Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A large gathering of Indian and Pakistani expatriates gathered to draw a road map to eradicate the dowry system at a seminar organized by Socio-Reforms Society here recently. They pledged to boycott the prevailing un-Islamic wedding ceremonies. Dr. Syed Ali Mahmood, Syed Khaja Waqaruddin and Mohammed Abbas Khan were the chief guests. Dr. Aleem Khan Falaki, the key-note speaker, said that as long as people will keep on attending such weddings where the bride's parents are supposed to give dowry and dinner in the name of tradition the dowry system will never come to an end. He said: "The increasing poverty, unemployment, prostitution, beggars, divorces, strained relations and several other moral, social and economical evils in society are due to dowry only. He also said that since not only Muslims but also Hindus, Sikhs and Christians too are facing worst consequences of this system — working against the dowry system will be a great national and humanity service." The audience was so electrified and emotional from his speech that all raised hands as a pledge to boycott every such party in which the bride's side has to bear the demands of extravagant weddings, instead of the groom. Javed Aslam Azmi, Afzal Ahmed, Abbas Khan, Aslam Afghani pledged their support to the campaign openly. Another interesting part of the program was the presentation of Amer, a well-known film and drama writer and artist who is working in the Kingdom, presented solely presented an emotional scene from his own famous drama "Kiya maen kabhi Dulhan banungi? (Will ever I be a bride?)." The act left the audience teary-eyed. His act revolved around how even educated and well settled families demand dowry. Irfan Quraishi said he agrees with the economic damages caused by the dowry system, and Waqaruddin said he would support the mission by providing dynamic youth force. Mahmood, assistant professor at King Abdul Aziz University, said: "The sacrifice is inevitable to achieve success for any nation. Unless we will sacrifice our cheap worldly desires of celebrating the happiness according to other's standard, we cannot get any laurel for our religion. We must adapt the way of the Prophet not only in marriage but also in every aspect of life. That is the only way to attain the lost status of the Ummah." The attendees also vowed to hold similar gatherings with their friends and families to eradicate the evil practice of dowry.
