The Maldives’ self-styled ‘underground feminist movement’ Rehendhi has announced joint letter writing campaign with the ‘Enough is Enough’ group in protest against Sonee Company’s intention to sponsor an upcoming lecture by Islamic speaker Dr Bilal Philips.
The event, titled ‘The Call’, is being held in early June by Islamic NGO Jamiyyathul Salaf.
Rehendhi issued a press statement today condemning Dr Philips’ preaching at last years’ Call, accusing him of “preaching that it is Islamic to marry off young girls as soon as they reached puberty, irrespective of their age.
“We refuse to tolerate this misogynistic, regressive and repressive interpretation of Islam, especially in a public lecture,” Rehendhi claimed.
“The Ministry of Health and Family, UNICEF, Doctors Association, Child Protections Unit at the Maldives Police Services, Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Education and almost all the NGOs working on child rights in the Maldives remained silent, reluctant to be labeled as un-Islamic.”
Such interpretations of Islam conflicted with “numerous international treaties protecting the girl child” that the Maldives has signed, Rehendhi claimed, “including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Optional Protocol to the CRC on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflic, and Optional Protocol to the CRC on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.”
Rehendhi also criticised “the insensitivity of the judges to the rights of the girl child”, claiming that “deficient coordination for the implementation and monitoring of the conventions and laws within the government leave the most vulnerable children in our society exposed to child sexual abuse, sometimes under the legal guise of the so called ‘Islamic marriages’.”
“In an environment where sexualized violence towards children and minors is rampant, irresponsible preaching results in both intended and unintended repercussions that affect our young population,” the group claimed, calling on Maldivian society to “stand up and implement the laws and conventions”.
State Minister for Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said the Ministry had received no information that Dr Bilal Philips’ preaching including the abuse of children’s rights, and “guaranteed” that the Islamic Ministry “would not let such acts happen in the Maldives.”
”We are confident that after our new Religious Unity regulations are implemented, it will be easier for us to take action against anyone who [preaches] this,” said Shaheem said.
Salaf said it did not wish to comment on the matter.
Rehendhi has previously protested “against misogyny in Maldivian society” by claiming to have sent undergarments to conservative Maldivian Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed on Valentine’s Day.
Correction: The protest is a joint campaign by the groups Rehendhi and ‘Enough is Enough’, not just Rehendhi as previously stated. Furthermore, Rehendhi only sent underwear to Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed, coinciding with a public lecture, not “conservative Maldivian Sheikhs” as originally stated.
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First the "Religious Unity Act"
Then the "Mandatory Burka"
Finally "Beard Patrol"
Welcome to Afghanistan... Enjoy the Beach..
wow...
These radical secularist are so fearful of Islam, huh?
Why dont these lesbians go somewhere else?
Brilliant idea!... Go Rehendhi
@No Questions: I am patiently waiting for these "religious police/beard patrol" - they are the last piece I need to complete the defense network.
bilal on public TV endorsed a form of pedophilia. he should be banned from entering this country. wat the hell shaheems is talking abt a regulation.
Did anyone ask Sonee company's opinion on this? Do we even know if they are funding him? If not this can be considered serious slanders as from the letter I can see that the allegations are quite disgusting. Not the best journalism minivan!
I have been worried about such lectures promoting early marriages for a long time. I am glad someone has taken up the issue. I hope Sonee realises what's going on and retract the funding asap.
Do you know who these ladies are??? For God sake (opps Christ sake dho) listen to what Bilaal said in his speech! These so called "Feminist" are simply lesbians who wants to get their rights under the veil of Democracy!!
I think Washington Post was right. Maldives is really becoming an extreme religious country. All these scholars suddenly coming here for lectures and Taliban coming here for holidays; these are all not good signs. We better do something now.
I would rather call them "Underground Prostitute Movement". Rehendhi is a much sweeter name for them, it really should be "Randi". By the way Mr.JJ you are making fun of professional journalism by making an article out some anonymous rubbish group without any actual source.
I belive that Salaf didint said anything beacuse the rendhi is not registerd movment. Its Iligale movement yet as far as I know. And its not profesional to publish article and metirals such as rendi letter, as they are unknown to us all. They are not recorganaized by govrement. We don’t read from unknown people. I doubt about the profesionalizm of minivan news. Anyone can write anything from blogs and unknown saying. Cheec cheec cheee… moreover I don’t know why nothing is stopping Salaf. They propagte almost anything they want. Why we can’t stop such a NGO against democracy. Well. It’s for sure that rendi is belongs to minivan news cox of this attitude. Western Mosque
@ fracture who blathered:
"These radical secularist are so fearful of Islam, huh?
Why dont these lesbians go somewhere else?"
This stupid and helpless attack does not address the issue at hand - marrying off underage girls against maldivian law. Shame on you.
This may not be even a group. May be a cold brainwashed single lesbian. Note that the Minivan News will be always the first to know these types of under ground anti-religious sentiments and activities.Minivan tries to blow big the irreligious sentiments of just a few anti-social elements dancing to the tunes of their secular pay masters-the globalist New World Order conspirators.
These ultra feminists lesbos don't like young girl to get married. They are jealous of that.
Let the good doctor speak first, unless you have substantial evidence that he has broken any rules in this country.
Tell you the truth? These feminists
don't give a hoot about anyone, but their carnal desires for same sex reunion! Watch the feminists and you won't be surprised to tell they are only half female! They have no shame because of excessive male hormones! They should thank the male hormone for giving them the boldness to do what other normal females aren't able to do!!(just observe the next time you see them - most will be seen ashamed to wear female looking clothes!!)Therefore they are much aghast at any kind of male-female union, either in marriage, or any relationship, because their only worry is not being able to keep the female for the female (themselves)! Since they can't directly talk against a male-female union (marriage) their only grit is to talk between the lines and voice their anger and jealousy about men occupying the female species, resorting to topics like minimum age for marriage in Islam! Very sophisticated, they might seem isn't it? BOTTOM LINE IS - FEMINISM = SEXISM = RACISM !! They are not aware of it - because of the imbalance of the raging hormones in their so called 'feminist' blood. They think they are emotionally always right and therefore should be demanding. Hehehe! What a bunch of genetic mess! And what crazy comments they invite such as this in the middle of the night! These feminists! (yawning) Zzzzzz! Zzzzz!
A significant percentage of articles posted on this website are critical of Islam. I believe this will only tarnish the image of minivannews. Maldives is a democratic country now - and majority of us believe in islam. And majority would not allow gay and lesbians or other religions (even there are maldivians who support these).
Thanks Sonee for the support.
Go to hell, Rehendhi!
@ Fracture
why don' t the radicals leave here, rather than try and impose their will on others.
like it or not this has been a moderate and secular society for the large part. I am glad at least some one is standing up for this power hungry idiots.
Minivan News is reporting on the movement against Bilal Philip's lecture more so than Sonee's alleged intention to fund the event. They have probably shown some inclination towards it, and as a response Rehendhi started this campaign.
The Religious Unity Act cannot and must not be implemented in our country. They target bloggers and free speech in general. Honestly, if people Dr. Bilal Philips really insist on preaching in Maldives, then have other scholars brought who will counter him. The Religious Unity Act is far more detrimental to moderate views than conservative ones because of how much power it consolidates in the hands of the Islamic Ministry.
As for the lecture itself, it promotes an Islamic ideology that is so repressive that social problems like child abuse will be exacerbated. Because society becomes more repressive, young girls and boys who are abused will find it even harder to speak out and get away from their tormentors. Those who are on drugs will find it harder to seek help, and there'll be fewer options available to them. More girls will start to be kept out of school, and the fabric of our society will continually disintegrate under the strains of this alien ideology.
These people only want their Islam. They don't care about Maldivian heritage, Maldivian culture, or Maldivian Islam. They want to impose their will on us, and rob us of freedom and rights and eventually our democratic right to choose.
Enough is Enough.
Hahaha, see?. Every time an individual or a group stands against injustice, the enemies of Maldives are quick to label them with sexuality labels in an effort to silence them.
It is quite clear that Bilal is very well-funded to spread his race-killing ideologies. The question boils down to this; funded by who?
It always makes me wonder why when a woman fights for her rights, or in this case, the rights of the girl child, she becomes a lesbian?
calling them names doesn't take away from the issue at hand. Bilal Philips is banned from entering numerous countries because he spreads hatred. If these allegations are true, that he indeed suggested that it is alright to marry off girls at menerche, regardless of their age, then it is indeed a violation of the rights of children of the Maldives.
religious extremism doesn't just come in the form of jihad. Discouraging girls from attending schools and immunizing children are forms are of extremism too. and so is marrying off little girls because it legitimizes that notion that women and girls are second class citizens that can be done away with as men please.
when something is being said, it is important to take heed of what is being said. critical thinking seems to missing from the masses of the Maldives. Country is going to the mullahs. such a shame.
It is a pity that Minivan News did not ask Sonee for a comment whether they are intending to sponsor Dr. Bilal Philips.
But people like Bilal Phillips are dangerous. He should not be allowed into the Maldives. Islamic Ministry would have no guts to stop people like him because they themselves believe in this doctrine of child marriages too.
Dear All anti of the CALL event, insha Allah we will bring Bilal Philips as well as Abdul Rahman Green and make thr public speak too.....thr is nothing that Rehendhi or any other can do it insha Allah...and only thing u can do it write articles in these such internet based site etc....why dont u guys leave Maldives n go somewhr like Netherlands or other. but dont try to be smart n brainy in maldives...and although u all against Zakir Naik too, he is also finally in Maldives masha Allah...and he already given one lecture too....n thr nothing u can do abt it insha Allah
@fatumath
Talking against Islam is also against Maldivian law. Do you care?
That law does not apply to LESBIANS, I guess? Because what ever you do with an underage girl, if it does not amount to a marriage, it's OK?
The sad truth is that the only countries in the world that are really helping us are largely Muslim countries, especially from the Middle East. This has been traditionally the case as it is now. Just look at the figures that were donated by the Western nations (UK, US etc) compared to the Middle Eastern countries as well as Japan. (Japan is a very special friend of the Maldives).
Our citizens are very aware of this and feel very strongly about the religious bond between us and these brothers and sisters.
Now we do have some of these so-called 'scholars' who try to take advantage of our religious sentiment to spread their own vulgar views. The Islamic Ministry should step in and stop them.
I think there will be even more radicalisation and Islamisation of the country and that's inherently a world movement that seems unstoppable thanks largely to Western foreign policy.
Bilal answering a question from an audience member said its ok for 9 year olds to get married.
He said this on maldivian soil the first time he was here (hopefully his last also).
He also stated that child abuse is what europeans do when they travel to asian countries, implying that its ok for a muslim to hook up with a child as long as the intention is to marry.
He spoke contrary to our religion and our laws, he should be banned. And shame on Sonee if they are going to sponser his support for pedophile lecture.
Atleast Rehendhi has the guts to voice out and work at stopping this. All of us should join in this campaign to stop such people who call for atrocities to be committed in the name of our beautiful religion.
im routing for rehendi, not necessarily because of the people in rehendi or their sexual preferences (whatever that may be), but the cause they are fighting is largely ignored by the rest of the community.
People continue to choose anonymity in Maldives because of the high risk of expressing oneself, such as the risk of being abused verbally or physically etc because of your ideas. Hence, my own e-name. And Rehendhi, from what I understand of them, are trying to raise issues that concern them (as any person should be allowed to do) without being attacked or threatened.
Exact same reason why Fracture, DRP thugs, Anni, Western Mosque, Fiza, heck and hameed use their anonymity - but they use anonymous identities not to help other people but so they can say vicious and slanderous and despicable things - did you even read and understand what Rehendhi are working towards? The goal of their letter campaign is to protect children from being forced into sexual and other slavehood (ie. forced early marriage).
And yes I did hear Dr Bilal say that is was ok to 'give away' your daughter once she was in puberty if the father thought this was ok - this could be 9, 10, 11 years old even!!
So to Fracture, DRP thugs, Anni, Western Mosque, Fiza, heck and hameed and anyone else who accepts Dr Bilal's INTERPRETATION (which is opinion, not fact) as AOK, then be honest and put up your hand and acknowledge that you accept the sexual and physical slavery of children. And you really think Islam (a peaceful, loving religion) accepts this? You may be reading the wrong book and listening to the wrong people.
Believing in one God is quite unfair for a good God, how can one god be so kind and a minute later a vicious, vengeance, vindictive, furious and sex crazy. So let’s believe Bilal is spreading the words of vicious god and we have to pray to the kind and merciful god to save us from Bilal’s god. I think these gods should be able to settle these things.
always like feminists coz they are usually women...like allguys like women!!!
but bilal philips said the right thing!!
I never understood the obsession of Religious bigots with
a)Homosexuality
b)Christians
I admit to having an unfortunate prejudice against certain bearded types, and suspect repressed sexuality as one of the reasons behind their eternal frustrations.
I'd like to believe otherwise, but every time I heard these kind of sexually charged outbursts, my prejudices are further cemented.
Lesbians? Really? What an argument!
@Aicha
Too many bats flying over your area? Check if your sense of hearing is not affected by bat urea!
Bilal Philips DID not say it was ok for 6 or 9 year old girls to get married. I think what he said was, when the girl has reached puberty, and if she has menstruated, religion does not prohibit her from getting married provied she has the 'wali' from her father or whosoever is in that position.
Is it a problem if Islam has a minimum age defined for marriage? Does it mean all those who reach minimum age should get married? What would happen if minimum age was not defined?
@mummu: Yes, Zakir Nike shoe came all the way here, amid cheers and massive grovelling from the mainstream media giving him a reputation as an "undefeatable debater".
That illusion was shattered when he showed his true, arrogant colors last night at the Q&A session.
You can bring your Bilal Phillips Screwdriver as well. And it will prove how much you hate the future mothers of the Maldivian nation.
Don't mind if Rehendhi is a bunch of lesbians or prostitutes... us women are used to being called this everyday and some of us are honest lesbians and prostitutes, but i see that threatens some of you. Rehendi, will sign the petition, do let us know how we can do this.
I think we should quit Sonee, if they will sponsor this.
@ heck
well said................. really they are lesbians..........
What are these childish girls crying about now? Children like this only a few.. hence they stay undeground to make themselves look big. Let us all make some undeground group.. with some wierd name. Then invite little school kids to join and take some free ice-creams.. im sure we could increase the membership in no time. (PURE CHILDISH LITTLE KIDS) - Disgusting.. and irrelevant.
JadeInMaldives: I wonder why you are hiding behind a nickname. Are you a Maldivian or a foreigner and are you a Muslim.
Have you heard about the cases of Sean Stewart, who became a dad at 12 when the girl next door, 15-year-old Emma Webster, gave birth; and when 13 years of Alfie Patten was declared father when his girl friend Chantelle Steadman gave birth at the of 15.
Dr. Bilal is an intellectual. If he said it is OK to marry your child once he or she reaches puberty, he must have said it as an advice to those parent who might want to avoid an embarrassing moments such as mentioned above.
One thing for sure: a child can never be a biological father or a mother. Even today, we can pass a law saying anyone under the age of 30 is a child. But that cannot change the fact.
If you cannot stop your daughter from getting pregnant out of wedlock at the age of 15, I suggest to take Dr. Bilal's advice: at least your grandchild will not be called a bastard in the society!
According to @Aicha's comment I understand that Islam defines a minimum age for girls to marry. What is the minimum age of marriage set for boys, and how does one determine that. Do we have to hook their brains to wires to observe when they have their first wet dream?
@Ahmed Anony
Aren't you showing how much you hate the past mothers of Maldives?
About shattering. Look! It's your view, if you want to say the bottle is half full or half empty, but I thought some 'hearts' were shattered last night in front of TV sets! Zakir Naik proved nothing of the sort of terrorist bell you 'islam haters' were ringing of him!
Sour grapes..tsk..tsk..tsk!
why that maniac have to give lecture?
who cares if women quit buying from sonee...most of their bussiness is hardware and to my knowledge women has no say in buying hardware...as opposed to underwear..!!
http://thecall.mv/
I have few questions in this issue. If they have enough facts to prove their argument, why Rehendhi is so reluctant to criticizes openly? Is this a registered NGO?
lol Rehendi says Bilal Philips spew misogynistic bile and his supporters refute this by saying.........
What is this obsession with homosexuality? Why does anyone who advocates against religious fundamentalism gets labeled with sexual deviations (as they see it)? And even if rehendi were 'lesbians' how does it challenge what they are saying?
anyone know how to contact them? Do they have a website or email address?
who are these 'under grounds'.If one has courage I think the can come forward.unfortunately these 'feminists' has no shelter from a man.Almost all of them are divorced and are taking refuge of black coffee and cigarettes.
Ridiculous that a lot of the commenters on this news post seem obsessed with the sexuality of the group. Shows why our nations pedophiles and molesters get away so easily.
Sonee has a lot of great products for women, sportswear sports equipment yoga stuff vacuum cleaners and brooms.
A boycott, though it may work, is not the answer to everything. Has anyone spoken to Sonee to see if what they have to say about this?
agree with Yaamyn, why is everyone so homophobic.
and second, taking up child rights, especially the rights of the girl child in the face of people like Bilal Philips who condone pedophilia, does not at any level amount to lesbianism. please, give me a break.
my wholehearted support to Rehendhi. thanks for sending the letters. and may god and all of us save this country and its children. amen