Lucknow:
Should Muslim women be asked to lift their face-covering veils for photographs on documents like the voter ID?
In the Supreme Court, those against mandatory photo IDs argued that this would amount to sacrilege, as their photographs would be seen by several men working as polling agents or electoral officials.
On Friday, the Apex Court rejected this argument. Now, several Muslim groups have backed the decision.
"This is completely a non-issue; the Shariah (Islamic law) allows such exceptions," explains Khalid Rasheed, member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board. "Such contentions are taking the community backwards. The focus should be on development issues," he adds.
Reactions amongst young burqa-clad women are mixed. "According to Islam, it is important to align your religion with the ideals of the nation you live in. If the Election Commission asks for our photos, there should be no objection," says Fatima.
"I cover my face with a veil when I'm in public. Uncovering the face for identification is fine, but if they ask me to take off my burqa completely, I'd rather not vote," says Khalida.
Though there are a few who oppose the decision, most Muslim clerics say they are in favour of the entire community exercising their basic constitutional right.
An argument in support is that it is ideal for Muslims to go for the Hajj (pilgrimage of Mecca) at least once in their lifetime - which means passports, and hence photographs. This makes the whole fuss around electoral ID cards seem a little unnecessary.
In the Supreme Court, those against mandatory photo IDs argued that this would amount to sacrilege, as their photographs would be seen by several men working as polling agents or electoral officials.
On Friday, the Apex Court rejected this argument. Now, several Muslim groups have backed the decision.
"This is completely a non-issue; the Shariah (Islamic law) allows such exceptions," explains Khalid Rasheed, member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board. "Such contentions are taking the community backwards. The focus should be on development issues," he adds.
Reactions amongst young burqa-clad women are mixed. "According to Islam, it is important to align your religion with the ideals of the nation you live in. If the Election Commission asks for our photos, there should be no objection," says Fatima.
"I cover my face with a veil when I'm in public. Uncovering the face for identification is fine, but if they ask me to take off my burqa completely, I'd rather not vote," says Khalida.
Though there are a few who oppose the decision, most Muslim clerics say they are in favour of the entire community exercising their basic constitutional right.
An argument in support is that it is ideal for Muslims to go for the Hajj (pilgrimage of Mecca) at least once in their lifetime - which means passports, and hence photographs. This makes the whole fuss around electoral ID cards seem a little unnecessary.
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