Isa Wali

Isa Wali (1928—19 February 1967) was a Nigerian diplomat who served as the High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana. Born in Kano state as the fifth child of Sulaiman, the Wali of Kano, and Hajia Maryam Nene, he was a vocal proponent for women's rights in Northern Nigeria, expressing his views through numerous articles that critiqued what he perceived as the oppressive treatment of women in the region. Quotes As for public life, there is nothing in Islam which prevents a woman from following any pursuit she desires. From his article "The True Position of Women in Islam", arguing that Islam does not prohibit women from participating in public life. There is no distinct prohibition against her taking part in public leadership—as Aisha, the Prophet's widow, and her leading women colleagues had demonstrated. Continuing his argument that Islamic history provides examples of women exercising leadership. Islam has secured equal rights for men and women in various fields of endeavour. Explaining his interpretation of Islamic teaching on equality between men and women. They have been given complete freedom to claim and pursue those rights; the right of opinion, the right of action and the right of belief. Further explaining the rights he believed Islam guarantees to women. Custom has been confused with religion. Criticizing the practice of treating cultural traditions as though they were religious obligations. Moslem history, in fact, is full of the account of Moslem women in many countries who had been glorious rulers, counsellors, jurists and great public servants. They commanded armies, and, when necessity arose, fought as soldiers as they did in early Islam—before the end of the tenth century. From "The True Position of Women in Islam", arguing that Islamic history contains numerous examples of women serving in leadership and public office. Custom has been confused with religion. As a result, the former has been gaining an upper hand. Criticizing the tendency to treat cultural practices as though they were religious obligations in Northern Nigeria. The majority of Muslims in the region believe quite fanatically that customs like 'Kulle' (purdah), polygamy and concubinage are some of the necessities of Islam, while in fact, the reverse seems to be the case. Explaining his view that several practices commonly associated with Islam in Northern Nigeria were cultural customs rather than religious requirements. These, however, need to be cleared away immediately and urgently and our womenfolk in Northern Nigeria must be assured of a reasonable future, if our country is to take its rightful place among civilized nations of the world.. Calling for urgent reforms to eliminate misconceptions about women's rights and improve the status of women in Northern Nigeria. This country cannot afford to leave half of our population unproductive. The religion of Islam itself does not condone such extravagance. Arguing that excluding women from productive participation in society harms national development and is not supported by Islam. For example, the majority of Muslims in the region believe quite fanatically that customs like 'Kulle' (purdah), polygamy and concubinage are some of the necessities of Islam, while in fact, the reverse seems to be the case. From his 1956 article discussing misconceptions about Islam and the status of women in Northern Nigeria. These, however, need to be cleared away immediately and urgently and our womenfolk in Northern Nigeria must be assured of a reasonable future, if our country is to take its rightful place among civilized nations of the world. Calling for urgent reforms to remove misconceptions about women and ensure greater opportunities for them in Northern Nigeria. This country cannot afford to leave half of our population unproductive. The religion of Islam itself does not condone such extravagance. Arguing that excluding women from productive participation in society harms both national development and the proper understanding of Islam. External links Category:Diplomats of Nigeria Category:1928 births Category:1967 deaths