COMMENT | Tennis pro Sania Mirza |  |
Female Muslim tennis ace stands up to fatwa
She just wanted to be a tennis pro. But 18-year old Sania Mirza's rise to the top of the tennis world is met by some with dismay over her clothing.
By Shahed Amanullah, September 24, 2005
She just wanted to be a tennis pro. 18-year old Sania Mirza, a Muslim from Hyderabad, India, has fought her way to the top of the tennis world, moving from 326th to 34th best woman player in the world. She recently became the first Indian woman to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament, only to lose to #1 player Maria Sharapova. But her rise in the rankings has been met with both pride and consternation from her co-religionists in India. The problem stems from Mirza's conforming to the standard women's tennis uniform, which (along with multiple ear and nose piercings) is decidedly more revealing that standard Muslim women's attire. The Sunni Ulema Board called Mirza a "corrupting influence" that is "bringing shame to Islam," and the Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind stated ominously that Mirza would be "stopped from playing" if she did not wear "proper clothes" - a statement that resulted in Mirza taking up bodyguards at a recent match in Calcutta. But other (and larger) Muslim groups are rallying to Mirza's side. "We are proud of what Sania Mirza has achieved in her career so far," said Syed Nizamuddin of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (previously known for attempting to reform India's triple talaq divorce codes). "Not a single reputed religious leader anywhere in the country has issued any fatwa against her." Other groups, such as the Muslim Council of Bengal ("The thought of issuing a fatwa has never crossed our minds") and the Tamil Nadu Muslim Women's Jamaat Committee, also threw their support behind Mirza. Mirza-mania has even reached such a fever pitch among India's Muslims that a required-reading chapter of Mirza's accomplishments was proposed for a network of 285 madrassas in the state of Chhattisgarh (the proposal, which called Mirza "a Muslim role model," was withdrawn after threats on the authors). Mirza, while tired of the attention her attire has attracted, is using it to get the last word. At Wimbledon, she wore a t-shirt that read, "Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History," and she wore one at the US Open that read, "You Can Either Agree With Me - Or Be Wrong."
Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.
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It's disturbing how with all the catastrophes going on around the world right now, all these all-male ulema committees can focus on is a woman's dress! There is an unhealthy obsession amongst the ummah over the woman's attire. Hey! There are more important things to think about!!!
And to Sania, I applaud you!!! Keep up your fighting spirit! We need more women like you!
- Posted by Nour78 (United Kingdom) on September 25, 2005 at 04:55 PM
Hey Nour, I completely agree with you. I think that Sania Mirza is an excellent role model. She has shown that natural talent combined with hard work and dedication can take a normal Indian Muslim girl to (near the) top of the world.
As I've blogged a couple of times, the reason that the clerics are worried about her as opposed to all the Muslim bollywood actresses is that Ms Mirza can not be dismissed as 'immoral' as most Muslims admire the work done by sportsmen and women from Sachin Tendulkar and Irfan Pathan to the Williams sisters.
Hopefully, Ms Mirza can serve as an inspiration to all those women out there (muslim and non-muslim) who can not reach their potential due to circumstances beyond their control.
"Ahhh, I would love to "court" Ms. Mirza"
Did you know that most men who watch women playing tennis, do so, not for their athletic achievements but how they look. The lesser the clothing, the more the male audience. How does this reflect Muslim women identies? Sure Muslim women can compete on the world stage of athletics but doing so will only sexually objectify them. If this is what Muslim women want than remember second class citizenship will be the ilk. Women who choose to reveal their charms will only be remembered by this. What about earning Allahs pleasure....ahhh but what does have to do with womens tennis...I think it has alot to do with it that is if you have concern about God....
Anyways Ms. Mirza congrats for your achievements, be rest assured I'll be watching. Haha...
Take Care,
- Posted by basit on September 25, 2005 at 08:36 PM
Basit, I think your take on 'second class' citizenship is misguided.
Take for example the case of Maria Sharapova. I find it hard to imagine that she would have enjoyed greater equality living in a village in Siberia then she does as a world famous tennis player and celebrity.
You may argue that Sharapova is being 'sexually objectified', but that is her choice. If she was uncomfortable being 'sexually objectified' then she probably wouldn't do tons of commercials and worry about her looks as much. But hey, she enjoys it and doesn't mind profiting from men of all ages of fantasising about her.
Finally I watch tennis and your right - some men may watch it due to the sex appeal of the athletes. However, if this was the sole criteria then people such as Justine Henin-Hardenne, Lindsay Davenport and Kim Clijsters would not be allowed to play or given less prize money.
Henin-Hardenne for instance is admired by almost everyone for her sensational single handed backhand rather than being derided for not being as pretty as some of the others. Right now, everyone is really happy for Clijsters who is widely praised as being the nicest person in tennis and has just won her first grand slam.
Seriously, aren't their enough scantily clad women in our 'corrupt western society' for men to turn their attention to tennis players.
From the interview snippets in the linked article and the quotes from Ms. Mirza, she seems quite modest and private given her fame. Shes only 18! as she gains success, she is bound to attract even more zealous criticism of her dress. Shes young, so over time these nuts may actually lead her to believe that islam really is a backward and closed religion. who are these self appointed police of women's fashion in the muslim world? one can only hope that Ms. Mirza knows that there are muslims who celebrate her, praise her and look up to her. For everything: muslim AND rockin the court AND looking good.
- Posted by ruxana (california) on September 26, 2005 at 12:58 AM
Basit positions himself as the "leery lustful" guy that women should hurry to protect themselves from. His positioning is strategic, yet it is contradictory to the norms and values he seeks to impose on women. "Become traditional Muslim women, because I sure AINT a good Muslim man" just doesn't work for me after my adolescence. What? I'm supposed to conceal all secondary and pre-secondary sexual characteristics, and you're supposed to flash your sexuality at me to make sure I cover up? This is what I call a hypocritical mullah approach. Be consistent if nothing else, for God's sake. (The modesty IS for God's sake, right? Hopefully it is.)
- Posted by shaani (Oklahoma) on September 26, 2005 at 09:23 PM
I understand that this a complicated issue, but I will try to make my comments brief.
We should continue to encourage our brothers and sisters when they succeed in breaking new ground.
For example, Hakim Olajawon was perhaps the first famous NBA star that readily demonstrated Islam, but at the same was a dedicated professional at his work.
Secondly, in regards to clothing and behavior we should be mindful of the spirit of modesty.
Taking the two points above collectively, we can reach a middle ground that would not hinder a professional player's physical ability to perform while conforming with modesty. For example, in this case, the player can wear light-colored or dark-colored pants (depending on weather) and perhaps a slightly longer sleved shirt.
Such a scenerio has been played out before. For example, we can recall the USF Basketball captain player who wore hijab, pants, and the university community supported her when her coach suspended her from the team because of her attire.
My final point is that we should avoid preconceived notions/speculations about the intentions of the tennis player. We should also avoid such preconceived notions about the opinions and people who have expressed opinions in the responses to this article.
As I see it, there many valid points being made from both sides of the argument, but unfortunately the tone of the points suggested more like emotional lashes exchanged rather than productive dialogue.
- Posted by Motazz S. on September 27, 2005 at 12:33 AM
Motazz S, as before your comments are sensible and thoughtful. I do however take issue with a couple of points.
Firstly on the hypocrisy point which shan touched upon.
Hicham el Guerrouj broke the 1500 metres world athletics record while fasting and was rightly celebrated for it. However, he was wearing very short shorts as all long distance runners do. There was no outcry about him not fulfilling the requirements of modesty. Similarly with Mr Olajawon, he didn't ask to wear pants - he wore shorts.
I think that as long as Ms Mirza is wearing attire which is consistent with what others are wearing (in fact on the whole her clothing is less revealing than most) she should be supported. By wearing a hijab and pants she might unnessarily undermine her performance.
Of course if she chose to wear such attire then she should be supported fully as well.
I do accept that there is a point at where the discussion becomes very tricky and where even 'liberal' muslims would be uncomfortable. For example what if Ms Mirza played beach volleyball (btw, the same thing applies with men-would it be right for them to play without shirts?)?
However as of right now, I think the fuss is completely overblown and Ms Mirza should be left in peace to perform at the best of her abilities.
Ms. Mirza, you go girl!!!!!
- Posted by basit on September 28, 2005 at 03:35 AM
*yawn* more idiots on both sides of the fence making a mountain out of an ant-hill.
Ms. Mirza should be applauded for her athletic achievements and disparaged for her choice of immodest attire.
No fatwas needed, no proclamations needed, no need to revamp curriculum in madrassahs, what we need is clear and sincere leadership that can come from any community/class/region of the world that is willing to stand up and follow Islam without any cultural, political or intellectual limitations.
- Posted by roomih (Houston, TX) on September 29, 2005 at 08:09 PM
Roomih, first you say that this is a mountain out of an ant-hill and then you say that Ms Mirza should be 'disparaged' for her attire.
That you say this indicates that you do believe that there is an issue there to be discussed and I would be interested in hearing your views in more detail.
I think it is too idealistic to simply say that you need a 'clear and sincere' leadership. There are important problems out there which need to be looked at thoroughly.
Where are these leaders going to come from? What should we expect from them? What are their politics going to be? Where will they derive moral authority from? I think that these are all important questions which people need to come up with answers too. Anyways, looking forward to reading further comments from you.
>>I would be interested in hearing your views in more detail<<
Attire for women and men is clearly outlined in the Islam. Note that there are different requirements from men versus from women; what is acceptable and what is not acceptable is clear. A little education for everybody would go a long way in resolving all the bogus arguments. Short tennis skirts are not allowed for ÎbelievingÌ Muslim women (no debate is necessary).
LetÌs acknowledge that what she is doing is TOTALLY WRONG and then move forward from there.
Bogus arguments to legitimize her dress include:
1. Î Men get to wear speedos/shorts/smoke/do zina÷..so why canÌt women?Ì This argument really comes from those people who envy the sinners, no need to debunk this argument.
2. ÎNobody condemns the men but only the womenÌ This argument actually is true but totally inappropriate. Non-conformance to Islamic law is not an excuse for EVERYONE to stop following the Law, or worse, try to change the law, or in this case try to ignore it.
3. ÎShe is only 18 / nobody is perfect / People have too may expectations Ï These are all legitimate arguments. That is why Islam does not advocate athletic ability as a measure of superiority; rather Islam advocates piety as a measure and arguably the ONLY measure of superiority, if any, between humans. But regrettably, the lack of education and leadership in communities leaves only athletic performers as obvious role models for young adults. As such, it can be reasonably argued that she has some social responsibility to at least acknowledge her religious restrictions.
- Posted by roomih (Houston, TX) on September 29, 2005 at 09:58 PM
Let me ask you:
What is the difference between Sania Mirza and this Muslim guy who is a filthy millionaire b/c he owns 20 liquor shops?
There is no difference. Both these people have objectives other than piety and as such they should be pointed out as having strayed from the true path. Both of them selectively follow Islam and pick and choose the restrictions that God has put on us.
- Posted by roomih (Houston, TX) on September 29, 2005 at 09:59 PM
Thanks for the response roomih, let me try to deal with some of the points you raise.
Firstly you say that short skirts are not allowed for 'believing' Muslim women. You are right, but my question to you is what if a Muslim women believes, but chooses to wear short skirts? Surely, we mortal humans can't be the ones to decide how Allah will look upon such a woman on the day of reckoning. Will what she is wearing result in her being damned or will the rest of her good deeds outweigh her choice of dress?
This ties in with 'bogus' arguments numbers 1 and 2. My point is essentially the double standards we use when placing ourselves in judging roles. When Muslim men accomplish things where there is questionable morality we tend to focus on the accomplishment rather than the morality. Of course, I don't have any problems with this if the endeavour is something I am comfortable with but I do not like the hypocrisy when it comes to women with similar achievements.
This is not to say that we can not hold moral views on things such as dress and the way we decide to live our lives. There is also a clear exception when our own choices cause harm to others. Society as a whole can and should punish such offenders.
Ultimately though when such an exception is not involved I think we need to exercise caution in condemning or castigating others as we are all human.
As for the last question, this is not to condone his action but what if your hypothetical Muslim doesnt drink a drop of alcohol, prays , fasts, gives zakat, raises his children to be pious people and is a loving and supporting husband?
Similarly, what about the Muslim politician who while running for office accepts money from this liquor store owning Muslim to help his campaign but then uses his responsibility to achieve much good for the community he represents?
Shall be awaiting your response.
Why do you agree with me? WHY do you acknowledge that short skirts are not allowed for ÎbelievingÌ Muslim women? WHY?
ThatÌs right, b/c God tell us so. In the same place that you found this answer, you will find the answers to your other questions. You see, it is not a matter of the answers not being there. It is simply a matter of TEACHING yourself and finding the answer from the appropriate source.
Why donÌt you ask these questions form a scholar? He/She will spit them out in a heartbeat, this is pretty elementary stuff. There is no lack of Islamic knowledge to be had, there is only a lack of people to take the knowledge, including the current idiot mullahs.
I would like to remind you that there have been innumerable scholars in the past whose piety, intelligence and devotion to Islamic law can not be matched by anyone alive today. There are very few people in the world today, if any, that are qualified to do ijtihad and grapple with Islamic Law. Case in point is the moron in India who issued a fatwa against Sania Mirza. Pathetic. It is jackasses like these that make Islam look like it is run from a madhouse.
- Posted by roomih (Houston, TX) on September 30, 2005 at 09:26 PM
>>Will what she is wearing result in her being damned or will the rest of her good deeds outweigh her choice of dress?<<
Given what we know about what she is CHOOSING to wear, she is clearly in the wrong, do enough wrong and youÌve got Hell. Damned or not? That is another matter. The Quran is clear in saying that only God is the ultimate Judge and not mortals, so we will just have to wait and find out÷÷..
>>what if your hypothetical Muslim doesnÌt drink a drop of alcohol, prays , fasts, gives zakat, raises his children to be pious people and is a loving and supporting husband?<<
The hypothetical MuslimÌs income REMAINS HARAM as long as it is derived from the sale of alcohol, how pious he is outside of his working choice is immaterial. Also his income is HARAM for any Muslim to consume, including his wife and children. As long as they are not aware of its source then they can consume it, but once they find out, they must stop eating HARAM. Substitute ÏAlcohol IncomeÓ with ÏPIG MEATÓ and the example should become clear(er).
>>what about the Muslim politician who while running for office accepts money from this liquor store owning Muslim to help his campaign but then uses his responsibility to achieve much good for the community he represents?<<
There you go again. All income derived from the sale of alcohol is HARAM. It can be consumed by charities/politicians/relatives/destitute as long as they donÌt know where it is coming from, but as a Muslim you can not take that money in ANY capacity (unless you follow the policy of ÏdonÌt ask, donÌt tellÓ, like some masajidÌs I have seen).
- Posted by roomih (Houston, TX) on September 30, 2005 at 09:26 PM
As for your hang-up on double standards and hypocrisy, that will always be there. Making that argument is like saying that since we have prostitutes, nobody should marry. People who only condemn a certain demographic and not the action are NOT true leaders. People are going to pick on women/black/Asian or any other minority group, but that does not mean that what that group is doing is ok, all it means is that we need real leadership.
And as far as the whole Ïwe are all humanÓ speech is concerned, get some education and learn what is right and what is wrong:
Surah Al-Ma'idah Ayah [100]
"Not equal are Al?Khabith (all that is evil and bad) and At?Taiyib (all that is good), even though the abundance of Al-Khabith (evil) may please you." So fear Allah (abstain from sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah (perform good deeds which He has ordained), O men of understanding in order that you may be successful. Ï
- Posted by roomih (Houston, TX) on September 30, 2005 at 09:27 PM
your first question:
>> what if a Muslim women believes, but chooses to wear short skirts?<<
Surah Nisa verse 80 "He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah: but if any turn away, we have not sent thee to watch over their (evil deeds).Ó
What does this ayat mean you? Since we both agree that the Prophet (SAAS) was unequivocal in his standard for womenÌs dress, that doesnÌt leave much wiggle room, does it? She can choose to do whatever she wants, and when she CHOOSES to stray from the right path, she is going to be called out for it. She is clearly in the wrong, letÌs get over it.
- Posted by roomih (Houston, TX) on September 30, 2005 at 09:31 PM
As a muslim who is furstrated with all these so-called religious figures in the Muslim world I say "Grow Up" and get a real job instead of handing out opinions and fatwas.
The world is leaps and bounds ahead of us and all we think about is seeing sombody's legs or what they said.
If the muslim moderates don't put their foot down, these so-called religious groups are going to drag us down.
Cheers.
- Posted by anmar on September 30, 2005 at 11:50 PM
Asalam ALiakum,
Its rather odd that Ms.Mirza's situation is worthy of 2 articles on this website, as if it was any lasting impact or use to Muslims worldwide. I would think the 4th International Islamic Women's Games would have received some recognition.
Not a peep about the latest torture scandal photo story, largely supressed in US media but which is now picking up steam internationally.
The title itself highlights the sport of mullah bashing popular amongst irreligious and disrespectful desis, not to mention an unhealthy obssesion with Muslim celebrities. Clearly if you are a Muslim celebrity, the rules dont apply to you. I wonder how many of these people would raise a finger or a voice at the systematic discrimination Muslim woman subjected to in countries where they are denied access to school, social services and medical care because they wear scarfes. If the Taliban did it, thats real bad...if the French do it.....hey, love it or leave it.
That being said, the ulema could have handled this with a bit more tact, knowing full well that this would be made into another "courageous woman verses evil Muslim men" story. They should be commended for raising the issue, as they did when they issued a fatwa a few years ago on Muslims(men AND woman) in trashy Bollywood cinema, for which they were heavily critizied. Apparently the validity of an issue should not be based upon proofs from the Holy Quran and Sunnah, but ought to be in sync with popular culture, no matter how much it may go against Islam. Clearly the ulema should shut up and go with the flow, and I'm glad they havent.
I guess this is a reflection of how far our ummah has fallen, the fact that ignorant Muslims are still debating the ruling over the sale and consumption of alcohol well after the issue was settled over 1400 years is sad to behold. Is it any wonder, we are in the state we are today?
- Posted by DrM on October 1, 2005 at 01:23 AM
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