Maulana Sajid Rashidi Critiques Swara Bhaskers Statement on Jauhar

New Delhi, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : Maulana Sajid Rashidi has responded to actress Swara Bhasker’s recent comments regarding the practice of jauhar. In a statement, he asserted, “There have been many brave women in our country who sacrificed their lives in battle. I believe that jauhar is not an act of bravery. True bravery is when one either takes the enemy’s life or sacrifices their own.”

In an interview, Rashidi noted that Swara has apologized for her remarks. He emphasized the need to understand that the story of “Padmavat” was written centuries later and should not be associated with religion. He compared jauhar to the now-defunct practice of sati, stating that it began and ended with Rani Padmavati, and nothing significant followed thereafter.

Rashidi pointed out that while some individuals glorify jauhar, many women, both Hindu and Muslim, have displayed true courage and are remembered for their valor. He questioned the existence of jauhar in Hinduism and argued that Islam does not condone self-harm. He criticized the exaggeration of this practice, stating, “We have read the Vedas and the Ramayana, and we find no such practices in them. The sati system had no religious basis, and it is good that it has been abolished. Religious tenets are eternal, while societal practices fade over time.”

He further remarked on Swara’s assertion that survivors of sexual violence should consider themselves cowards if they choose to live. Rashidi stated, “There has never been a case where a king has taken a woman captive and assaulted her.” He referenced the historical figure of Rani Padmavati, noting that even if Alauddin Khilji had captured her, she would have been kept in a harem, a common practice among Mughal rulers who often had Hindu queens.

Rashidi concluded by highlighting the bravery of Rani Lakshmibai, who fought valiantly until her death, asserting that jauhar is not a measure of courage. He remarked on the tendency of court poets in that era to embellish stories to please kings and queens, contrasting this with how contemporary interpretations can misrepresent religious texts.