Singapore Islamic Council Says Obedient Wives Club Against Teachings
Singapore Straits Times | June 18, 2011
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore has taken a firm stand against claims made by the Obedient Wives Club, saying the group’s views are contrary to Islamic teachings and demean women and the concept of family.
In its first statement following news of plans for a Singapore branch of the Malaysian club, the council, known as Muis, said the club’s view that a satisfactory sex life is the main solution to solving marital and social problems is myopic.
“Such a simplistic view is in fact demeaning to women and the institution of marriage and family, which are held in high esteem in Islam,” it added. “Happiness in a marriage goes beyond receiving sexual fulfilment from one’s wife.”
It added that Prophet Muhammad taught Muslims to engage in spousal sexual relations in a manner “that is full of love and respect towards each other.”
“This is because sexual relations are a form of ibadah [blessed deed in Islam] which requires consent and willingness from both parties.”
Muis added it would continue to support initiatives by any organization which aimed to uphold and protect the sanctity of women and the institution of family through positive and holistic means.
The OWC was formed in Malaysia by Global Ikwan, a group that promotes polygamy.
Dr Rohaya Mohamad, vice-president of the club’s Malaysia chapter, had told media there that social vices stemmed from unfulfilled sexual needs at home.
She said it was time sexual prowess took a front seat in marriage beyond the traditional “good mother or good cook” roles.
“A good or religious wife is also sexually good in bed,” she said.
She added that a good married woman should obey and serve her husband like “a first-class prostitute” to keep him from straying.
The club’s Singapore representative, Dr Darlan Zaini, said he plans to formally set up OWC as a society here with brother-and-sister pair Azman Ari and Hamidah Ari. The 70-year-old, who has a doctorate in literature, said the concept of the club had been misunderstood.
“If the wife is loyal, the husband will be happy,” said Darlan, whose wife, Dr Kamsiah Abdullah, 64, a National Institute of Education associate professor, supports the setting up of the club.
But Muis said that the strength of a family lies in the responsibilities and rights of both spouses.
“The wife’s obligations towards the husband need to be reciprocated with a respectable and kind treatment towards her by her husband.
“Similarly, for the husband, in order to be worthy of being the leader of the family and earning the respect of his family, he must lead them to do good deeds and protect their welfare and well-being.”
On Monday, the Young Women Muslim Association (PPIS) here also voiced its disapproval of the club, saying the latter’s views on sex and marriage were too simplistic.
Both PPIS and Muis said statistics show that divorces are caused by problems like personality differences, financial problems and abuse — sex issues.
Aware’s vice-president, Halijah Mohamed, said the women’s rights group was heartened by the clear statement from Muis, which it said is supportive of women’s dignity and spousal equality.
Reprinted courtesy of Straits Times Indonesia.
za 18 jun 2011 - 8:59