Latest news with #IslamicShariah
Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Real fertility crisis in Pakistan
Listen to article The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched the State of World Population report 2025 on June 12 in Nairobi. This year's theme focuses on 'The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World'. While the report does not present new insights into the skewed fertility trends that have divided the globe, it provides a novel perspective on addressing what many politicians consider an existential threat. In some developing nations such as Pakistan, population growth and size are often seen as primary barriers to development and economic prosperity. Conversely, while a significant decline in total fertility rates poses a challenge to economic stability in various developed countries — such as China, Japan, and the rapidly advancing economies of Southeast Asia — other nations have managed to maintain population growth despite low fertility. Countries like Australia, Canada, France, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK and the US have consistently recorded fertility rates below replacement level of 2.1 yet are expected to continue growing beyond 2054 largely due to sustained immigration policies. Therefore, the concerns about fertility as an existential threat are largely overstated. The socioeconomic, geopolitical and environmental ramifications of both high and low fertility rates are considerable, necessitating a thorough examination of their underlying factors. In the short term, socioeconomic elements, particularly urbanisation and evolving childbearing practices, significantly influence fertility trends. Since fertility rates are associated with the demographic transition — a seemingly widespread phenomenon - the potential public health consequences are quite detrimental. Changes in fertility patterns have intensified concerns related to birth rates, prompting governments to explore various policy options concerning childbirth and family planning. To effectively address the challenge around fertility rates, it is essential to first dispel the common misconceptions. The foremost misconception is that the global fertility rate is so low that humanity faces the threat of extinction. The current world fertility rate is estimated to exceed 2.2, indicating that the world population is still growing. Another pervasive misconception about fertility is that religion is the primary driver of rapid population growth. Although religious organisations, such as the Catholic Church and Islamic Shariah courts, may officially oppose artificial birth control, there is mostly a notable gap between the official stances of religious leaders and the actual behaviours of their followers. A compelling example is the Islamic Republic of Iran, which implemented one of the most successful family planning initiatives in history, leading to a remarkable decrease in the country's fertility rate from 6.5 to 1.6. A third major myth is the assumption that slower or faster population growth inherently harms the economy. Economic wellbeing depends more on the human capital and quality of skills than on population size or growth — especially in the era of artificial intelligence. UNFPA conducted a survey of approximately 14,000 individuals across 14 countries, which together represent over 37% of the world's population. Most respondents expressed a desire to have two or more children. Notably, one in five individuals under the age of 50 fear they will not reach their ideal family size, while one in ten anticipate having fewer children than they would prefer — compared to only 7% who expect to have more. Among respondents over the age of 50, more than 40% reported not having the number of children they would ideally have, with 31% having fewer and 12% having more. More than half of all respondents identified economic challenges — such as financial insecurity, job insecurity, the cost of housing and childcare — as barriers to having the number of children they desire. Almost one in five reported having experienced a situation where they were unable to access medical or health services related to contraception or reproductive health. These findings suggest that the real question is not about the attitude of the people but the policies and incentives that shape or limit their reproductive choices. This report is the first-ever UN document that examines the reasons behind the declining birth rates. UNFPA supports nations in building demographic resilience by taking a comprehensive approach to their population dynamics, thereby alleviating adverse impacts and seizing opportunities presented by demographic shifts. Almost half of all pregnancies globally are unplanned. Furthermore, in the European Union, the number of childless single-person households surged by 21% from 2013 to 2023. Considering growing concerns about a potential 'depopulation crisis', recent findings reveal that while most individuals desire to have children, many encounter overwhelming obstacles. Women and young individuals are often criticised for supposedly 'rejecting' parenthood, but surveys indicate that most people across various countries aspire to have two or more children. New statistics demonstrate that both women and men experience significant restrictions on their reproductive choices. The report reveals that two in three women in Pakistan cannot make decision about their reproductive health. In addition, the family planning needs of 16% of women across Pakistan remain unmet. The quest of ensuring reproductive agency of people, especially women, demands recognition of their reproductive rights. Apart from economic and policy factors, social factors such as gender-based violence and child marriage limit the autonomy and reproductive agency of women and girls. The challenges that hinder individuals from preventing unintended pregnancies frequently overlap with those that restrict their ability to achieve their desired family size, including economic marginalisation, gender inequality, inadequate access to healthcare and a pervasive sense of hopelessness about the future. I believe the key issue is recognising the significance of reproductive rights, which encompasses the quest for reproductive agency. It is well-recognised that the realisation of women's reproductive rights is intrinsically linked to gender equality and women's empowerment. Gender-based violence significantly undermines women's ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and heightens their risk of experiencing adverse reproductive health outcomes.
Saudi Gazette
31-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Grand Mufti: Performing Hajj without a permit is a sin
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, stressed the need to fully adhere to the instructions issued by the relevant authorities, most notably obtaining an official permit to perform the rituals. This was delivered in a directive to Muslims wishing to perform Hajj this year. The Grand Mufti emphasized that performing Hajj without a permit constitutes a grave violation of Islamic law, as it violates the system and the public interest. He warned that violating the instructions issued by the relevant Hajj authorities constitutes a clear violation of the orders of the ruler and is contrary to the Islamic Shariah. "Anyone who performs Hajj without a permit is guilty of a religious sin, as this harms public order and undermines the objectives of Islamic law, which are aimed at preserving order, preventing chaos, and achieving the interests of the servants." The Grand Mufti also urged all pilgrims to ensure they receive the health vaccinations prescribed by the Ministry of Health, emphasizing that preventing diseases and epidemics is a religious duty and a religious responsibility, especially during a season when Muslims flock from all over the world. He emphasized the importance of full cooperation with security and health authorities and adhering to their instructions, warning that "negligence in implementing instructions may expose the pilgrim to legal accountability and undermine the purpose of Hajj, which is worship, security, and safety." He praised the great efforts made by the Saudi government, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in facilitating the performance of the rituals and providing all necessary resources to ensure the safety and security of the guests of God. Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti received fatwa seekers at the headquarters of the General Presidency of Scientific Research and Ifta in Makkah. He assigned a number of scholars and sheikhs to answer pilgrims' inquiries during the Hajj season. These scholars include Sheikh Abdulsalam Al-Sulaiman, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and member of the Permanent Committee for Ifta, at mobile number (0504222205); Sheikh Jibril Al-Basili, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and official for Ifta in the Asir Region, at mobile number (0506741787); and Sheikh Abdullah Al Tayyar, official for Ifta in the Qassim region at mobile number (0556377792). The list of scholars also includes: the Fatwa official for the Makkah region Sheikh Muhammad Bazmoul on the number (0553480005), the Fatwa official for the Jazan region Sheikh Muhammad Shaiba,on the number (0504577218), and the General Department of Fatwa's number on the WhatsApp (0535256603).
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
CII takes exception to child marriage bill
Listen to article The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has rejected a bill that bans marriage under the age of 18 in Islamabad, describing it as un-Islamic. The council has also declared the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025, presented by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government, in conflict with Shariah. A meeting of the CII was held on Tuesday chaired by Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi. According to the statement issued after the meeting, the council discussed the bill presented by MNA Sharmila Faruqi of the PPP and passed by the National Assembly on May 17. The bill was introduced with the object to curb, discourage and eventually eradicate the concept and phenomenon of child marriages. It said no Nikah registrar shall register a marriage where one or both the contracting parties are below the age of 18 years. It stated that whoever contravened with or failed to comply with sub-section (1) and (2) of the bill shall be liable to be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which shall not be more than one year and with fine amounting to Rs100,000, or both, unless he proved that he had reason to believe that the marriage was not a child marriage. The bill sought further punishment for male adults above 18 years of age marrying a child. "Whoever, being a male above eighteen years of age, contracts a child marriage shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to three years but shall not be less than two years and shall be liable to fine," it said. The CII noted that the clauses defining marriage under the age of 18 as sexual assault and prescribing punishments do not align with Islamic injunctions. The statement clarified that the bill to prohibit child marriage was not referred to the CII for review before legislation. The council also found the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025 submitted by the K-P government to be in contradiction with Shariah. The CII emphasized that thalassemia testing before marriage should be optional, not mandatory, adding that, according to Islamic teachings, marriage should be kept free from unnecessary complications. The council also expressed concern over the irresponsible reporting of court decisions. It clarified that forcing the bride's family to provide dowry items is contrary to Islamic teachings. The statement also said that women should have the right to choose whether to keep the domicile of their husband's area or that of their parents after marriage. It ruled that after the completion of iddat — the mandatory waiting period — the husband is not financially responsible for the divorced wife. In Islamic Shariah, iddat is also observed in the event of the husband's death. The CII also proposed amendments to Clause 7 of the Muslim Family Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was referred to it by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and formed a committee to draft a new version of the law. The meeting also considered questions received from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), as well as issues related to mudarabah (Islamic finance), housing schemes, and investment matters.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Good response to lights-off movement
Bhatkal: The nationwide ' lights-off movement ' called by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board ( AIMPLB ) against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 received overwhelming support in Bhatkal on Wednesday night, as Muslim-majority areas plunged into darkness at 9pm in a symbolic show of dissent. In response to AIMPLB's call to switch off lights for 15 minutes from 9pm to 9.15pm, Bhatkal's prominent social organisation, Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, mobilised support by disseminating the appeal through more than 100 mosques across the town. The forum also issued its own appeal urging the public to turn off lights to express discontent against the law passed by the central govt. As the clock struck 9pm, residents in homes, shops, and commercial establishments in localities such as Sultan Street, Jamia Street, Khalifa Street, Takia Street, Qazia Street, Mushma Street, Ghausia Street, Farooqi Street, Qidwai Road, Main Road, Nawayath Colony, Madina Colony, Umar Street, Usmaniya Street, Kargedde, Azad Nagar, and other Muslim-dominated areas switched off their lights, resulting in a unified 15-minute blackout. Lights were turned back on precisely at 9.15pm. During the blackout, many residents performed ablution and offered special prayers, seeking divine intervention for the protection of the community's religious rights. Protesters denounced the Waqf Amendment Act as being in violation of both Islamic Shariah and the Indian Constitution's guarantees of religious freedom, asserting that the law is unacceptable in its current form and must be withdrawn.
Al Bawaba
27-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
KIB Invest Launches Islamic KD Money Market Fund
Al Dawli Invest Investment Company (KIB Invest), a leading firm in Shariah-Compliant investments, is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural investment product, the Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund. This marks a significant milestone as the first fund under the KIB Invest entity, showcasing the firm's commitment to delivering Shariah-Compliant investment solutions to its Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund is specifically designed for investors seeking a secure and liquid investment option. By investing in highly liquid short- and medium-term Islamic money market instruments, the Fund aims to deliver competitive returns while ensuring full compliance with Islamic Shariah principles. Investors benefit from flexible access to their funds through weekly liquidity, offering convenience and control. With a focus on capital preservation, the Fund safeguards investor capital while generating consistent addition to its strong performance potential, the Fund features a highly competitive fee structure. With no subscription or redemption fees, it minimizes costs for investors, making it an attractive and affordable choice. This cost-effective approach ensures that more of the returns remain with the investors, enhancing the overall value proposition. Designed to offer returns comparable to Islamic deposit products, the Fund also provides the added advantage of enhanced liquidity.'We are proud to launch the Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund, which represents a significant step forward for KIB Invest as we establish ourselves as a trusted partner for Islamic investments,' said Jamal Al Barrak, CEO of KIB Invest. 'This Fund reflects our commitment to aligning our clients' investment goals with their values, offering a secure and Shariah-compliant vehicle to manage their capital while benefiting from competitive returns and unmatched flexibility. Looking ahead, we are eager to introduce further products with varying return and risk profiles, catering to clients seeking higher growth opportunities and further broadening the investment universe available to them.'As part of its strategic vision, KIB Invest is dedicated to expanding the investment universe for the group's clients. The launch of the Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund is supported by a robust Fund Executive Committee, composed of experienced professionals committed to delivering value and maintaining the highest standards of governance and performance. Islamic money market instruments present an attractive return profile, closely resembling the returns of traditional deposits while providing enhanced flexibility through liquidity. This makes the Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund an ideal choice for investors seeking stability, compliance, and accessibility.
