Sermon tells fathers not to hinder daughters who want careers

[N.O.R.F]

Sermon tells fathers not to hinder daughters who want careers

 

ABU DHABI // Parents should encourage their daughters to go out to work and “engage with what life demands”, worshippers were told in yesterday’s sermon.

 

It said women were needed today more than ever to help build the nation and should have the support of their families to contribute to society.

 

The government-issued sermon came after a fatwa was issued last week saying fathers had no right to prevent their daughters from seeking education or work outside the home, given certain conditions.

 

“Know that a woman today is called upon more than at any time in the past to compete with men toward doing good, and getting involved in building society with all her energy and qualifications,” the sermon said.

 

The sermon spelt out the usual requirements for a woman wanting a job, such as not having to compromise her modesty, integrity and honour, but reminded Muslims of the extent to which the country was promoting opportunities for women.

 

“Society is investing a great deal in educating women and grooming them and opening doors of opportunity for them.

 

“Indeed, there are many venues where only a woman can venture, so it is no wonder then that she should be quick to embrace her responsibilities and duties to contribute to her country and society.

 

“This is the model that the world today thrives on. So should a woman in our society sit idle? No. And her parents must encourage and push her to carry forth her duties and engage with what life demands of her.

 

“Let us all work together, men and women with God’s blessings, to build our nation, and strive toward advancement and refinement.”

 

Last week, Dr Ali Jumaa, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, issued a fatwa saying young women should be free to take jobs and pursue higher education, even if their male guardians objected. The declaration, published by the General Authority for Religious Affairs and Endowments (AWQAF), said a daughter could override parental objections when taking a job or going to university if it was in her best interests to do so.

 

The 10-page fatwa is the first result of a collaboration between the UAE and the Grand Mufti on religious matters.

 

A similar fatwa was issued earlier this year by AWQAF in response to a woman’s enquiry through its website. She said she had graduated as a medical doctor, and was surprised to learn that her father was against the idea of her working.

 

“His excuse is that we are blessed with plenty, and we’re in no need for a salary. But I still want to work as a service for society. Can I work without my family’s permission?” she asked.

 

The mufti replied that in a case where a woman’s career would clearly benefit society, as with medicine, then she could work without the consent of her male guardian.

 

http://www.thenation al.ae/article/200905 16/NATIONAL/70515982 2

[MAXIMUS POWERS]

about bloody time these women were liberated from the harsh underbelly of Arabian culture!