How does SIS Forum differentiate its work from challenging the religion of Islam?

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SIS Forum Emphasises Focus on Legal Reform, Not Religious Doctrine

SIS Forum has clarified that its advocacy work is distinctly aimed at reforming legal interpretations and practices within Islamic family law, rather than challenging the religion of Islam itself. The organisation, now operating solely under its registered name SIS Forum (Malaysia), maintains that its commitment lies in ensuring gender equality and justice for Muslim women. This focus is demonstrated through its efforts to address specific systemic issues that negatively impact women within the existing legal framework.

The organisation's executive director, Rozana Isa, has highlighted that the group's advocacy is "not meant to challenge Islam." Instead, the core mission is to ensure that women are not disadvantaged by laws that are intended to provide them with protection. This distinction is crucial, as SIS Forum's work centres on the practical application and interpretation of laws, aiming to align them with principles of justice and equality, particularly for Muslim women in Malaysia.

SIS Forum's advocacy addresses several critical and ongoing issues within Islamic family law. These include the persistent problem of unpaid nafkah (maintenance), instances of extrajudicial polygamy and divorce which often leave women in vulnerable positions, and the pervasive issue of domestic violence. Furthermore, the group advocates for more gender-sensitive legal interpretations, arguing that current frameworks sometimes fail to adequately consider the realities and rights of women.

These concerns, as articulated by Rozana Isa, are described as "real and systemic" and necessitate serious attention and action. By concentrating on these tangible legal and social challenges, SIS Forum positions its work as a pursuit of justice and fairness within the existing societal and legal structures, rather than an indictment of Islamic tenets. The organisation's decision to discontinue the use of the "Sisters in Islam" pen name reflects an attempt to move past name-related contentions and focus on the substantive impact of its advocacy.

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How does SIS Forum differentiate its work from challenging the religion of Islam?

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