Pakistani actor Faysal Qureshi has recently sparked a fresh discussion on the feminist slogan ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’ in an interview clip that has been circulating on the internet. The clip is from Qureshi’s insightful conversation with host Adnan Faisal on the podcast FHM Pakistan.
During the interview, Qureshi shared his perspective on the crucial topics of consent and marital rape within the context of cultural and religious expectations. He began by highlighting the religious aspect, stating, “Yes, our religion says that when men call their wives, they are obliged to go, but there is a certain reason.”
He emphasized that there are a multitude of responsibilities that men are obliged to fulfill before making such demands, such as performing the five daily prayers, charity, and earning a living through legitimate means.
Qureshi referred to the Prophetic model (Sunnah) in Islam as a comprehensive guide for approaching marital relations while considering other religious obligations. He criticized the selective cherry-picking of religious teachings and urged for a more holistic understanding.
Furthermore, the actor pointed out the lack of proper conversation surrounding these sensitive issues, noting, “You come home drunk, you hit your wife just yesterday, then you approach her with force.” Qureshi stressed the importance of having meaningful discussions and finding the right direction in addressing these complex matters.
Qureshi expressed his concerns about how ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’ has been misconstrued by some, saying, “People have distorted ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’ into a joke.” He underlined that the slogan is fundamentally about consent and that even as a man, he values the importance of respecting consent in any context.
Watch the interview below:
