Najam Sethi Expressing Doubts on Imran Khan's Ex Wife Jemima's Conversion to Islam
- Thread starter Kashif Rafiq
- Start date
Fakhre Alam
Minister (2k+ posts)
[h=1]HEADLINE: Why I chose Islam, by bride Jemima Goldsmith
Sunday Telegraph, May 28, 1995[/h]
http://www.islamicity.com/Mosque/MyJourney/Jemina_Goldsmith.htm
THE media present me as a naive, besotted 21-year-old who has made a hasty decision without really considering the consequences - thus effectively condemning herself to a life of interminable subservience, misery and isolation. Although I must confess I have rather enjoyed the various depictions of a veiled and miserable "Haiqa Khan" incarcerated in chains, the reality is somewhat different. Contrary to current opinion, my decision to convert to Islam was entirely my own choice and in no way hurried. Whilst the act of conversion itself is surprisingly quick - entailing the simple assertion that "there is only one God and Mohammed is His Prophet" - the preparation is not necessarily so speedy a process. In my case, this began last July, whilst the actual conversion took place in early February - three months before the Nikkah in Paris.
During that time, I studied in depth both the Quran and the works of various Islamic scholars (Gai Eaton, the Bosnian president Alia Izetbegovic, Muhammad Asad) , thus giving me ample time to reflect before making my decision. What began as intellectual curiosity slowly ripened into a dawning realisation of the universal and eternal truth that is Islam. In the statement given out a week ago, I particularly stressed that I had converted to Islam entirely "through my own convictions". The significance of this has been largely ignored by the press. The point is that my conversion was not, as so many have assumed, a pre-requisite to my marriage. It was entirely my own choice. Religiously speaking, there was absolutely no compulsion for me to convert prior to my marriage. As it explicitly states in the Quran, a Muslim is permitted to marry from "the People of the Book" - in other words, either a Christian or a Jew. Indeed, the Sunnah - which describes the life of the Prophet - shows that the messenger of Islam himself married both a Christian and a Jew during his lifetime.
I believe that much of this hostility towards my marriage and conversion stems from widespread misconceptions about an alien culture and religion. Not only is there a huge gulf between the Western view of Islam and the reality, but there is in some cases also a significant distinction between Islam based directly on the Quran and the Sunnah and that practised by some Islamic societies. During the last year I have had the opportunity to visit Pakistan on three separate occasions and have observed Islamic family life in practice. Thus, to some extent I now feel qualified to judge for myself the true role and position of women in the religion. At the risk of sounding defensive, I would like to point out that Islam is not a religion which subjugates women whilst elevating men to the status of mini-dictators in their own homes.
I was able to see this first-hand when I met Imran's sisters in Lahore: they are all highly educated professional women. His oldest sister, Robina, is an alumnus of the LSE and holds a senior position in the United Nations in New York. Another sister, Aleema, has a master's degree in business administration and runs a successful business; Uzma is a highly qualified surgeon working in a Lahore hospital, whilst Rani is a university graduate who co-ordinates charity work. They can hardly be seen as "women in chains" dominated by tyrannical husbands. On the contrary, they are strong-minded independent women - yet at the same time they remain deeply committed both to their families and their religion. Thus, I was able to see - in theory and in practice - how Islam promotes the essential notion of the family unit without subjugating its female members.
I am nevertheless fully aware that women are sometimes exploited and oppressed in Islamic societies, as in other parts of the world. Judging by some of the articles which have appeared in the press, it would seem that a Western woman's happiness hinges largely upon her access to nightclubs, alcohol and revealing clothes; and the absence of such apparent freedom and luxuries in Islamic societies is seen as an infringement of her basic rights. However, as we all know, such superficialities have very little to do with true happiness. Besides, without in any way wishing to disparage the culture of the Western world, into which I was born, I am more than willing to forego the transient pleasures derived from alcohol and nightclubs; and as for the clothes I will be wearing, I find the traditional shalwar kameez (tunic and trousers) worn by most Pakistani women far more elegant and feminine than anything in my wardrobe.
Finally, it seems futile to speculate on my chances of marital success. Marriage, as Imran's father has been quoted as saying, is indeed "a gamble". However, when I see that in a society based on family life the divorce rate is just a fraction of that in European or American society, I cannot see that my chances of success are any less than if I had chosen to marry a Westerner. I am all too aware of the enormous task of adapting to a new and radically different culture. But with the love of my husband and the support of his family I look forward to the challenge wholeheartedly, and would like to feel that people wish me well. Whilst I do appreciate the genuine concerns of many, I must confess to feeling somewhat bewildered by all of the commotion.
Sunday Telegraph, May 28, 1995[/h]
http://www.islamicity.com/Mosque/MyJourney/Jemina_Goldsmith.htm
When Jemima Goldsmith, the 21-year-old daughter of billionaire Sir James, married Imran Khan she embraced not only the world's most handsome sportsman but also the Muslim faith, taking the name Haiqa. Here, in an exclusive account, she tells how she journeyed from the glamorous society of London to the austere religion of Lahore
By Jemima Goldsmith
THE media present me as a naive, besotted 21-year-old who has made a hasty decision without really considering the consequences - thus effectively condemning herself to a life of interminable subservience, misery and isolation. Although I must confess I have rather enjoyed the various depictions of a veiled and miserable "Haiqa Khan" incarcerated in chains, the reality is somewhat different. Contrary to current opinion, my decision to convert to Islam was entirely my own choice and in no way hurried. Whilst the act of conversion itself is surprisingly quick - entailing the simple assertion that "there is only one God and Mohammed is His Prophet" - the preparation is not necessarily so speedy a process. In my case, this began last July, whilst the actual conversion took place in early February - three months before the Nikkah in Paris.
During that time, I studied in depth both the Quran and the works of various Islamic scholars (Gai Eaton, the Bosnian president Alia Izetbegovic, Muhammad Asad) , thus giving me ample time to reflect before making my decision. What began as intellectual curiosity slowly ripened into a dawning realisation of the universal and eternal truth that is Islam. In the statement given out a week ago, I particularly stressed that I had converted to Islam entirely "through my own convictions". The significance of this has been largely ignored by the press. The point is that my conversion was not, as so many have assumed, a pre-requisite to my marriage. It was entirely my own choice. Religiously speaking, there was absolutely no compulsion for me to convert prior to my marriage. As it explicitly states in the Quran, a Muslim is permitted to marry from "the People of the Book" - in other words, either a Christian or a Jew. Indeed, the Sunnah - which describes the life of the Prophet - shows that the messenger of Islam himself married both a Christian and a Jew during his lifetime.
I believe that much of this hostility towards my marriage and conversion stems from widespread misconceptions about an alien culture and religion. Not only is there a huge gulf between the Western view of Islam and the reality, but there is in some cases also a significant distinction between Islam based directly on the Quran and the Sunnah and that practised by some Islamic societies. During the last year I have had the opportunity to visit Pakistan on three separate occasions and have observed Islamic family life in practice. Thus, to some extent I now feel qualified to judge for myself the true role and position of women in the religion. At the risk of sounding defensive, I would like to point out that Islam is not a religion which subjugates women whilst elevating men to the status of mini-dictators in their own homes.
I was able to see this first-hand when I met Imran's sisters in Lahore: they are all highly educated professional women. His oldest sister, Robina, is an alumnus of the LSE and holds a senior position in the United Nations in New York. Another sister, Aleema, has a master's degree in business administration and runs a successful business; Uzma is a highly qualified surgeon working in a Lahore hospital, whilst Rani is a university graduate who co-ordinates charity work. They can hardly be seen as "women in chains" dominated by tyrannical husbands. On the contrary, they are strong-minded independent women - yet at the same time they remain deeply committed both to their families and their religion. Thus, I was able to see - in theory and in practice - how Islam promotes the essential notion of the family unit without subjugating its female members.
I am nevertheless fully aware that women are sometimes exploited and oppressed in Islamic societies, as in other parts of the world. Judging by some of the articles which have appeared in the press, it would seem that a Western woman's happiness hinges largely upon her access to nightclubs, alcohol and revealing clothes; and the absence of such apparent freedom and luxuries in Islamic societies is seen as an infringement of her basic rights. However, as we all know, such superficialities have very little to do with true happiness. Besides, without in any way wishing to disparage the culture of the Western world, into which I was born, I am more than willing to forego the transient pleasures derived from alcohol and nightclubs; and as for the clothes I will be wearing, I find the traditional shalwar kameez (tunic and trousers) worn by most Pakistani women far more elegant and feminine than anything in my wardrobe.
Finally, it seems futile to speculate on my chances of marital success. Marriage, as Imran's father has been quoted as saying, is indeed "a gamble". However, when I see that in a society based on family life the divorce rate is just a fraction of that in European or American society, I cannot see that my chances of success are any less than if I had chosen to marry a Westerner. I am all too aware of the enormous task of adapting to a new and radically different culture. But with the love of my husband and the support of his family I look forward to the challenge wholeheartedly, and would like to feel that people wish me well. Whilst I do appreciate the genuine concerns of many, I must confess to feeling somewhat bewildered by all of the commotion.
Acknowledgements: This page was downloaded from The Imperial College Islaamic Society, UK
http://www.islamicity.com/Mosque/MyJourney/Jemina_Goldsmith.htm
http://www.islamicity.com/Mosque/MyJourney/Jemina_Goldsmith.htm
FAISAL315
Politcal Worker (100+ posts)
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[h=1]PM Nawaz Sharifs Niece Gets Married to-Rss Ideologue Gen hoons Grandson[/h]Posted on September 7, 2013 by Sadia Khalil
[h=1]
Ideally, you have been one of the most high profile marriages in the Indian sub continent obvious reason that the bride is the niece of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the daughter of Pakistans Punjab province , Shahbaz Sharif , head of government. And the groom is the grandson of a high flying retired Indian army General PN Hoon .[/h]However, the marriage has maintained a low-key affair of the political and religious implications it may have in Pakistan , fundamentalists can not accept the marriage of the niece of his prime minister to an Indian Hindu boy . And probably explains the absence of both Nawaz and Shahbaz of all ceremonies .
Niece Khabija of Nawaz Sharif on Friday married the grandson of former Indian Army Lieutenant General PN Hoon Kanv Pratap Singh. The marriage was solemnized in a hotel in Chandigarh , in front of family and close friends. While the entire family of a boys hand was present, only the girls mother , sister-in law of Nawaz Sharif was present .
Marriage, which was interesting for the obvious reasons of being not only borders but also between the first family of Pakistan and former army general Indian who is known for his strong anti Pakistan rhetoric . General Hoon is an RSS ideologue and occupies a hard-line position on India Pak relationship . He settled in Panchkula on the outskirts of the city of Chandigarh.Journal Bangalore based leading Deccan Herald commented on marriage On both sides of the border between India and Pakistan , two influential elite families , including one of the top political family in Pakistan , currently in power , came solemnly in a relationship by virtue of marriage of their children in Chandigarh on Friday. An impressive marriage ceremony took place during the day on Friday, a day considered auspicious by Muslims , while a lavish reception was organized by elegant five-star hotel in Chandigarh at night . The event was a testament to the recognition and the mix of cultures , identities and ideologies sans frontiers.
For reasons best known to the family, welcome notice outside the venue read Somya Kanv marries . High-profile reception witnessed a lot of VVIPs of the two nations . The guest list was carefully crafted and later we can make the event a wedding very close. Some Punjab MLAs were also present at the wedding.
[h=1]
Ideally, you have been one of the most high profile marriages in the Indian sub continent obvious reason that the bride is the niece of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the daughter of Pakistans Punjab province , Shahbaz Sharif , head of government. And the groom is the grandson of a high flying retired Indian army General PN Hoon .[/h]However, the marriage has maintained a low-key affair of the political and religious implications it may have in Pakistan , fundamentalists can not accept the marriage of the niece of his prime minister to an Indian Hindu boy . And probably explains the absence of both Nawaz and Shahbaz of all ceremonies .Niece Khabija of Nawaz Sharif on Friday married the grandson of former Indian Army Lieutenant General PN Hoon Kanv Pratap Singh. The marriage was solemnized in a hotel in Chandigarh , in front of family and close friends. While the entire family of a boys hand was present, only the girls mother , sister-in law of Nawaz Sharif was present .
Khabija is the daughter of the third wife of Shahabaz Sharif. Self Shahbaz so far was married four times and currently lives with his fourth wife .Kanv and Khabija would have met in the United States, where they both studied together. Kanv completed his MBA in the U.S. after studying at the prestigious Lawrence School in Sanawar in Himachal Pradesh.Marriage, which was interesting for the obvious reasons of being not only borders but also between the first family of Pakistan and former army general Indian who is known for his strong anti Pakistan rhetoric . General Hoon is an RSS ideologue and occupies a hard-line position on India Pak relationship . He settled in Panchkula on the outskirts of the city of Chandigarh.Journal Bangalore based leading Deccan Herald commented on marriage On both sides of the border between India and Pakistan , two influential elite families , including one of the top political family in Pakistan , currently in power , came solemnly in a relationship by virtue of marriage of their children in Chandigarh on Friday. An impressive marriage ceremony took place during the day on Friday, a day considered auspicious by Muslims , while a lavish reception was organized by elegant five-star hotel in Chandigarh at night . The event was a testament to the recognition and the mix of cultures , identities and ideologies sans frontiers.
For reasons best known to the family, welcome notice outside the venue read Somya Kanv marries . High-profile reception witnessed a lot of VVIPs of the two nations . The guest list was carefully crafted and later we can make the event a wedding very close. Some Punjab MLAs were also present at the wedding.
