In a recent podcast appearance, actor Faysal Quraishi responded to his cousin Saima Qureshi’s controversial remarks about women’s earnings. Saima had claimed that a woman’s income “lacks barkat (blessing)” and is insufficient.
Faysal reacted with a measured stance:
“It’s her own perspective … money earned through hard work is good, and I don’t think it lacks barkat.”
He emphasised that every individual’s experience shapes their beliefs, and cautioned against dismissing someone’s viewpoint outright.
Using the phrase women’s earnings early and often, here’s how the debate unfolded:
- Saima Qureshi argued that many women’s income is limited and lacks blessings, calling into question the spiritual value of financial success.
- In his reaction, Faysal defended the dignity of hard work and rejected the idea that earnings can be inherently “unblessed.”
- He also noted the influence of one’s life experiences on forming opinions; we should avoid “judging others’ experiences.”
Faysal’s tone was neither confrontational nor dismissive; rather, he positioned himself as a mediator between personal belief and broader social sentiment.
This is not the first controversial comment from Saima. In a separate statement, she asserted that 95% of men want a second marriage, a claim that stirred further debate about gender roles and marital norms.
Saima defended her stance by saying it is preferable for men to marry again rather than engage in extramarital affairs. She also asserted that under certain interpretations of Islamic principles, a husband’s second marriage does not require the explicit permission of the first wife.
Key Highlights
- Faysal’s Principle: He upholds that women’s earnings, if gained through effort, deserve respect and cannot be dismissed as devoid of blessings.
- Respect for Diversity: Faysal rejects blanket judgments of others’ life experiences or viewpoints.
- Larger Debate: Saima’s remarks also touch on polygamy, marital ethics, and social norms.
- Public Reaction: As expected, fans and critics alike have voiced reactions across social platforms, some supporting, others opposing both Faysal’s response and Saima’s original statements.
Faysal Quraishi’s take brings nuance to a sensitive discussion: he neither attacks nor blindly defends, but invites reflection on how we discuss women’s earnings, dignity, and belief.