Pervez Bari | Clarion India
BHOPAL – A well-attended conference earlier this week called for a collective focus on education, cultural preservation, and community development, reaffirming the critical role of women in shaping the future of the Muslim Ummah.
Addressing the conference in Hyderabad titled “The Role of Women in Safety, Protection and Progress of the Muslim Community,” Maulana Obaidullah Azmi, vice president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), emphasised the importance of education and the pen’s power and referred to the sacrifices of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA), who dedicated all her resources in the propagation of Islam.
Maulana Azmi urged the audience to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in addressing challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah. He said education, protection, existence, and survival of the community require huge resources and a committed team and urged women to support the cause of the community.
The convener of the day-long Women’s Conference-2025, organised by the All India Muslim Women Association (AIMWA), Ms. Asma Nadeem, stated in a press release that Tuesday’s event was attended by delegates from across India including Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, as well as Kurnool, Mahbubnagar, Khammam, Kadapa and Nizamabad.
In her speech, Ms Asma highlighted the objectives of the AIMWA. She discussed the association’s 30-year long journey in serving the Muslim community, particularly its efforts through the Muslim Girls’ Association and Muslim Women’s Association.
She emphasised the continuous efforts of Hyderabad’s women in the fields of dawah, awareness of education, women empowerment, social reforms, social service, economic development and poverty alleviation.
Ms Shamim Fatima, State president of Telangana AIMWA, quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an and explained the qualities of women mentioned in Surah Al-Ahzab, such as Muslimat, Muminat, Sa’imat and Zakirat. She emphasised that these attributes are crucial for the survival and protection of the Muslim community.
She stressed the importance of safeguarding faith, worship, culture and civilisation, warning against the dangers posed to Muslim families and urging women to uphold the legacy of a successful Muslim society.
Maulana Arif Kaleem, principal of Jamia Ahl-e-Sunnah wal Jammat, speaking as a special guest, reminded the audience of the golden legacy of Muslim women, including the Mothers of the Believers and female companions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He emphasised their contributions to the growth, survival, and protection of Muslim society.
Muhammad Adeeb, president of Indian Muslims for Civil Rights, appreciated the participation of women in such large numbers, calling it a beacon of hope for the future. He stressed the need to eradicate poverty and ignorance, avoiding wasteful expenditure and dedicating energy to the collective progress of society.
Mushtaq Malik, president of Tehreek Muslim Shabban, highlighted critical issues facing the Muslim community including CAA, NRC, and the protection of Waqf properties. He emphasised the indispensable role of women in addressing these challenges and praised the participation of doctors, teachers, advocates and professionals at the conference.
Ms Asma Shah, guest of honour and a distinguished educationist, discussed the significant role women and girls play in development while highlighting the absence of peace, love, and contentment in many homes despite wealth and education.
She advocated for women to prioritise family stability, emphasising that the survival and protection of strong families are the foundation of a robust society and community. She said Islam allows growth, progress and development. “We need to learn the teachings and etiquettes of Islam,” Ms. Asma Shah opined.
Ms Tehniyat Athar addressed the oppression faced by women and children globally, pointing to the colonial exploitation of Africa and Asia over the last three centuries. She stressed the importance of progress and reconstruction to avoid societal decline and highlighted the role of women in combating challenges faced by the community.
Ms Yasmin Farooqi, a guest speaker from Jaipur, highlighted the increasing hostility against Muslims in India due to sectarian propaganda by extremist groups. She called for strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, which seeks to undermine the Islamic system of endowments. She warned that if passed, the bill could erase the identity and heritage of the Muslim community.
Ms Zeenat Mehtab, from New Delhi, emphasised the critical roles of mothers and teachers in shaping the next generation, urging women to dedicate their time and skills to protecting faith, culture, and language while contributing to the development of Muslim society.
Dr Asma Zehra, president of AIMWA, pointed out efforts by governments, media, and political forces to erase Muslim identity and values, resulting in challenges for daughters deviating from the faith. The targeting of Islamic practices like hijab and marriage system in Islam and the age of girls, family laws, personal laws etc. She said “Islam has given a complete code of conduct for individuals and collective life. The dress code and the family code are a blessing and protection, our homes are a blessing, our family is a blessing, our marriage system is a blessing and protection. We should seek refuge in the teachings of Islam,” she added.
Dr Zehra illuminated the need for a well-organised effort to safeguard the faith, worship, and cultural heritage of Muslims. She urged women to take a stand and protect the Islamic way of life for future generations. She called on women, mothers, teachers, and professionals to utilise their skills for the betterment of the community.
Ms Mohsina Akbani, a special guest from Nagpur, highlighted the sacrifices of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and the glorious characters in Islamic history.