Editor,
The article by Patricia Mukhim, ” NH7 Weekender..some gratuitous comments” (ST October 28, 2016), was commendable to say the least. More importantly so, when she pointed out about the “uncultured” free flow of alcohol at the venue. It concerns us as parents to see our fellows embracing something which goes against the ethics of our society. The fact that there is presence of bars inside the venue shows that the event couldn’t have sold solely on music alone. As for Farhanji who wants to bash up our guys “who misbehaved in the front row,” well most of them were under the influence of alcohol (a situation of your making). From a business perspective, the promoters of the event hardly care about our economy as long as they enjoy an overall positive balance in their balance sheet. If someone has to prove their point about the positive impact such event has on our economy it would be more viable to talk in terms of numbers and percentages. I am sure it is very minuscule. There are many other “good” ways to sell the tourism of our State if only our Government is more innovative. Overall, I would also say it was a very “constructive” article rather than a “negative harp” as someone else pointed out. We need to become more intolerant towards “wrong influences” than towards someone who offers a good vibe. There are still a majority of people who share your views Patricia Mukhim but they just, are silent. Keep writing!!!
Yours etc.,
Lawrence Pherliam Sumer,
Via email
Triple Talaq
Editor,
Further to my letter, “Polygamy in Islam Religion (ST Oct 20, 2016), I now wish to highlight about Divorce (Talaq) in Islam based on the Holy Quran. Though marriage according to Islam is only a civil contract, yet the rights and responsibilities consequent upon it are of such importance to the welfare of humanity, that a high degree of sanctity is accorded to it. But in spite of the sacredness of marriage ties, Islam recognises the necessity in exceptional circumstances of keeping a way open for dissolution of marriage.
It is clear from various chapter and verses of Quran. (eg. chapter 2 verses 228, 229, 231, 232 & chapter 65 verses 1 to 5), where rules and procedures on Divorce are explained. However, more emphasis is given for reconciliation between husband and wife. I will quote the following chapter and verse of the Holy Quran to justify the matter. Chapter 4 Verse 35: “And if you fear a breach between the two (i.e. husband and wife) then appoint a judge from his people and a judge from her people, if both desire agreement, Allah will effect harmony between them” It is clear that judges from both parties are appointed not to facilitate the separation rather they are appointed for reconciliation between husband and wife and to avoid a divorce. Chapter 65 Verse 1: ” O Prophet when you divorce women, divorce them for a prescribed time, and calculate the number of days prescribed, and be careful of your duty to Allah, your lord. Do not divorce them out of your house, nor should they themselves go forth, unless they commit an open indecency and these are the limits of Allah, and whoever goes beyond the limits of Allah, he indeed does injustice to his soul. You may not know that Allah may, after that, bring about reunion”
The prescribed time mentioned above is 3 months. So when a man pronounces divorce twice, then a waiting period of 3 months (Idda) has to be completed. The waiting period among other things serves the purpose of allowing the parties the chance to reconcile. The injunction clearly aims at restoring amicable relations between parties and minimising chances of accentuation of differences.
Chapter 2 Verse 232: “And when you have divorced women and they have ended their term of waiting, do not prevent them from marrying their husband, when they agree among themselves in a lawful manner, with this is admonished whosoever among you believes in Allah and the last day, this is more profitable and purer for you, and Allah knows while you do not know. Even after the period of waiting has passed away, the two parties are allowed, even encouraged, to remarry.
Now let us come to the rule of Talaq (Divorce). Chapter 2 Verses 229 & 230 states thus, “ After the first divorce, the parties have the right to reassert their conjugal relations within the period of waiting (3 months) and to remarry after the waiting period is over. A similar right is given to them after a second divorce, but not after a third divorce. If a man pronounces divorce thrice on one and the same occasion and thinks that the process of Talaq is completed, then he acts against the Holy Quran. Whether he pronounce divorce once, thrice or ten times, it will be counted as first divorce and has to follow the waiting period.
Finally, its wrong to assume that only men have the right to divorce. Women also have equal right to ask for divorce. This right is explained in Chapter 2 Verses 228 & 229 of the Holy Quran.
Yours etc.,
Kamal Khongrymmai
Shillong-6