LAHORE- Human rights activist Asman Jahangir defied patriarchy one last time when her funeral prayer on Tuesday was attended both by men and women.
The lawyer’s funeral prayer was offered at Gaddafi Stadium and was attended by scores of men, women and children. The prayer was led by Mualana Haider Farooq Maududi and her daughters Sulema and Munizae were seen in the front row.
People are both appreciating and criticizing women attending the funeral.
Thousands of women attend Asma Jahangir’s funeral in Lahore today, defying both religion & tradition. The last time it happened was on Sabeen Mehmood’s funeral. Asma’s daughters Sulema & Munizae remained with their mother’s body till the end. The prayer was led by Farooq Maududi. pic.twitter.com/MRefdVhUNC
— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 13, 2018
#AsmaJahangir‘s daughters, Sulema and Munizae, in the front row of the funeral lineup. Prayers were led by Farooq Maududi. pic.twitter.com/S3VGMimVrv
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) February 13, 2018
“Last subversive act” according to Rabia Mehmood.
#AsmaJahangir – Women & men all gathered to say her funeral prayer. Last subversive act. May she rest in power. pic.twitter.com/W7upoUPedY
— Rabia Mehmood (@Rabail26) February 13, 2018
Although people, in great numbers, were appreciating this defiance of male dominance and ages-old tradition some thought it was absurd. Mahreen Zahra-Malik had a befitting response to those against women being involved in funeral prayer.
Why is the Facebook page of the “official” #Pakistan army selection and criteria website https://t.co/fx63qR45XJ so annoyed women attended #AsmaJahangir ‘s funeral & offered prayers? Surely they must have other things to do than call upon the Supreme Court to take action on this? pic.twitter.com/dEb9EL5a1b
— Mehreen Zahra-Malik (@mehreenzahra) February 14, 2018
A befitting farewell to #AsmaJahangir – Thousands of women & men from all over came to show their love & respect – It was a peoples’ funeral…
It was just how she would have liked it.
It was however, very tough to say goodbye. pic.twitter.com/Ci5edDJ9kF— Bushra Gohar (@BushraGohar) February 13, 2018
My eyes are seeing this heart-breaking but historic scenes; funeral of #AsmaJahangir and huge number of women at janazah-gah : This is the kind of religious and women freedom she fought for ! #ThankYouAsmaJahangir Though we wanted you more w/us #RestInPower #ChosenByGod
— Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) February 13, 2018
Asma Jahangir is getting something even more significant than a state funeral. Women will be present in large numbers to say goodbye to her. This is more fitting than a 21 gun salute.
— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) February 12, 2018
The pictures coming out from Asma Jahangir’s funeral are so beautiful and radical. What a fitting tribute to a progressive feminist icon to have women and men pray side by side in public, rather than the patriarchal apartheid imposed in public and religious spaces in our country. https://t.co/yO1xj1iqM9
— Ammar Rashid (@AmmarRashidT) February 13, 2018
In Pakistan, culture prohibits women from attending funerals, although Islam does not.
Yesterday at Asma Jahangir’s funeral, women attended in large numbers. Her daughters stood at the front.
You brought in the revolution. Now rest in peace AND power. #AsmaJahangirRIP pic.twitter.com/HO46e1JRc7
— Bina Shah (@BinaShah) February 14, 2018
According to International Islamic Research Foundation, women aren’t forbidden to attend funeral prayers. However, in Pakistani culture women don’t attend the last rituals due to traditional reasons.
Asma Jahangir, the human rights icon, has truly defied the so-called traditions she had been fighting all her life even in her death.
