Pakistan: Snatch away the microphone

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) is back in action with its increasingly absurd recommendations. The real problem here is the state which empowers such misguided elements, and the media which exaggerates their importance. The state must withdraw patronage, and the media must stop taking them seriously. A preacher is nothing without an audience.

Additionally, what does this recommendation really mean? What does it really change? The majority of Pakistanis do not subscribe to the regressive ideology being propagated by the council members. Those who indulge in child marriages, due to cultural, tribal traditions, will continue to do so, and it can perhaps be assumed, that those who found the idea unsavory to begin with, will continue to refrain. Though it is difficult not to be concerned, the idea that an underage marriage epidemic will suddenly sweep the nation is perhaps a little off the mark.

Still, it is imperative to criticize and discredit the CII simply because of the platform that is being used, and given to them. Here we have a constitutionally mandated body telling people it’s acceptable to marry 9-year-olds off. Furthermore, it is informing distressed husbands that they can marry another woman without approval from their first wives. In the same breath, they have the audacity to claim that rights of children and women will be protected. Were they not wearing a cloak of religion around them, the masses would recognize them for the ignorant, outdated misogynists that they really are. In the civilized world (and Islamic belief itself), one of the most important aspects of marriage is the presence of consensus derived from the free will of two individuals. Child marriage is devoid of this fundamental element of choice. And since it is not a choice, it can only be an obligation that they are required to fulfill. This, in essence, is the criminal violation of the rights of a child which no decent society should ever tolerate. The devastating physical impact early marriages have especially on young girls is a grave issue in itself.

Members of the council have clarified that a man should only look for a new wife if he’s satisfied with his ability to ensure justice between the two, or three, or four women. How then, is this a measure of justice? Does the unhappiness and disapproval of a woman not qualify as injustice? Does the exploitation of her psychological health, of her children’s emotional and sometimes physical wellbeing not make the cut? In the opinion of council members, it doesn’t. They define ‘justice’ as equal division of time and resources between the wives. That is the glorious prescription of their specific breed of humanity.

http://www.nation.com.pk/editorials/13-Mar-2014/snatch-away-the-microphone