Prominent cleric and leader of the Markaz Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Agege, Lagos, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Al-Ilory has challenged traditional views on satellite dishes and women’s roles in society.
In a viral video, he questioned the notion that using satellite dishes or women participating in politics and driving cars are forbidden.
He argued that those who cite the Quran to support their claims often lack a deep understanding of the scriptureSheikh Ilory pointed out the world is evolving, and what may have been considered unacceptable in the past may now be permissible.
He cited the example of Saudi Arabia, where women are now allowed to drive and participate in politics, and are even being trained in the military.He noted that he faced criticism for his views on women’s participation in politics in 2010, but time has proven him correct.The cleric emphasised that people’s salvation should not be determined by superficial judgments based on changing times and circumstances.
Instead, he advocates for a more nuanced understanding of Islamic teachings and their application in modern society.
He said: “Anybody who uses a satellite dish and hangs it on the roof of his house and dies will not enter paradise because he/she committed ‘haram’. If a woman drives a car or participates in politics it’s haram. But women are not fighting for the right to drive cars in Saudi Arabia, and it’s no longer haramWhen I said it earlier in 2010 that women can be involved in politics, people criticised me. Not long after my statements in 2010, Saudi Arabia allowed women to vote and participate in politics.
“Presently they’re training women in military in Saudi Arabi and they now wear trousers. One Alfa who criticised this evolvement was quoting a part of the scripture I believe he has no understanding of.”
