BY MARRYING WITHOUT ACCEPTING ANY DOWRY I HAVE PRACTICALLY DEMONSTRATED THAT I AM  AGAINST DOWRY – ALTAF HUSSAIN

Washington – 6 February 2001

Mr Altaf Hussain, Founder and Leader of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), has stated that by marrying without accepting any dowry he has practically demonstrated that he is against dowry.  He was simultaneously addressing the gatherings organised to celebrate his wedding in the cities of Washington, Chicago of USA and Toronto and Montreal of Canada on Sunday.  Mohammad Younus, the Chief Organiser MQM USA and Canada, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Deputy Convenor of MQM Coordination Committee, Haq Parast Members Babar Khan Ghouri, Arif Siddiqui and other workers and supporters of the MQM attended these gatherings.

Addressing the participants Mr Altaf Hussain said, “You have always desired that I should get married and there should be someone to take care of me. However, the circumstance did not permit me to even think about my personal life.  The entire nation was being subjected to State oppression and ethnic cleansing of the Mohajirs was in progress.  Therefore, I was unable to fulfil your earnest and sincere desires.”  Mr Hussain said that there is a time fixed for everything and as far as the decision of marriage is concerned, these decisions are made in heavens.  He said that he had never seen or met his wife before the marriage; she was seen and chosen for him by his elder brother and Bhabhi (sister-in-law).  They arranged the marriage with her parents and decided that the Nikkah should be performed in a simple manner.  Mr Altaf Hussain said that he is against dowry and therefore, did not agree to accept any.  He said that he did not accept to receive even a single suit, thus proving through his act that he is against the system of dowry.  Mr Altaf Hussain said that he has always prayed to Allah Almighty not to arrange his marriage till such time that a girl is found who could work alongside him for his Movement, his mission and his cause; and would also be prepared to sacrifice her life for the cause and mission.  Now the workers and the nation would see for themselves that to what extent his life partner fulfils his expectations.  Mr Altaf Hussain prayed to Almighty Allah that his life partner be a source of energy for the Movement, ideology, mission and cause.  He also prayed to Almighty Allah that in difficult and testing times, his life partner would never get despondent and worried; and would stand fearless and brave as a Mujahid (warrior) in the practical field and would never hesitate to offer any sacrifice.