balanced society and a source to continue the human breed. Nikah provides unshakable love, security and mutual understanding to glorify the happiest life in yielding moments. Today, we are seized with slogans like women’s Day, Mothers’ & Fathers’ Day, capped with Valentine Day as recently communicated by Zaheer Bhatti. Such slogans are sadly stretched to unacceptable limits, holding detestable banners with theses slogans ” My Body my Choice “ betraying total ignorance of Islamic social values in which the female enjoys an unmatched status as enshrined in Muslim faith. —The writer is Retired Professor & Eye Specialist, Rawalpindi Medical University
