As a Muslim woman, I am compelled by my faith to speak out. My voice is not to overshadow Afghan women, who continue to resist against impossible odds. Instead, I write as a sister in faith, calling on the principles that bind all Muslims to justice and dignity.
Islam is a religion rooted in equality and the elevation of human worth. From the very beginning, the Prophet Mohammed ensured that women were given rights to education, autonomy and respect – revolutionary in his time. Yet, it is painful to watch the Taliban’s actions because they stand in stark contradiction to these principles. Denying women education, confining them to their homes and silencing their voices does not embody the values of Islam. It is oppression.
Education in the Islamic worldview, as the Taliban know, encompasses all knowledge, whether religious or secular. Knowledge and education of all kinds is the absolute right of everyone regardless of their age and background, whether they are male or female.
We are women who play an active role in the public space, whose presence, strength knowledge and – yes, voices – revolutionised the place of women in society. We are the people of Fatima, Khadija, Aisha, Nusaiba, Zainab and so many more. Women who were central to society and whose status is considered far higher than our own.
The Taliban may argue that Afghanistan faces a state of emergency and that sacrifices are necessary. However, by marginalising half the population, the crisis is not alleviated – it is deepened. No society can progress while keeping women shackled; women are the foundation of families, communities and economies. Suppressing them is suppressing a nation’s future.
The Taliban’s’ treatment of women also reverberates far beyond Afghanistan. It entrenches harmful stereotypes about Islam, reinforcing the perception that our faith oppresses women. This affects Muslim communities worldwide, leading to Islamophobia, discrimination and even violence.
It is no secret that the West has weaponised the rhetoric of "saving Muslim women" to justify its own imperial ambitions. Many of those who now condemn Taliban actions were once complicit in bombing the very communities they claim to protect. This hypocrisy does not absolve Afghanistan’s current rulers. Oppression from others does not grant the Taliban the right to oppress their own.
It is no secret that the West has weaponised the rhetoric of 'saving Muslim women' to justify its own imperial ambitions. This hypocrisy does not absolve Afghanistan’s current rulers
Cultural change may be slow, but what we can do is look at the trajectory of women’s rights under Taliban governance, and it is sadly not one of progress – it is of regression. The Afghan government may dismiss my words by saying I am not Afghan, that I do not understand their culture, their wars or their challenges. All of that is true. But what is also true is that justice transcends borders. Islam compels me to stand for what is right, to speak when others are silenced and to challenge actions that contradict the teachings of our faith.
While justice and Islamic values are at the core of this appeal, consider a different motive: negative perceptions of a nation create a notable economic loss. Countries in Africa know this too well and a study released in October has even calculated the “prejudice premium” that such negative stereotypes bring: a cost of $4.2 billion each year.
Although I am heartbroken as well as angry about the way women are being treated as less than human in Afghanistan, the desire to have their humanity, rights, freedom and justice restored is part of the love and hope to also see Afghanistan as a whole restored and flourishing.
It saddens me that many Muslims and in particular Muslim women feel so despondent about the situation of women under Taliban governance that they feel there is no point in even saying anything. This suggests that people do not perceive you as being open to change, nor as those who govern while listening to the people. Again, these contravene the principles of Islamic governance as well as overall effective leadership.
In fact, if we are speaking up for women around the world – in countries such as Palestine, Sudan, Kashmir and Myanmar – it is important for us, as Muslims, to tell the Taliban that these restrictions are unjust.
It would have been easy to write this in rage, an explosive anger at the reduction of women to ghosts that carry out the hard work of running the homes and families of the country. This work is fundamental to a family oriented vision of an Islamic country that allows individuals as well as society to flourish. This deserves to be honoured, not erased.
But there is already too much rage around us. So, I write instead in the hope of change. After all, as Muslims, we are encouraged to always be optimistic and work together for improvement. But yet, who am I, a mere woman, that the Taliban will listen to me? I am writing because of the principles my father – a Muslim man – taught me.
It is he who constantly said that where something is wrong, we must speak up, so that it is clear what must be changed. And if those people won’t listen – which I fear the Taliban may not – as a Muslim, a human being, a person seeking justice, you must say it anyway so that people should know. So, I’m writing in the words of a Muslim man, that the Taliban should know that this is wrong and unjust on a universal level, and in opposition to Islamic principles. I remain positive that they may change.
As the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, reminded us: “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” So, how will history remember the Taliban? As the defenders of faith or the silencers of women?
I urge the Taliban to reflect on their actions – not for me, but for the women the group has silenced, the generations they are holding back, the oppression and injustice they are perpetuating, and for which there will be an accounting, and for perpetuating this incredible harm in the name of the Islam Afghanistan’s current rulers claim to represent.
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
Signs%20of%20%20%20%20%20%20%20heat%20stroke
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20loss%20of%20sodium%20chloride%20in%20our%20sweat%20can%20lead%20to%20confusion%20and%20an%20altered%20mental%20status%20and%20slurred%20speech%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBody%20temperature%20above%2039%C2%B0C%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHot%2C%20dry%20and%20red%20or%20damp%20skin%20can%20indicate%20heatstroke%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EA%20faster%20pulse%20than%20usual%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDizziness%2C%20nausea%20and%20headaches%20are%20also%20signs%20of%20overheating%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIn%20extreme%20cases%2C%20victims%20can%20lose%20consciousness%20and%20require%20immediate%20medical%20attention%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
The%20Genius%20of%20Their%20Age
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20S%20Frederick%20Starr%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Oxford%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20290%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
SUCCESSION%20SEASON%204%20EPISODE%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreated%20by%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJesse%20Armstrong%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Brian%20Cox%2C%20Jeremy%20Strong%2C%20Kieran%20Culkin%2C%20Sarah%20Snook%2C%20Nicholas%20Braun%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More from Aya Iskandarani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
How to get exposure to gold
Although you can buy gold easily on the Dubai markets, the problem with buying physical bars, coins or jewellery is that you then have storage, security and insurance issues.
A far easier option is to invest in a low-cost exchange traded fund (ETF) that invests in the precious metal instead, for example, ETFS Physical Gold (PHAU) and iShares Physical Gold (SGLN) both track physical gold. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF invests directly in mining companies.
Alternatively, BlackRock Gold & General seeks to achieve long-term capital growth primarily through an actively managed portfolio of gold mining, commodity and precious-metal related shares. Its largest portfolio holdings include gold miners Newcrest Mining, Barrick Gold Corp, Agnico Eagle Mines and the NewMont Goldcorp.
Brave investors could take on the added risk of buying individual gold mining stocks, many of which have performed wonderfully well lately.
London-listed Centamin is up more than 70 per cent in just three months, although in a sign of its volatility, it is down 5 per cent on two years ago. Trans-Siberian Gold, listed on London's alternative investment market (AIM) for small stocks, has seen its share price almost quadruple from 34p to 124p over the same period, but do not assume this kind of runaway growth can continue for long
However, buying individual equities like these is highly risky, as their share prices can crash just as quickly, which isn't what what you want from a supposedly safe haven.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule
Thursday December 27
Men's quarter-finals
Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm
Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm
Women's exhibition
Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm
Friday December 28
5th place play-off 3pm
Men's semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm
Saturday December 29
3rd place play-off 5pm
Men's final 7pm
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Eyasses squad
Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)
Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)
Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)
Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)
Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)
Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
|
1.
|
United States
|
|
2.
|
China
|
|
3.
|
UAE
|
|
4.
|
Japan
|
|
5
|
Norway
|
|
6.
|
Canada
|
|
7.
|
Singapore
|
|
8.
|
Australia
|
|
9.
|
Saudi Arabia
|
|
10.
|
South Korea
|
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
