A rejoinder to hon.union minister Shri Venkaiah Naidu

A rejoinder to hon.union minister Shri Venkaiah Naidu

Honourable Union Minister Shri Venkaiah Naidu’s recent statement that “like Hindu society which abolished practices like child marriage, dowry and sati, Muslims should mull over putting an end to the triple talaq divorce system” is not based on facts. While of course sati is not in practice now, child marriage continues and the evil dowry system is actually on the increase to a great extent particularly in States like Andhra Pradesh from where the minister hails.

Islam has prescribed rules for divorce. It is said that Allah’s kingdom is shaken when this ugly word is pronounced. Islamic scholars continue to discourage divorce and ask couples to follow a policy of give and take for a happy married life. This is the reason why Muslims have lower divorce rate. If we go to the family courts, we can see what is happening there to the couples seeking divorce. The less said the better.

Muslim men and women strongly believe that Islamic laws are the best safeguards for them. Triple talaq and polygamy are very rare among Muslims and in fact on the decrease. They are pained to see every Tom, Dick and Harry interfering in their internal affairs. If any reform is necessary, it should come from within the community in the light of the holy Quran and Ahadees. The Muslim personal law should continue to be in existence in our country.