AZE.US
Widely held beliefs that Islam forbids women from receiving an education, requires girls to be married off at an early age, or prescribes clothing of a particular color or style have no basis in the Quran, Azerbaijani theologian Elshad Miri said.
Speaking to Demokrat.az, Miri argued that many practices now presented as religious obligations emerged later and were promoted by people who turned religion into a profession and a source of personal benefit.
“Unfortunately, the limited thinking of some people has led them to interpret Islam according to their own narrow understanding, placing the religion within rigid boundaries,” he said.
Miri stressed that Islam does not allow the forced marriage of girls.
“These are nothing more than Arab traditions presented under the name of Islam. There is also nothing in the religion that restricts women’s education. On the contrary, Islam calls on people to read, learn and acquire knowledge regardless of gender,” he said.
The theologian also rejected claims that Islam requires a specific religious dress code.
“Islam has no uniform. Religion does not interfere with the color or style of a person’s clothing. What matters is not a person’s gender, but their character,” Miri said.
He added that many mourning customs practiced in Azerbaijani society are also not religious requirements.
“Islam is for the living. What happens to us after death is connected to our actions, behavior and morality during our lifetime. Whether dates, avocados or ice cream are served at a memorial meal is not something religion determines or regulates,” he said.
According to Miri, many prohibitions and mourning traditions commonly attributed to religion are not based on the Quran and should instead be regarded as customs and superstitions that developed over time.
AZE.US