The Hindu : National : "Fatwa is an answer, not a decree"

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Friday, Jul 01, 2005

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National

"Fatwa is an answer, not a decree"

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Wakf Board chairperson, Bader Sayeed, has contended that a fatwa (edict) was only an answer to a query and not a decree.

"A decree can only be passed by a competent court," she said referring to the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board's stamp of approval on the fatwa issued by Deoband declaring a marriage illegal on the ground that the wife was raped by her father-in-law.

"By this act, the board is only trying to make illegal what is actually legal [that is] the marriage of Imrana — the victim. Islamic law makes the establishment of justice its top priority," she said.

She said the board was known for its conservative views and its backing of the fatwa only reaffirmed its "complete insensitivity" to Muslim women. "Instead of ascertaining the wishes of the victim and her husband, it is obvious that she has been coerced into accepting the so-called verdict. The board is acting clearly contrary to the established norms of law. The Muslim community has always had an enlightened approach on many other important issues and it is time they took a principled stand and make their positions known on issues affecting their lives," she said.

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