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Muslim Clerics globally feel posting photos of women on Facebook is un-Islamic
NEW DELHI: A Pakistani website quotes Muslim clerics in India agreeing with their counterparts in Pakistan that posting pictures of girls on Facebook is un-Islamic.
The website moremag.pk says ‘this problem is not just limited to Pakistan where social media has become subject of criticism but Muslim leaders all over the world are somehow trying to establish their writ on social networks where it is virtually impossible to ban anything permanently.’
It says Muslim clerics in India have shown reservation on posting pictures of girls on Facebook. The viewpoint is divided and according to few, it is un-Islamic to post pictures of girls on Facebook since it becomes a cause of social evils and creates problems for girls.
Abul Irfan Naimul Halim of Sunni sect said, “There are so many crimes taking place each day. The animal instincts of men are not sparing girls even within the four walls. In such a case posting pictures is extending an open invitation to such crimes.”
A Shia cleric Maulana Saif Abbas Naqvi also endorses the thoughts of Abdul Irfan. He says that hundreds of Muslims call on helplines asking about if making an account on facebook and twitter is permitted in Islam or not.
“There is no harm in making accounts on social networks as it is a practice to gain knowledge but posting a picture of women on internet for public without hijab is un-Islamic. Purdah should be practiced if it is important to post a picture”, Maulana Saif added.
To some, it is better to maintain a physical relation than getting involved in virtual relation because the latter is more deceiving in case one of them is playing with a fake picture.
But there are few like Ali Nasir Syeed who is of the view that the definition of Purdah should be clear and that there is nothing un-Islamic in posting a picture of facebook or other social networks without hijab.
To him, coping up with the technological advancement is more important for Muslims today rather than getting lost in vague things.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
