We’re always made to affirm, on pain of charges of “Islamophobia,” that Islam is not a monolith, but rather a gorgeous mosaic notable for its multiplicity. The only things interfering with this inspiring picture are the recurring death threats against those Muslims who attempt to soften some of Islam’s sharper edges. Islamic Tolerance Alert and an update on this story: “Javed Akhtar gets death threats,” from Zeenews.com, May 15 (thanks to S.K.):
Mumbai: Noted lyricist Javed Akhtar received a spate of death mails, following his strong views against the Deoband seminary in UP, which recently came out with a fatwa against working women.
The All-India Milli Council (AIMC), All-India Sunni Jamaitul Ulema and Raza Academy said that women should dress according to the Islamic laws. Talking to a news daily, Moonisa Bushra Abedi, an AMIC member, said, “Purdah is an integral part of Islam. Women should dress modestly and cover themselves if they have to work. It is unlawful if they work and talk to men who are strangers without wearing a veil.”
Talking about working women, Abedi continued, “Their earnings are not ‘haram’ but if they do not follow principles while working, then it is.”
However, Javed Akhtar strongly condemned such uncalled remarks, following which the scriptwriter was told to apologise or face strict action. “Both he and his wife do not follow Muslim law or consider themselves Muslims, why should they talk on Islam,” said Abdul Qayyum Shaikh of the All- India Milli Council, which further added that Muslims working in films are ‘haram.’
Earlier, on a news channel, Javed Akhtar had called muftis “insane”.
Not insane. Just evil.