Maulana Tariq Jameel apologises for telethon remarks

Pakistan’s well-known Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel has apologized for his remarks that have drawn the ire of women rights groups.

In a message on Twitter, Maulana Tariq Jameel said that that there was no excuse for making any hurtful comments.

“Recently I made some comments that I wish to clarify. My aim was to point out that WE are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us,” Jameel wrote.

“My goal was to remind us all to focus on the spiritual and away from our desires and the materialistic,” he continued.

I would like to apologise if it caused you hurt. The intent was, & is, to clarify that COVID19 pandemic’s cause was not women. Women are victimised on many pretexts & we need to ensure that their rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pak are not violated

“I am the first to admit as I have taught over the years, that there is no excuse for making any hurtful comments about anyone or making anyone feel uncomfortable. For which I sincerely apologize to anyone who may been inadvertently hurt. I pray that Allah accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.”