The funeral of Asma Jahangir was witnessed by the entire country. It was covered all over mainstream and social media due to her dedicated efforts for the country.
As many expected, women also gathered in a large number to be a part of the funeral
Many were hesitant at first, but they were soon reminded of Asma’s efforts to push for equality of both genders in the country. This urged them to ignore the hesitance and go anyway.
As I walked into the stadium for Asma Jahangir’s funeral, I initially couldn’t spot any women. I hesitated, and tried to…
Posted by Zahra Hayat on Dienstag, 13. Februar 2018
Many were waiting to be pushed back into the crowd, however, nothing of the sort happened. Everyone was allowed to be where they could comfortably stand
#AsmaJahangir – Women & men all gathered to say her funeral prayer. Last subversive act. May she rest in power. pic.twitter.com/W7upoUPedY
— Rabia Mehmood (@Rabail26) February 13, 2018
Thousands of women attend Asma Jahangir’s funeral in Lahore today, defying both religion & tradition. The last time it happened was on Sabeen Mehmood’s funeral. Asma’s daughters Sulema & Munizae remained with their mother’s body till the end. The prayer was led by Farooq Maududi. pic.twitter.com/MRefdVhUNC
— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 13, 2018
Can’t believe it took a funeral to see this many women out in a public space. Pakistan normally looks excessively male and grey, this is how I would like it to look like all the time. Thank you Asma Jahangir, no one else could have done this but you. pic.twitter.com/Tnwrmw8x5r
— Gule (@gulmeenay) February 13, 2018
Her daughters were at the front of the funeral lineup
#AsmaJahangir's daughters, Sulema and Munizae, in the front row of the funeral lineup. Prayers were led by Farooq Maududi. pic.twitter.com/S3VGMimVrv
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) February 13, 2018
Men and women together in one space to offer the funeral prayers of Asma Jahangir – many say that it is precisely what she would have wanted
Thousands of men and women offered Asma Jahangir’s funeral prayers together today. This has never happened in #Pakistan before. Even in death Asma reclaims space for women & strikes a blow for equality.
— Ali Dayan Hasan (@AliDayan) February 13, 2018
A befitting farewell to #AsmaJahangir – Thousands of women & men from all over came to show their love & respect – It was a peoples’ funeral…
It was just how she would have liked it.
It was however, very tough to say goodbye. pic.twitter.com/Ci5edDJ9kF— Bushra Gohar (@BushraGohar) February 13, 2018
While many are appreciating the gesture, several others are also questioning why it was allowed to happen
U don't know that ALLAH likes only men funeral?
— Neha sharafat doltana (@Shrafat36353056) February 13, 2018
By no way looks to be an islamic funeral
— M. Shahid Mushtaq (@MShahidMushtaq) February 14, 2018
Yani ub islami qawaneen bi khooni librals k nishany pr kidhr hy molana sb?
— Fazal Ahmed Khan (@FazalAhmedKha10) February 13, 2018
Oh my libeetaaard women can pray and attand funerals 1st read #islam then talk about Islam
— United Fuckin Nation (@alisyedawais) February 13, 2018
There is also confusion about women being allowed to attend funerals in Islam. While many agree that they are, the next disagreement is over whether or not they are allowed to stand in the front row
Correction: Islam permits women to attend funeral prayers and yes authentic scholars have given a fatwa regarding this since centuries.
The difference is it’s obligatory for men, optional for women
women form rows behind the men— Ismael Malek (@Ismael_m128) February 13, 2018
I Went For Umrah And I Saw There It Was A Norm In Both Makkah And Medinah Women Offering Namaz e Janaza. Earlier I Believed Women Cannot Offer Janaza Prayer..
— Kuky Malik (@KukyMalik) February 13, 2018
Seperate rows.. Behind the men… Fully covered… Duh!!! Is it too hard to see and understand !!
— umm e ammar (@UsmaniMadiha) February 13, 2018
no, you're right. It is indeed disallowed to do so
— Ismael Malek (@Ismael_m128) February 13, 2018
Many also blame the inclusion of women in the funeral prayer on the feminist and liberal ideology
They believe that it is corrupting the society and that women should not have been allowed to join in. Some are even calling it an unIslamic funeral.
What the f.
Dont just call it namaz janaza— Masom (@KAMImir2) February 13, 2018
The presence of women at the funeral indeed was a tribute to the efforts of Asma Jahangir
She had dedicated her life to raise some of the most important issues plaguing the society of Pakistan, one of which was the lack of equality between the both genders.
Let us know what you think about it in the comments section below.