Muslim woman gets Nobel Peace Prize

Society Religion & Philosophy
1

i think this can also be a Religion Forum-type discussion. i don’t know anything about her, first time i’m hearing her name. i wonder what the response will be/has been from particular Muslim governments.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/10/international/10CND-NOBEL.html?ex=1066449600&en=ed6ce31f0c0ee689&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE

Shirin Ebadi became the first Muslim woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize today, in recognition of her work promoting the rights of women and children in Iran over the past three decades.

In awarding the prize to Ms. Ebadi, the Nobel committee said it wished to prod the Muslim world into recognizing that Islam and human rights, particularly those of women and children, can go hand in hand. The committee also said it hoped to advance a moderate, nonviolent path toward reform in Islamic countries, one in which religious and cultural differences are rewarded rather than punished during this time of turbulence and upheaval.

"Her principal arena is the struggle for basic human rights, and no society deserves to be labeled civilized unless the rights of women and children are respected,‘’ the Nobel committee’s chairman, Ole Danbolt Mjoes, said in a statement after announcing the winner.

In its citation, the committee noted that Ms. Ebadi "sees no conflict between Islam and fundamental human rights,‘’ adding, "It is important to her that the dialogue between the different cultures and religions of the world should take as its point of departure their shared values.‘’

…]

But it is her work on behalf of women and children that garnered the most attention. Ms. Ebadi, 56, is the founder and leader of the Association for Support of Children’s Rights in Iran and has written several books and articles promoting human rights, among then the "History and Documentation of Human Rights in Iran.‘’ Working at a grass-roots level, she has managed to establish crisis telephone lines for children and raised awareness about issues like children in prison and forced child marriages.

The fact that she is a woman in a Muslim country teetering between reform and fundamentalism "carries special resonance,‘’ Mr. Mjoes, the Nobel chairman, said in an interview after the announcement.

"Ebadi represents reformed Islam, and argues for a new interpretation of Islamic law which is in harmony with vital human rights such as democracy, equality before the law, religious freedom and freedom of speech,‘’ he said.

2

Here is something more about her. Thread could be, ‘a woman made her way in an islamic society’

http://www.iranianchildren.org/ebadi.html

Ms. Shirin Ebadi was awarded the 2001 Rafto Prize in recognition of her sustained fight, over many years, for human rights and democracy in Iran. In particular, her efforts have focused on strengthening the legal status of women and children. Shirin Ebadi is famous as the first female judge in Iran. She had to resign her position following the revolution in 1979, when conservative Islamic clerics took control of the country and introduced severe restrictions on the role of women in society.

3

[QUOTE]
Originally posted by yahudi: *
**Here is something more about her. Thread could be, 'a woman made her way in an islamic society'*
[/QUOTE]

ahaan tau, sorry forgive me for sounding rude, but i am trying to understand the point being made in this comment. There is nothing "more" to her, she has never once stated that Islam stands in the way of human rights IF that is what you are implying (because i am not really sure and i don't want to make an assumption). The article i quoted clearly states, Ebadi "sees no conflict between Islam and fundamental human rights".

Sorry to burst anyone's bubble who might have wanted to use this opportunity to bash Islam again, but this time it won't work.

Cheers,
nadia

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On the contrary I think Islam greatly aided her efforts Nadia, one only needs to read the Quran to get an idea of the applicable rights of women and children.

5

[QUOTE]
Originally posted by Chota: *
**On the contrary I think Islam greatly aided her efforts* Nadia, one only needs to read the Quran to get an idea of the applicable rights of women and children.
[/QUOTE]

Thank you. ^ Precisely.

6

**The fact that she is a woman in a Muslim country teetering between reform and fundamentalism "carries special resonance,‘’ Mr. Mjoes, the Nobel chairman, said in an interview after the announcement.

"Ebadi represents reformed Islam, and argues for a new interpretation of Islamic law which is in harmony with vital human rights such as democracy, equality before the law, religious freedom and freedom of speech,‘’ he said.**

It appears as though her enlightened view of Islam has helped in her struggle for human rights. That is in stark contrast to the government’s fundamentalist view which obviously restricts human rights. :k: Good for her

7

^

Seminole govts like the ayotollahs of Iran and taleban of Afghanistan have always used religion as a tool to get power..they are b=nothing more than the inquisitors.

sadly the lack of representation, suppression, in some areas and poverty and manipulation in other areas make these guys seem to be a choice, a lesser of two evils or a hope..

clearly that is not the case. eventually ppl wake up but by then they realize that their rights have been stripped and they have no say..and in iran's case so theyare not being ruled by a Shah but by an Ayotollah..

I am glad to see that she was recongized for her efforts, and hope that this is an example to others to start speaking up, or to continue speaking up against the lame BS that goes on under the guise of religion by these idiots in some countries

8

Re: Muslim woman gets Nobel Peace Prize

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Nadia_H: *
i think this can also be a Religion Forum-type discussion.

[/QUOTE]

ok Nadia, and where would you like to post an article about Dr. Abdus Salam, a Nobel prize laureate in Physics and an Ahmedi...

9

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Madhanee: *

Shawaiz...was Abdus Salam a Muslim woman?
[/QUOTE]

and your point is????

10

Well if she is a woman then there have been two muslim women with the accolade.

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Re: Re: Muslim woman gets Nobel Peace Prize

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by shawaiz: *
ok Nadia, and where would you like to post an article about Dr. Abdus Salam, a Nobel prize laureate in Physics and an Ahmedi...
[/QUOTE]

oho bhayee reason i posted this is because she's a woman. Good for Dr. Abdus Salam, when have i ever stated anything against him. Mai tau Ahmadis ko defend karti hoon in this Forum. sheesh. It's just b/c she's a WOMAN that i opened this thread. As per the Moratorium let's please not turn this into another sectarian argument.

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If she is woman, why is this in religion? Is being a woman a religion or simply a sexual attribute?

13

Yes.

Nobel winner’s plea to Iran, BBC

The Iranian human rights activist who won this year’s Nobel Peace Prize has called on the government in Tehran to free all political prisoners. Shirin Ebadi told a news conference the most urgent issues for Iran to deal with were freedom of speech and the release of those imprisoned for expressing their opinions.

Ms Ebadi, 56, is a well-known lawyer noted especially for promoting the rights of women and children by seeking changes in Iran’s divorce and inheritance laws. She is the first Muslim woman to be awarded the prize, beating other nominees who included Pope John Paul II and former Czech President Vaclav Havel.

The Norwegian award committee said it chose her because of her focus on promoting human rights and democracy in her country.

In Tehran, a foreign ministry spokesman said her award was a cause for happiness and reflected the improved situation of women in Iran.

The BBC’s Jim Muir in Tehran says that while Iran’s reformists will be delighted, the conservative authorities see the award as a political move by Europe to increase pressure on Iran.

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Ebadi, 56, the first Muslim woman to win the prize, was the first female judge in Iran. She was cited by the Nobel Committee for her focus on human rights, especially the struggles for the rights of women and children.

Last year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, former President Carter, said Ebadi’s work was “an inspiration to people in Iran and around the world.”

“She proves that one person, standing on principle, can make a positive difference in the lives of many,” Carter said.

**However, the award was not welcomed by all. **

Egypt’s first female judge, Tahany el-Gebaly, said there were more deserving activists in the Middle East, but Ebadi was chosen because her views were acceptable to the West.

**“There are many fiery Muslims whose actions and positions are a lot more outspoken, but because they are anti-West, or anti-American or Western policy in the region, they get no attention,” she said. **

Iraninan wins Nobel Prize for being pro western!

I don’t know this woman never heard of her if she fighting for rights which are due to people all good and well but what is her call Democracy and calling for reform pro western 100%. If she mention the abuses of America and israel the mass genocide in iraq and afghanistan lets see how many trophy she will win from theses western saboteurs! there is a definite agenda behind this award…:bummer:

15

[QUOTE]
Originally posted by ak47: *
*"There are many fiery Muslims whose actions and positions are a lot more outspoken, but because they are anti-West, or anti-American or Western policy in the region, they get no attention," she said. **

...] *there is a definite agenda behind this award.
[/QUOTE]
*

There are plenty of Muslims who are using Islam as a tool to move forward on human rights issues. Mr. Edhi is one such Muslim gentleman; there is a Muslim Pakistani female who runs a radio show in a rural part of Pakistan who is another. She discusses human rights issues, women's rights, over the radio and her audience are predominantly women who otherwise would never have heard about their religious and legal rights.

Dr. Jamal Badawi is a Muslim who can be considered "anti-West", "anti-American", and "fiery" at times in his khutbahs. At the same time, he is a very passionate supporter of Muslim women getting their full rights through Islam. And he has been critical of Muslims who use their religion as a tool for committing violence. i disagree w/ the Egyptian judge's quote mentioned above, she is not acknowledging that there are many Muslims who are as passionate about their faith, their imaan, as they are passionate about tolerance and a peaceful co-existence. Maybe Muslims should start valuing our own people, like Mr. Edhi and Dr. Badawi, and recognize them for the work that they are doing.

16

Nadia you see agenda behind this women being given trophy or not!

:mash:

17

** conservative Islamic clerics took control of the country and introduced severe restrictions on the role of women in society.**

Do you have any proof of this?

Iran has the highest literacy rate in all of third world countries.

1 out of every three Iranian physicians is a woman.

So what were you saying about restrictions?

Oh yea that's right, you don't know what you are talking about since your brain only serves the purpose of keeping your head from caving in.

So next time use it.

18

Seems to me that the quote is from the site “Iranian Children’s Rights Society”](http://www.iranianchildren.org/ebadi.html) formed by Iranians in Southern California. By your tirade, I assume you know more about Iran, than what those Iranians have put on their website.

19

DearNadia, Sorry, I cannot response in the same abusive language.

Ebadi had to resign her post when your religious, revered leader Ayattollah came to power in 1979.
This lady has worked against all odds. And for that she got the reward. Do you think that if she had criticized Islam for all odds, could she work in a society of Ayattollah?

If she had criticized Islam, got Nobel, right now you might have been bashing the (Christian) Nobel Prize authority.
It is your personal complex that you look for Muslims everywhere.
(Ps,You defend Ahamadis. Why? Ideological Islam is against them. So, you first define your status. That will be more non-hypocritical.)

http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/iran-cn.htm

Most significant was the 1979 abrogation of the Family Protection Law (legislated in 1967 and amended in 1974), effectively denying women the right to divorce and re-establishing men’s unlimited right of divorce. 2 In addition, women’s voices were banned from radio and female singers barred from television.
A campaign was waged to tie women to home and family. Women were restricted from certain professions, such as law, and women university students were not allowed into programmes such as agricultural engineering and veterinary sciences. The state assumed a pronatalist stance, banning abortion and distribution of contraceptives, extolling the Muslim family, and lowering the age of consent.

20

Good luck to her. The Nobel Peace Prize is just another Kufr invention and really doesn't mean a lot to me in any way. Alfred Nobel, became very wealthy with his patents and left a will for a trustfund to give out.

'The said interest shall be divided into five equal parts, which shall be apportioned as follows: one part to the person who shall have made the most important discovery or invention within the field of physics; one part to the person who shall have made the most important chemical discovery or improvement; one part to the person who shall have made the most important discovery within the domain of physiology or medicine; one part to the person who shall have produced in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction; and one part to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses'.

It's pretty ironic that peace is mentioned as the last point when Alfred Nobel was the one who invented Dynamite and throughout his life his name was connected with explosives and with inventions useful to the art of making war.

Moving back to Ebadi, I'm just curious as to why the head Hijaab has come off and she now dons a short masculine haircut. If I didn't see her previous pictures, I could not tell if she was Muslim or not. At least the Hijaab in my books defines a Muslim woman from afar.

As far as her work is concerned, has she really done something to benefit mankind or Muslim women? Allah knows best. Unfortunately we now live in a capitalist materialistic driven environment, where manmade laws and rules seem to determine who is worthy or not. 'Reformed Islam' they argue. Isn't this what the West wanted from day one, Reform Islam to fall in line with manmade laws.

Apart from the Oscars and Grammys, the Nobel Peace Prize seems to be the next best bet to becoming famous and giving your career an instant boost!