New Delhi: An argument on Pakistani television has taken the country by storm. Motivational speaker and internet personality Sahil Adeem and screenwriter Khalil–ur–Rehman Qamar have found themselves in hot water after referring to 95 per cent of Pakistani women as “jahil”—a word that loosely translates to illiterate and ignorant.
In an ‘open discussion’ on Samaa TV with Ayesha Jehanzeb, a member of the audience, Azba asked the two men to apologise for calling women “jahil” pointing out that “it is a male-dominated society that forces women to stay illiterate”.
“A man sitting here has no right to decide that women are illiterate and discuss their percentages,” she argued.
Ban on Adeem
A snippet of an argument between the two has been going around on the internet where users are calling out Adeem’s misogyny and even going to the extent of seeking a ban on him being on TV.
“Instead of boycotting Western brands and outlets, it’s these two misogynists who should be permanently banned and boycotted from all platforms,” a user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Many have applauded the young woman for her fearlessness and confidence, while others believe her arguments were “staged”, calling her a “peak so-called feminist”.
“Their condescending manner towards a young girl, who bravely countered with strong arguments, is appalling. Such misogynistic attitudes should have no place on television. I applaud the girl for her resilience and assertiveness,” wrote a user.
“Kudos to the woman in audience showing them the mirror,” wrote another.
A user in YouTube comments used a joke format to express his views on Azba’s arguments:
“Peak so-called feminist: give me reference
Sahil Adeem: Give reference in Arabic
Feminist: don’t give Reference in Arabic.
Pathetic”
Adeem’s comments on women’s issues including remarriage and separation have not gone down well on the internet. Both Adeem and Qamar claimed that it is a woman’s personal problem if she is not able to seek separation from her family or husband. “She should have faith in God, and not compromise on her principles,” they said.
When asked about monetary support and how women might find it difficult to find jobs, Adeem said, “Mardon ka bhi yahi haal hai (Men’s condition is also the same),” brushing off any claims of differential treatment of the two genders.
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Misogyny under the guise of religion
Pakistanis are particularly upset with Adeem for using religion as a tool to prove his point. He answered Azba’s ask for an apology by questioning her knowledge of Islam. He further claimed that it is his duty under Islam to point out people’s ignorance.
“Jahil ko jahil kehena farz hai,” he said, to which Azba responded with “Kaha likha hai (Where is it written?)”
“Just because she does not know the meaning of a word (in Islam) which is not commonly used, can she be called jahil?”, a user wrote in YouTube comments.
Another posted on X, “Jahan aurto k haqooq salab kerne ki shikayat karo, ye saare deen ka danka q bajane lagte hen? (Whenever someone talks of women’s rights, why do they all start invoking religion?)”
“To the men celebrating this claim.. This misogynistic man has called your mother wife/sister a Jaahil too,” read a post on X.
Many have also called Adeem out for “infantilizing” Azba by referring to her as “beta” and playing on the power dynamic involved in his language.it is the mother of the son
They also claimed that “it is the mother“, a woman again, who does not allow a couple to live independently. Similarly, Adeem said that a man does not need permission from his first wife to remarry.
An X user summed it up well: “Both these men are actually the product of the mindset that prevails in our society and it further highlights the need to eradicate such intellectual dishonesty.”
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
the set of books that he is referring to, states that a woman has half the brain of a man, there are greater number of women in hell than men, 4 women’s testimony = 1 man’s testimony, and daughters are entitled to half of the share as given to the son.
So….