On July 14th, 2015, KARAMAH was joined by MEPI Student Leaders hailing from all over the Middle East and North Africa to learn about the organization’s work to advance knowledge of Islam in the US and abroad. The group was part of a US State Department sponsored program to increase understanding of civil society and democratic processes and to enhance leadership skills. KARAMAH’s executive director Aisha Rahman spoke about the importance of KARAMAH’s advocacy, research, and educational programs in promoting Islamic principles of justice and equity and educating communities on their rights in Islamic law.
“Democracy is not foreign to Islam”
Ms. Rahman, highlighted the need to revisit Islamic history to draw valuable lessons in democracy, conflict resolution and women’s rights in order to prevent present-day injustices and avoid schisms in our societies. She reminded the students that concepts of democracy and democratic governance are not foreign to Islam. When Prophet Muhammad PBUH immigrated to Madinah, he did not appoint himself as a leader. He was rather elected by the people. They were in fact, four women of Madinah who first pledged allegiance (bay’ah) to the Prophet PBUH. Ms. Rahman quoted stories from Islamic history to illustrate the importance of conflict resolution. When Makkan tribes argued about who gets to move the black stone in Ka’bah, Prophet Muhammad exerted magnificent conflict resolution skills by placing the black stone on his garment and having leaders of each tribe hold a corner of he garment to move the stone together.
“Women have power and agency and can advocate for their case through knowledge.”
Ms. Rahman referenced the story of the elderly woman who spoke up for women’s financial rights to khalifah Umar as an example of women’s agency and power through knowledge. This particular story reiterated the relevance of KARAMAH’s work to educate Muslims on their rights so they can better advocate for themselves and for justice. The story also speaks to the place of Muslim women in the mosque. “1400 years ago, a woman was in the mosque speaking to the khalifah. Today, we are not in positions of leadership in our mosques or shura councils in our mosques… some are even saying women should not even be in the masjid,” said Ms. Rahman.
“The family is the core of society. If it is dysfunctional or insecure, the rest of society will not function right.”
Ms. Rahman talked about KARAMAH’s work in family law and legal assistance to families. She also discussed the relationship between Islamic law and Civil law. The student leaders pointed out that culture and tradition, however, hinder women’s access to their rights and that society needs to be educated about the “soul” of marriage and marital rights and obligations. The students were energized by Ms. Rahman’s talk, one left saying:
“I like what you are standing for. Thank you for this inspirational session.”
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