Sharia has been a much discussed, oft controversial legal paradigm for most of the world because of policies it prescribes that have been viewed as regressive. Sadly, much to the disappointment of true essence of Sharia, not even a lot of Muslims truly understand what this legal framework should look like in the modern world, therefore it remains controversial.
This Twitter account is taking advantage of the fact that Sharia’s implementation in many places in the past has been done for reasons that weren’t really honest
Let’s face it, mostly oppressive regimes have used the cover of trying to implement Sharia but have actually implemented policies that might have even gone grossly against the tenants of this legal framework thus giving Sharia a bad name.
So, this Twitter account has been sharing factoids about societies before, as it claims, “Sharia ruined everything”
Johnnie Walker ad in Urdu. Pakistan, 1959.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/qHJFbyS3GV
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) September 16, 2018
And the visuals are rather interesting, from the flag-bearing women in Malaysia, circa the 70’s:
Malaysia, 1970s.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/93oGQAdEtu
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) September 11, 2018
To a market place in Baghdad in 1963:
Shopping in Baghdad, 1963.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/bbmWXk40Le
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) September 10, 2018
Oh my, look at this ethereal Afghan beauty
Although not sure how this depicts what was better before Sharia “ruined” it.
Kabul, 1971.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/nrtBsrQHt3
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) August 3, 2018
How can one not be shocked to see this?
It is sad, though, how oppressive regimes in Muslim countries have used religion to remove women from public spheres.
Students in Pakistan, 1970s.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/vRT8NISU7F
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) May 24, 2018
Al-Azhar University, Egypt, 1962.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/bQ2fqHNL8u
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) August 26, 2018
The beauty of pre-Sharia women continues to enthrall the followers of this account
Syria, 1950s.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/G8rWwKL3fK
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) August 9, 2018
Syrian writer Ghada al-Samman, 1960s.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/XVX14QSviL
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) August 6, 2018
Iran, 1970.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/lbloTNYx58
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) July 31, 2018
Factory workers’ prom party, late 30s, İzmir, Turkey. They are working class people. Nowadays they are the most conservative part of the community.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/UxDRqNV7HX
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) July 20, 2018
Whether or not you agree with the images used to depict that, the account does lead one to wonder, if Sharia did “ruin” things?
Pakistani cigarettes ad, 1960s.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/9KTeJ93xG2
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) September 24, 2018
Woman cuts her birthday cake, Tehran, Iran, 1973.#BeforeShariaSpoiledEverything pic.twitter.com/NpCVU4LvXG
— Before Sharia Spoiled Everything (@BeforeSharia) August 6, 2018
The stark difference between the lifestyles of women in these countries now and those in the 60’s and 70’s is evident. But can we attribute it to Shariah? At the end of the day, the choices women believe will aid them in navigating with ease through social circumstances are the ones they should have the liberty to opt for; be it wearing an abaya or a little black dress.
What’s your take on this account? Sound off in the comments.
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