رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد, نویسنده در رسانه گوهرشاد

Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

10 months ago - 397 Visits

Love and Respect; The Forgotten Legacy of the Prophet in Interactions with Women in Afghanistan

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari Congratulations to all Muslims around the world on the blessed birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the messenger of mercy and kindness. The auspicious occasion of his birth provides a valuable opportunity to explore various aspects of his esteemed character and to benefit from his priceless teachings. Among these, examining the remarkable behavior of the Prophet (PBUH) towards women, especially his beloved daughter Fatimah (SA), can serve as a valuable model for all individuals, particularly men. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who epitomized kindness and compassion, displayed utmost love and respect in his relationships with his family, particularly with his daughter Fatimah (SA). As narrated by Aisha (RA), the beloved wife of the Prophet (PBUH), "Whenever Fatimah entered the house, the Prophet would rise to welcome her, kiss her, and greet her with a beaming face." This narration is just a glimpse into the boundless love the Prophet (PBUH) had for his daughter. As a perfect model for humanity, he teaches us that showing love to family, especially women, is both essential and commendable. In addition to this benevolent behavior, there are other historical accounts that illustrate the respectful and kind interactions of the Prophet with people, particularly women. For instance, Abdul Malik ibn Umayr recounts an incident involving a woman named Umm Ala, stating that the Prophet visited her during her illness and said, "Good news to you, O Umm Ala; the sickness of a Muslim expiates their sins, just as fire purifies iron." Such behaviors demonstrate the Prophet's (PBUH) ability to combine assertiveness and strength with kindness and compassion. The Behavioral Model of the Prophet (PBUH) for All Eras The behavioral model of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in his interactions with women and girls is not limited to his time; it continues to inspire all people across generations. Through his kind and respectful demeanor, he demonstrated to the world that Islam holds women and girls in high regard, and this respect is a fundamental principle of ethics and humanity. The Prophet (PBUH) created equal opportunities for girls in various fields, showing that they possess talents and capabilities just like boys, enabling them to play effective and constructive roles in society. This behavioral model not only helped combat erroneous and discriminatory thoughts against women but also strengthened their position and dignity within families and communities. Today, in light of scientific and social advancements, the importance of emulating the conduct of the Prophet (PBUH) in dealing with girls has become increasingly evident. Many of the problems and challenges faced in contemporary societies stem from traditional and discriminatory views toward women. Promoting a culture of respect for women and creating equal opportunities for them is one of the most crucial strategies for building healthy and progressive societies. A Stark Contrast to the Current Situation in Afghanistan Unfortunately, in some societies, including Afghanistan, we witness distressing scenes that starkly contradict not only the proud teachings of Islam but also human conscience. Behaviors that are at odds with the model set by the Prophet (PBUH) and the conduct of his family are prevalent in certain Islamic communities today. The misogynistic attitudes and violent behaviors exhibited by government officials and some fathers towards their daughters are so painful that they evoke memories of the pre-Islamic era. These actions not only undermine the dignity and humanity of women but also seriously damage the foundations of families and society. We see and hear through media about the misogynistic behaviors of those in positions of power towards women and girls. Such actions not only harm the status of women in society but also tarnish the image of Islam itself. Gender Discrimination in Afghanistan More than two years have passed since the establishment of the caretaker government in Afghanistan, and during this time, we have witnessed widespread and increasing violations of girls' rights in the country. These rights are not only inconsistent with international human rights standards but also violate basic human standards. The caretaker government, through discriminatory policies and the disregard for equal rights for girls and boys, has effectively deprived half of the country's population of access to the most basic human rights. According to the current rulers, boys have the right to receive an education, work, and play a role in society, while girls are deprived of many of these rights. This is despite the fact that government decision-makers claim that all their actions are based on Islamic teachings and have the approval of the Prophet. This claim is made even though the history of Islam and its teachings clearly advocate for equal rights for women and men and condemn any form of gender discrimination. Therefore, the imposition of these restrictions on girls is not only inconsistent with Islamic teachings but also represents a blatant distortion of these teachings. This practice has not only led to the violation of the rights of half of the country's population but has also posed serious challenges to the country's future. Comparison of Current Behaviors with the Pre-Islamic Era These discriminatory decisions and behaviors resemble more closely the actions and words of Arab men during the pre-Islamic era than the behavior of the esteemed Prophet of Islam. In that dark time, girls were considered a burden on families, and being buried alive was a tragic fate for them. This sick mentality was rooted in the devaluation and degradation of women. Today, in some societies that claim adherence to Islam, we witness a repetition of these same practices under a new guise. Severe restrictions on education, work, and even personal freedoms for girls in countries like Afghanistan indicate that pre-Islamic thinking still has roots in some minds. These behaviors are not only in conflict with human and Islamic teachings but also constitute a clear crime against human rights. The Necessity of Returning to Authentic Islamic Teachings To improve the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, it is essential to return to authentic Islamic teachings and the behavioral model of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Instead of personal and subjective interpretations of religion, we should refer to the verses of the Quran and authentic traditions, respecting women and girls and recognizing their equal rights based on these texts. Religious and governmental leaders in Afghanistan bear a significant responsibility in this regard. They must promote correct Islamic teachings and create fair laws to pave the way for gender justice and the flourishing of women's and girls' talents. The behavior of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) towards his beloved daughter Fatimah (SA) serves as an unparalleled model for all humanity, especially men. This model demonstrates that showing love for daughters, respecting them, and providing equal opportunities for their growth and development are moral and human obligations. Unfortunately, in some societies, including Afghanistan, we observe behaviors that starkly contradict Islamic teachings and the behavioral model of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). To improve the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, it is essential to return to authentic Islamic teachings and the behavioral model of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

10 months ago - 378 Visits

Registration of Afghan Students in Schools of Some Iranian Cities Banned

Iranian media has reported that officials of the Islamic Republic have prohibited the registration of Afghan children in schools in certain cities. Reports indicate that schools in the provinces of Kerman, Shiraz, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad are refusing to enroll Afghan children. Mohammad Mahdi Fadakar, the governor of Kerman, announced during a meeting of the province's education council on Saturday, September 24, that the registration of Afghan students without documentation in Kerman's schools is being strictly monitored and prohibited. This official warned school administrators in Kerman that they are not allowed to enroll undocumented refugees. The governor stated that legal action would be taken against school administrators who register "unauthorized" individuals, particularly undocumented Afghan refugees. Meanwhile, some Afghan refugees in Shiraz have reported that their children are not being registered in several schools in the province. An Afghan migrant shared a video on social media showing an elementary school in Shiraz displaying a notice on its door stating, "Registration of foreigners is not conducted at this school." At the same time, the Fars News Agency reported, citing Javad Hashemi, the political and security deputy of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, about the prohibition of registering undocumented foreign students in this province. This information comes as the public prosecutor of Bardasir city in Iran recently banned the sale of subsidized bread to Afghan migrants. In recent months, the Islamic Republic has intensified the expulsion of Afghan nationals, detaining and deporting undocumented Afghan migrants from the country. It is noteworthy that the commander of the Iranian police recently stated that the Islamic Republic plans to expel about two million "unauthorized foreign nationals" from the country by the end of this year.

10 months ago - 405 Visits

Reactions to the Massacre of Residents in Daykundi; "A Crime against Humanity and Continuation of the Genocide of Hazaras"

The shooting of 14 residents of Daykundi province in border areas with Ghor province has faced widespread reactions and condemnations from citizens, political groups, and international organizations. Many citizens, political groups, and international bodies have described this attack as part of the ongoing "targeted attacks" and "genocide" against the Hazara-Shia people in Afghanistan, condemning it and calling for accountability and punishment for those responsible for these events. The Justice and Freedom Party of Afghanistan issued a statement condemning the incident, stating: "What happened today in Daykundi is part of the systematic genocide of Hazaras and is a sign of bitter and painful events to come." Additionally, some protesting women and members of the "Window of Hope Women's Movement" released a statement saying that the Hazaras have been experiencing "genocide" in Afghanistan for over a century. This movement has called on the United Nations and global human rights organizations not to overlook the crimes against the Hazaras. They also urged these organizations to recognize the "genocide of Hazaras" and to prosecute and punish those responsible. Furthermore, the Afghanistan Freedom Front issued a statement indicating that all victims of this attack belong to the Hazara ethnic group, labeling it as "genocide" and a "crime against humanity." This front added that targeted killings and similar incidents had previously been reported from Daykundi and Ghor provinces, noting that in the past three years, "hundreds" of families from these two provinces have been subjected to "forced displacement." The statement read: "Stopping ordinary civilian passenger vehicles and repeatedly shooting at them without any justification is a clear example of war crimes and crimes against humanity." Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described this attack as a "brutal massacre" and "a terrorist act and crime against humanity and Islam," condemning it. Atta Mohammad Noor, a leader of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, also condemned this attack, stating: "This event is part of the targeted killings occurring in areas under the control of the current government, with the primary targets being followers of Shia Islam and the honorable Hazara people." Abdullah Abdullah, former head of the High Council for National Reconciliation in Afghanistan, also referred to this attack as a "merciless massacre" and condemned it. The current government is responsible The Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan has also reacted to this attack by issuing a statement, stating: "The responsibility for this tragedy, which is part of a chain of massacres and systematic killings against Hazaras and Shia people in Afghanistan, lies with the Emirate." It further mentions that on one hand, the interim government is responsible for the security of these areas, and on the other hand, it has increased "anti-Shia" propaganda. Such propaganda has made the Hazara community a target, putting their lives at risk. Mohammad Karim Khalili, the leader of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, responded to this attack by saying that the government's claims of providing security are "lies" and "deception." Mr. Khalili stated in a released statement: "While criminal terrorists carry out this massacre against innocent and defenseless people, responsible government officials had recently assured residents of complete security in this area. However, this crime clearly shows that these claims are nothing but lies and deception." He added that "the ruling group and their local and central officials must be held accountable for this massacre and other atrocities that we witness from time to time across the country, where the Hazara and Shia people are systematically targeted due to their ethnicity and religion." Nader Nadiri, former head of the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission and a member of the peace negotiating team with the current government, stated: "The shooting of 14 of our civilians on the road from Ghor to Daykundi is an unforgivable crime and a continuation of the inhumane practices that violent groups have imposed on our people over the past twenty years." At the same time, many citizens of the country view this attack as part of the ongoing "targeted" and "systematic" assaults against Hazaras aimed at their "genocide." Social media users in Afghanistan have reacted to this attack using the hashtag "Stop Hazara Genocide," criticizing the interim government's policies toward Hazaras and Shias. This comes after armed motorcyclists shot 14 residents of Daykundi and injured six others in the area between the village of Qaryodal in the Sangtakht district of Daykundi province and the village of Pahlusang in Ghor province on Thursday afternoon (September 22). These individuals were residents of Qaryodal village who had gone to the border areas of Ghor province to welcome pilgrims returning from Karbala. The Khorasan branch of ISIS claimed responsibility for this attack, stating that 15 Shia individuals were killed and six others were injured. It should be noted that Hazara travelers have previously been stopped and shot at multiple times on the route between Ghor and Daykundi.

10 months ago - 444 Visits

Daughter of the President of Uzbekistan: We Will Continue to Support the Education of Girls in Afghanistan

Saida Mirziyayev, assistant and daughter of the President of Uzbekistan, has reacted to the restrictions on the education of girls in Afghanistan, stating that her country will continue to support the education of girls and women in that country. Speaking at a meeting on the occasion of World Education Protection Day in Qatar, Ms. Mirziyayev said, "This issue is very important for the women of Afghanistan, as there is a significant shortage of skilled medical personnel in the country to protect the health of mothers and children." Saida Mirziyayev told participants at the Doha meeting, "We are ready to continue educating girls and women in Afghanistan in essential fields to help prevent a humanitarian crisis. The government of Qatar and the Education for All Foundation are also ready to assist us in this regard." According to reports from Uzbek media, nearly 700 Afghan citizens, including 200 women, have been trained under an educational program for Afghan citizens in Uzbekistan since 2018. The assistant and daughter of the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that supporting the education of girls will not be easy for any party given the current government's restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, but Tashkent will exert all its efforts to achieve this goal. Additionally, Ms. Mirziyayev highlighted the importance of online education for girls and women in Afghanistan during this meeting. Since regaining power in Afghanistan, the interim government has barred girls above sixth grade from attending school and subsequently prohibited female students from attending public and private universities as well as private educational institutions. It should be noted that the current government's restrictions have left millions of girls without access to education. The United Nations and the international community have repeatedly called for the lifting of bans on women's rights to education and work in Afghanistan over the past three years, but the interim government has so far ignored these demands. Moreover, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a mahram (male guardian), working in domestic and international NGOs, and even in UN offices in Afghanistan. Recently, the current government's new law on promoting virtue and preventing vice has even referred to women's voices as "awrah" (a term used to indicate parts of the body that should be covered). The UN Women’s section has previously stated that the restrictions on women have had a detrimental impact on their lives in Afghanistan.

10 months ago - 469 Visits

Street Protest by Girls in Kabul: The Fate of Millions of Women and Men in Afghanistan Has Been Plundered

A number of protesting women and members of the Movement for the Transformation of Women's History in Afghanistan held a street protest in Kabul against the restrictive policies of the interim government towards women and girls. This morning (Wednesday, September 21), protesting women marched in the Dasht-e-Barchi area in western Kabul, chanting against the current government's limiting policies. Members of the Movement for the Transformation of Women's History in Afghanistan strongly criticized the positions of the international community and European countries regarding the handover of Afghan embassies to the current government during this protest. They took to the streets with slogans such as "Education, Work, Freedom," "One Voice for Liberation," "Afghan Embassies, the Last Remnants of Afghanistan," "Save Afghanistan from Humanitarian Catastrophe," "Unconditional Freedom is Our Message," and "The Taliban Commit Crimes, the World Supports Them." The Movement for the Transformation of Women's History in Afghanistan issued a statement declaring that August 15 is a dark and shameful day for Afghanistan, a day when years of achievements by the Afghan people were sold off in the black market of Doha by incompetent rulers, leading to the plundering of the fate of millions of Afghan women and men. The statement further noted that alongside the resurgence of the interim government, liberation movements emerged in Afghanistan where women's roles have been significant and revitalizing. It stated that over the past three years of the current government's rule, Afghan women have actively participated in freedom movements to reclaim their lost rights and freedoms. The statement read: "Afghan women have been fighting under the most difficult conditions for three years. Their struggle has been accompanied by imprisonment, flogging, executions, rape, and stoning. Arbitrary executions, imprisoning women and protesters, public flogging, and numerous other crimes have also been reported by international media." Additionally, the Movement for the Transformation of Women's History in Afghanistan mentioned in part of its statement: "The current government, whose majority leaders are wanted by international police, travels freely to various countries from time to time, which is a warning sign for the region and the world." Members of the Movement for the Transformation of Women's History have called on the international community and human rights organizations to support the formation of a democratic government in Afghanistan instead of engaging with the current regime.

10 months ago - 328 Visits

U.S. Embassy: The Seats for Afghan Schoolgirls Are Empty

Dan Brown, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy for Afghanistan, has announced that approximately 1.4 million girls in Afghanistan are deprived of access to education. Mr. Brown stated in a press release that young boys and girls around the world are preparing to return to classrooms and are pursuing their big dreams for the future; however, in Afghanistan's classrooms, there are 1.4 million empty seats—seats intended for the girls and young women of this country. The Deputy Chief of Mission emphasized solidarity with all Afghan parents who believe in the vital necessity of education for the future of their children and their country. The statement noted that the United States will never cease its efforts to reopen schools for girls and to provide educational opportunities for both boys and girls in Afghanistan so they can learn the skills their country needs for progress. He stated that education is not only a universal human right but also the foundation of peace and prosperity for the future of communities. He added that education is the only way to achieve economic growth, provide adequate healthcare services to all citizens, and ensure long-term stability throughout Afghanistan. These remarks come as the interim government has barred girls above the sixth grade from attending school and subsequently prohibited female university students from attending public and private universities as well as private educational institutions. It should be noted that the current government's restrictions have left millions of schoolgirls without education. The United Nations and the international community have repeatedly called for the lifting of bans on women's rights to education and work in Afghanistan over the past three years; however, the interim government has so far ignored these demands. Additionally, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even in UN offices in Afghanistan. Recently, the new law on "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" has even labeled women's voices as "awrah." The UN Women’s section had previously stated that the restrictions on women have had a detrimental impact on their lives in Afghanistan.

10 months ago - 300 Visits

700 Children Died in Nangarhar Hospital in the Last Six Months

Officials from the Nangarhar Public Health Directorate report that 700 children, or more than three children per day, have died in Jalalabad Hospital over the past six months. In an interview with BBC News, officials stated that malnutrition and certain preventable diseases are the main causes of the increase in child mortality. The BBC News report highlights that approximately 3.2 million children in Afghanistan are suffering from malnutrition. It further notes that if Jalalabad Hospital had not received additional assistance from the World Bank and UNICEF, the death toll could have been significantly higher. The report continues by mentioning that until August 2021, international aid provided to the former Afghan government covered nearly all health facilities in Afghanistan. However, with the rise of the current government and due to sanctions, this aid was halted, leading to the collapse of Afghanistan's health system. Hamidullah Fatrat, deputy spokesman for the interim government, told BBC News: "We inherited the problems of poverty and malnutrition, which have been exacerbated by natural disasters like floods and climate change. The international community must increase humanitarian aid and should not link it to political and internal issues." It also states that only one out of every five children in need of hospital treatment can receive it at Jalalabad Hospital. The hospital serves residents from five neighboring provinces. This situation is compounded by the fact that over 700,000 Afghan refugees who were forcibly expelled from Pakistan since late last year have settled in Nangarhar province, further increasing pressure on Jalalabad Central Hospital. Stunted Growth in Children Additionally, a report published by BBC News on Monday points to "evidence of alarming statistics." It states that "45 percent of children under five years old in Afghanistan are stunted, shorter than they should be." The report mentions a two-year-old girl named Rubina, who cannot stand on her feet due to severe stunting. UNICEF warns that stunting can cause severe physical and cognitive damage, with effects that may last a lifetime and even impact future generations.

10 months ago - 340 Visits

Iran's Interior Minister: Afghans Should Return to Their Country and Rebuild It

Eskandar Momeni, the Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic, has urged Afghan migrants residing in Iran to "return to their own country and work to rebuild it." Mr. Momeni made these remarks during a television program discussing the so-called "Foreign Nationals Organization Plan," stating, "Iran cannot handle this volume of migration." He emphasized that "the priority is for those who enter illegally and without permission. This is the case worldwide, and migrants must respect the mechanisms of the host country." The Iranian Interior Minister blamed Afghan migrants for the rising unemployment in Iran, adding, "Many job opportunities are being taken away, and he expects Afghan migrants to return to their country." Additionally, four days ago, Eskandar Momeni announced that a comprehensive plan for organizing Afghans in Iran would soon be developed and implemented. He mentioned, "This complete plan will be executed with a suitable program, considering regional and neighboring considerations." The Mehr News Agency reported that the Iranian Interior Minister emphasized the necessity of organizing Afghans in Iran during his visit to the Sang Siah neighborhood in Shiraz last Thursday. Momeni, who was recently appointed as the Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic, stated in a parliamentary session that his first step would be to expel illegal and unlicensed migrants. He has not provided details about the comprehensive plan for Afghans in Iran. However, Mr. Momeni previously indicated that the solution to prevent migrant entry is to close the borders when he was not yet the Interior Minister, during a session of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament. At that time, he announced that planning would be done for the implementation of this plan. Moreover, Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, had also emphasized border closure with Afghanistan during his electoral campaign. It should be noted that after the collapse of the previous Afghan government, hundreds of thousands of citizens from that country migrated to neighboring countries, especially Iran and Pakistan. In the past three years, both countries have expelled hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants.

10 months ago - 334 Visits

Three Women and Four Men Publicly Whipped in Ghor

The Supreme Court of the caretaker government has announced that government forces in Ghor province have publicly whipped three women and four men on various charges. Today (Sunday, September 18), the Supreme Court stated in a press release that these individuals were whipped for various offenses, including fleeing from home, adultery, and invasion of privacy. The press release mentioned that these individuals were found guilty and punished by the local court of the current government in Ghor province. The Supreme Court added that two of the accused were each sentenced to three years in prison and 39 lashes, while two others received four years in prison and 39 lashes each. One more was sentenced to one year in prison and 39 lashes, and the last two were each sentenced to four months in prison and 29 lashes. The press release emphasized that these sentences were enforced after being approved by the Supreme Court of the caretaker government for these three women and four men. It is noteworthy that punishments, particularly public whipping, have significantly increased across the country since the takeover of the caretaker government in Afghanistan. The current government has whipped both women and men in public for various allegations. Additionally, during its three years of rule, at least eight individuals have been executed publicly in the provinces of Farah, Herat, Laghman, Ghazni, and Jowzjan. Human rights organizations consider executions and corporal punishment of accused individuals to be against international laws and human dignity, calling for an end to such practices. However, the current government has not responded positively to these requests so far.

10 months ago - 346 Visits

A Woman Opens a Women-Only Restaurant in Badakhshan

Amidst the severe restrictions imposed by the interim government on women and girls in the country, a young woman in Badakhshan province has opened a restaurant exclusively for women. Zahra Goonish, a 31-year-old woman, established the "Goonish" restaurant about two months ago with the aim of supporting women who have been deprived of work and education. Zahra Goonish, who is both the owner and manager of the restaurant, states: "In the current situation, the only opportunity for women to engage in business is here. The doors of schools and universities are closed to us. My goal in starting this venture is to provide opportunities for women who have been sidelined from work and education due to the current conditions in Afghanistan." One of the young women who has been unable to continue her education for three years due to government restrictions and is now working as an employee at this restaurant says: "Since I couldn't continue my education, I decided to work at the restaurant. I wanted to alleviate my health and psychological issues through this job." With a choked voice and tear-filled eyes, she adds: "My main goal is to continue my education and achieve my dreams, but due to the difficult current circumstances, I have chosen this job to escape the psychological problems caused by unemployment and mental pressure." Despite existing challenges, women's activities in Badakhshan are not without obstacles. Some women express concern about the dire situation of young Badakhshani women who have resorted to hard labor. In light of these concerns, officials from the current government warn women that if they violate their laws, they will curb women's activities. Mawlawi Samaruddin, the director of industry enterprises in Badakhshan, states: "Women's activities are permitted within the framework of Islamic law and the directives of the Islamic Emirate. If they operate according to Sharia and the policies of the Emirate, we support their work. However, if their activities contradict Sharia and the principles of the Emirate, we will not only refrain from assisting them but will also be prepared to shut down their operations." It should be noted that at Goonish restaurant, girls prepare local and popular dishes with a unique flair and serve them to their customers. In addition to Goonish restaurant, another women-only restaurant called "Khadbano" is also operating in Badakhshan. It is noteworthy that over the past three years, due to restrictions imposed by the current government, many young Badakhshani girls have engaged in jobs such as restaurant management, tailoring, and carpet weaving.