The All India Muslim Women Association’s Hyderabad unit organized a two-day Dawah Camp on January 16th and 17th, 2024, at Classic Garden Mehdipatnam. The event aimed to create awareness and educate women and girls during the winter vacation on various aspects such as faith, ideology, culture, dress, lifestyle, current affairs, health, family, economics, Shariah, and social issues.
The Dawah Camp featured eight important sessions covering topics like faith, worship, social reform, rights, Quran, Hadees, economics, and milli issues. Activities, games, and competitions were organized for the girls, and arrangements for stay and food were made for the two-day event.
The camp commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by an explanation by Mrs. Asma Nadeem, Secretary of MWA. Mrs. Shameem Fatima, President of the Muslim Women Association Hyderabad, stressed the importance of faith and the need to strengthen it.
Ms. Tahniyat Ather, former President of MGA, highlighted the community service initiatives and emphasized the importance of young Muslim girls learning about Islam. Mrs. Yasmin Afroze introduced AIMWA, while Mrs. Bushra Nadeem spoke on the power of Imaan and Taqwa.
The camp included sessions on worship in Islam, the significance of Namaz, the importance of Roza, self-control, and spirituality. Special guests, including Mrs. Huda Rawal from Mumbai and Dr. Sadia Shahnaaz, spoke on the importance of education and skill development.
Dr. Asma Zehra, President of AIMWA, addressed challenges facing the Muslim community in India, emphasizing the need for education and economic empowerment. She discussed various roadblocks to education and challenges faced by Muslim women.
“Education faces hurdles like the Hijab issue in Karnataka, the assault on a student in Muzaffarnagar, the Najeeb case, saffronization concerns at Jamia Millia Islamia, and the minority status challenge at Aligarh Muslim University in the Supreme Court. Scholarships for minority students at Moulana Azad University have been halted, contributing to educational backwardness, poverty, and social issues. Economic upliftment requires both qualifications and skills, emphasizing the need for skill development and economic empowerment for women. Social customs and unIslamic traditions are depleting community resources,” she said.
“Muslim Personal Law is under scrutiny in various high courts, and Assam and Uttarakhand are experimenting with the Uniform Civil Code. Muslim women in Assam grapple with legal challenges due to the NRC and Child Marriage Act. The Worship Act of 1991 faces challenges in the Supreme Court, while the Gyanvapi Masjid and Mathura Shahi Masjid undergo trials in media courts,” Dr. Asma said.
“The community is facing a vacuum in leadership, most of the organizations lack a holistic approach to issues. Corruption is increasing in the community in organizations, Waqfs and NGOs, these are serious challenges. Women’s issues are neglected, Safety Security and Health Empowerment of Women with emerging skills and technology is Needed for Survival and Success. Muslim women hold great potential and talent, proper channelling can bring Social Reforms and the Welfare of the Community. There is a need to work in villages and towns along with cities and utilize Social media to spread awareness. The World is changing very fast there are Opportunities for Progress and development of the Muslim Community. Dr Asma appealed to Women to empower themselves in all fields, become ambassador of Goodness and contribute through their time, efficiency and talent,” she added.
Mrs. Tameez, a senior physical instructor, guided girls in Kho kho and Kabaddi matches. The second day featured discussions on Surah Ahzab, the rules of Hijab, the importance of Hadees, Zakat, and parenting challenges.
Mrs. Fathima Muzaffer, Counselor IUML Chennai, emphasized unity among Muslims and the vital role of women in empowering society. Ms. Tahniyat Ather urged women and girls to empower themselves and highlighted the roadmap and agenda for Muslim women in 2024.
Mrs. Asma Nadeem, Secretary of MWA, highlighted the significance of savings, economic empowerment, chits, non-interest loans, and self-help groups to the audience.
She said, “Wise Women are careful of spending and help in the economic stability of the Family.”
The Dawah Camp concluded with the release of calendars for the year 2024 and bookmarks outlining the agenda. Mrs. Tanveer Fatima, Joint Convener of Dawah Camp, expressed gratitude, and Mrs. Maimuna Sultana concluded the session with a prayer.
In total, more than 900 ladies and girls actively participated in the Dawah Camp, making it a successful and informative event for the community.
