Guest Post by Omer Alvie
[This satirical account is inspired by the real-life drama about the Ajoka play Burqavaganza in the Pakistan capital; See The News Editorial; Gulf News op-ed; a Daily Times report on the original play, and other press coverage.]
So this is how it all happened. Ajoka, a non-commercial theatre group committed to the cause of social change in Pakistan, unveiled its new play Burqavaganza last month in Lahore. The satirical play, written by Shahid Nadeem, addresses the issue of the burqa (veil) and highlights the double-standards and hypocrisy of the feudal/tribal mindset. The aim was to use humour and satire to challenge the cultural status quo and to provoke people to think for themselves.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed the show and the play received positive reviews in the press. But the most surprising response to the play came from a rather astute group of individuals belonging to the MMA (more popularly known as Mullah Military Alliance). Inspired by the success of the Burqavaganza, five extremely talented MNAs decided to perform their own impromptu over-the-top ‘dramaâ⠂¬Ëœ in the National Assembly. The play imaginatively titled Fanativaganza (by yours truly), was a staged rebuttal to the Ajoka group’s play.
Substituting the use of satire, the inspired MNAs opted for provocative language and violent hand gestures to ridicule the writer of Burqvaganza and the Director of the Ajoka theatre group. Apparently, to these five highly sensitive and pious individuals, the Burqavaganza play was clearly un-Islamic, enough to be classified as blasphemous. Although, it has to be clarified that these days, any critique, criticism, aspersion, censure, swipe or nitpicking of the norms and practices of these religious extremists will likely lead to a blasphemy charge, even if it is a comment regarding the general unruliness of their beards.
One minor clarification here, they cannot be called religious fundamentalists. This is because they fail to grasp the fundamentals of the religion they claim to be following. ‘Nuttersâà ¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ is more appropriate and generally my preference.
The MNA performed drama did not get a positive response from the public or the press, but it did manage to get a standing ovation from the Minister of Culture, who subsequently announced a government ban on the Burqavaganza play to show his appreciation for the drama queens of the national assembly. He was so moved by the MMA performance that he additionally promised further government actions against the key members of the Ajoka Theatre group. I have to admit, as a Pakistani citizen, hearing this news brought a lump to my throat. It wasn’t that I was emotional, it just happened to be part of the process of me regurgitating my last meal, as I got sick to my stomach.
It is clear now that the government’s attempt at promoting ‘enlightened moderation’ in reference to religion has not been very successful. Actually, that is an understatement; it has been an unquestionable, resounding failure. I do admit though that they have managed to create an era of (religious) ‘moderated enlightenmentâ€℠¢. When your faith is judged by the size of your beard or measured by the length of your veil, you are in serious, serious trouble!
Omer Alvie is a Pakistani residing in the UAE and writes, often satirically, on his blog The Olive Ream. He also writes about the Pakistani blog scene at Global Voices. This post was first published at The Olive Ream.
[quote post=”712″]Ok, so would you then say that those who insist on the burqa as a necessary thing are committing a bidat? I mean, if one can wear shalvar qamees, geans, burqa or anything else as long as it covers ’sattar,’ then those who consider the burqa to be an Islamic requirement must be mistaken?[/quote]
Aqil Sahab, i know my english is worst but not much that you didn’t understand my point. But first clarify me what do you understand about the term “Biddat”? I never heard that wearing/not wering burqa is Bidat?
Replying the bold part:
The specific term “Burqa” is no where in QUran and Hadith that’s right. But i also add that I didn’t meet or heard noone who said “Burqa” is Islamic dress. Yes The structure of burqa dress is “Islamic” and noone can deny since it doesn’t only hide the body structure of a woman but also covers the face. Burqa is cultural thing in Afghanistan and sub-continent. Those who conisders that Burqa is the ONLY option which is compatible with sattar then it’s wrong. a woman in US wouldn’t wear Burqa since it’s not a western dress but this shouldn’t b an excuse for any muslim woman in the region to start wearing tight clothes which reveal her body. I know several muslim women in US who are following Islamic dress code more than our own women.
In short, don’t reject Burqa just because Burqa term was not in Quran. This shouldn’t be an excuse for not offering Salat just because Quran didn’t mention the method of salat[an excuse given by hadith rejectors].
Quran defined the boundaries and Burqa DOES meet the requirment.
I wonder why no hindu or Indian criticizes Indian dress “Saree”? or “Mangal Soter”or even “Bindi”? That’s also traditional as well as their religious symbols? What I see that our so called enlightened women in Pakistan or west feel proud to wear Bindi. Ironic! ;)
I think we should mourn that we are afraid to accept our religious values.
Indian producer Ekta Kapoor keeps promoting her religion all the time via her dramas and keeps referring Ramain,Geeta and her character names always have religious association but I don’t read in articles that Indians or their liberals whine about why she promotes religion like that? The smart woman cleverly using media to promote Hinduism and our own ladies are fond of her dramas.
Nobody critices Mr.Speilberg and Tom Hanks who never miss a chance to promote Judaism in his movies. Our very own enlightened and modern class feels proud to watch movies like “Gladiator”,”Ben Hur” and other movies about Roman and jewish history. They don;t criticize that christian and jews mullahs promoting their religion but I know if someone try to make a movie about Islamic history then every tom dick and harry would come out and start cursing mullahs,talibans or what not! Hypocisy at its peak. I don’t understand how such people lead their life which is example of famous urdu mohawara *… ghar ka na ghaat ka*.
“Quran talks about a generic term “Sattarâ€
[quote]My Yardstick is “Quran and Sunnah of Muhammad[saw]”, [/quote]
So which ones of the contemporary scholars fit into this yardstick? This should give us an idea if you yourself really understand what the above yardstick means or are merely indulging in Mullah rhetoric (most likely). I have a feeling you will run away from it all again..but I am happy to be surprised…
Ayesha aunty mujhe maaf kardin, ghalti se mistake hogaya aur meyne “AND” nahi dekha. Ab mujhe saza me mere shaam ka game band nahi kardia ga warna pappu,sohail aur guddu mera intizar karte reh jaye gey aur cricket nahi hopaye gi.
Satire is always a god way to think about serious issues. Certainly beats shouting and getting angry and violent.