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Understanding the Nikahnama
As marriages evolve, many brides remain vulnerable due to a lack of understanding of the Nikahnama, the legal and religious framework of their union. This ignorance can lead to life-altering consequences, stripping women of rights they never knew they had. The Nikahnama establishes the groundwork for a balanced marriage, making it essential for young women to comprehend the protections it offers, especially amid rising marital disputes and domestic abuse.
Couples who understand the Nikahnama nurture a bond of trust, strengthening their relationship.
Many women discover, too late, that they have forfeited basic rights due to naivety. For instance, a friend realized she could have negotiated her right to initiate divorce (talaq) only after years of hardship. The Nikahnama can protect a woman’s financial security and independence, serving as a shield against future uncertainties.
In today’s context of financial instability and emotional strain, a deep understanding of the Nikahnama prepares women for these challenges. We must advocate for pre-marital education that includes this knowledge.
Parents, religious leaders and educators should collaborate to ensure that girls are informed before making such a significant commitment. Empowering the next generation requires open discussion so that no bride enters marriage uninformed.
Tania Shahjahan
Islamabad
Women’s safety
When we flip through the pages of a newspaper, we come across many incidents of sexual assaults, molestation, sexual harassments, rapes, trafficking, ill treatment of women, violence against women in remote areas, etc.
The crime comes amid heightened concerns about sexual violence in India. It seems that criminals are no longer afraid of the law. It is also evident that many cities in India can no longer claim to be safe for the growing number of working women.
We must have remedial or curative measures such as fast track courts, especially dedicated to deal only with these offences and crimes.
These can be made responsible to clear the cases on a day to day basis with fair trial as its core principle. The law should be strong enough so that nobody could ever imagine of doing such things. It is time the government undertakes drastic measures to put an end to crime against women. I would like to quote that a country which does not respect women cannot become a developed country.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Indian muslims
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi’s radical vision of establishing a Hindu nation, is a U-Turn on the path of Secular vision of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
It is undeniable fact that role played by Muslims in Independence Movement was not lesser than any other community. It is a fact that the first voice for independence was raised from the stage of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind in 1921 much before the demand of “Sotanater Sangram” by Mahatma Gandhi and Congress.
The historic role of Shaikhul Hind Maulana Mehmood-ul-Hasan and Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi also cannot be denied. Rising Hindu nationalist violence against religious minorities is a question-mark for the nationalist and peace loving section of India.
Why is it that Indian Muslims continue to be subjected to violent assaults for praying, marrying, eating beef, protesting or even for the unforgivable crime of being alive and the world keeps getting mesmerized by the colourful garb of “Secular India?”
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Effects of TikTok
I am writing to express my concerns about the impact of TikTok on our society, particularly on the younger generation. While TikTok has become a popular platform for entertainment and self-expression, it has several negative consequences that cannot be ignored.
TikTok’s addictive algorithm and endless scrolling feature have led to a significant decrease in attention span and an increase in screen time among users. Moreover, the platform’s em-phasis on likes, followers, and viral content has fostered a culture of competition and com-parison, which negatively affects users’ mental health and self-esteem.
Furthermore, TikTok has raised concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and the spread of misinformation. The platform’s ownership and ties to China have also sparked worries about censorship and propaganda. I urge you to consider the long-term effects of TikTok on our society and take necessary steps to mitigate its negative impacts.
Saleh Ali Jan
Awaran
