in Poems 195 Words

Sold

silence-3

 

Seal those lips, do as you’re told,
lock your heart, instructed my mother.

She forgot to mention; my mind; & innocent soul!

Marry the man, I have been told, dress in bridal, and be quick; today is the day for you two to meet, and be whole.

Be whole! Or broken like fragments of glass. Our eyes have not met, our hearts neither attached, my life given away, to reside with a foreign stranger.

In the market of animals, I have been sold, to merry the man, who is yet unknown.

layered with henna, red bridal clothes, jewellery to add attraction for the foreign bidders’ eyes, this room becomes a showroom, to dazzle the winning possession, where I am held, and must hold.

Death do us part, a lifetime engagement, I signed my life, and married death; welcome me with open arms, as you all watch the drama unroll, for reality begins today, with a bitter brutal taste.

 

 

Sobia

 

 

In dedication to all those who have been forced to marry, the culture is still alive and prevalent today.

-Photography Credits belong to Ali Xeeshan Theatre Studio.

 

 

 

96 thoughts on “Sold”

  4. To be very honest each of your post conveys something. I feel spellbound. It sounds so meaningful. For a while I ponder over the topic. But it is more about me. That’s what I do. I mostly forget to talk about something that is so magnificent. Awesome read! I must congratulate you for this. The topic is worth writing.

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  6. After so many many centuries of forced marriage in different cultures one would think that the corporate unhappiness experienced by those cultures would seek a liberation for both men and women. Why sentence ourselves to unhappiness? Forced marriage is a total disregard for personhood. Thanks for your recent visit to my blog.

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  8. Do you have a view on the Sharia courts which operate here in the UK? I read a recent article by a Muslim woman in which she said that the courts tend to favour males (particularly husbands) and frequently put pressure on women to remain in abusive relationships. Kevin

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    1. I would say my experience has been different from what you have read, knowing women personally who have undergone such experiences and found help and support in their favour, I cant understand the view you have come across. Especially if it has been in Sharia courts as they have to carry a just and a balanced view. I understand they do try to encourage to maintain the marriage, and aim to see if there is a resolve but otherwise within Sharia, the women and men both are supported equally. If it has been otherwise then they are not following Sharia but are acting contrary to it. I hope this helps Kevin. Thank you for your interest and for asking.

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      1. Many thanks for your response. From your experience of talking with women who have used the courts, it would appear that they have benefited from the system. I have no knowledge of how Sharia courts operate so am open minded as to their benefits. The article I mentioned is by a Muslim woman and can be found here, (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3358625/Inside-Britain-s-Sharia-courts-EIGHTY-FIVE-Islamic-courts-dispensing-justice-UK-special-investigation-really-goes-doors-shock-core.html). I am not a fan of The Daily Mail but this article does reference documented instances when Sharia courts do not seem to have acted in the best interests of the ladies concerned. Domestic violence is a problem in all communities and occurs amongst people of all faiths and those who have no belief and (obviously) needs to be condemned irrespective of who perpetrates it. Kevin

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      2. Thank you Kevin, I think culture plays a great part in this, culture and tradition seems to override faith, and this is where the problems lie. For if they had followed faith, they would not indulge in lifting a finger against another, or even being unjust.
        I understand that many name ‘Sharia courts’ to attract and garner business, and when you look within they are far from Sharia and it’s understanding. It’s sad because they hide behind the name and are far from understanding what it calls for. It’s sad to see such cases, and it’s sad to see people abusing their positions under the guise of shariah.

        Thank you Kevin for your interest.

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  10. I always enjoy your choice of subjects, this one is no exception. You beautifully captured the emotions that might go on in the mind of the victim–victims they are!–I cannot imagine someone going through that, heart murdered dead.

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    1. Thank you Rob, I’ve always believed to write my heart on paper. It’s often been the reason behind my chosen subjects, it’s what my hearts attached to or feels at that moment of time.
      Thank you for visiting Rob, your time is much appreciated.

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  12. This is true to men too. You know what it’s surprising to say mostly men are forced and rather than girls,because when a girl marry and move out of house family not much bothered but when a guy marry a girl whom these parents don’t like it makes the family to feel so much hurt and hence many men do forced to get married and they just live for it.. They just feel after all it’s just another woman for pleasure and kids …i happened to see many.. girls are forced too when they are uneducated or little dumb.. And when a girl is educated and head some voice she moves out easily but not same with guys

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    1. Thank you Martian, both men and women are forced no doubt. Many educated women in the west have also gone through this and held on due in the name of honour and culture. It’s a sad reality.

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      6. It happens everywhere, in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh possibly neighbouring countries too. Also in western countries if your parents are from that background too.

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  24. Sub han Allah…I’ve seen so many documentaries on contractual marriages. I can’t say I could ever agree to any kind of weddings unless it was by my choice. I would feel so afraid, and awkward. Of course, I’m a romantic, so it’d be hard to just open up.

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  29. This is so sad. It is also against what Prophet Muhammad SAW taught us. Women are allowed to choose who she wishes to marry. May Allah protect all thise who are in this situation.

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