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| Sahil Adeem |
By Theprint.in
An
argument on Pakistani television has taken the country by storm. Motivational
speaker and internet personality Sahil Adeem and screenwriter Khalil–ur–Rehman
Qamar have found themselves in hot water after referring to 95 per cent of
Pakistani women as “jahil”—
"Jahil" is an Arabic-origin word that is commonly
used in several South Asian languages, including Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali. The
term is often used pejoratively to describe someone who is not only illiterate
but also ignorant or lacking in knowledge and understanding. It implies a lack
of education and awareness and can be a strong criticism of someone's
intellectual or social behavior. The word has a broader cultural significance
as well, sometimes being used to denote a person who is considered backward or
uncivilized.
In an ‘open discussion’
on Samaa TV with Ayesha Jehanzeb, a member of the audience, Azba asked
the two men to apologise for calling women “jahil”
pointing out that “it is a male-dominated society that forces women to stay
illiterate”.
“A man sitting here has no right to decide that women are illiterate and
discuss their percentages,” she argued.
A snippet of an argument between the two has been
going around on the internet where users are calling out Adeem’s misogyny and even
going to the extent of seeking a ban on him being on TV.
“Instead of boycotting Western brands and outlets, it’s these two
misogynists who should be permanently banned and boycotted from all platforms
In the context of the word "jahil," it is
important to understand the nuances it carries in different languages and
cultural settings. Here is a more detailed explanation:
1. Literal Meaning: The word
"jahil" literally translates to "illiterate" in English.
This implies a lack of formal education or the inability to read and write.
2. Extended Meaning: Beyond its literal
sense, "jahil" is often used to describe someone who is ignorant or
uninformed. This usage highlights a broader deficiency in knowledge, awareness,
or understanding, extending beyond just formal education.
3. Cultural Connotation: In many South Asian
cultures, "jahil" carries a strong negative connotation. It is used
pejoratively to criticize someone's behavior or attitudes that are seen as
backward, uncivilized, or lacking in refinement. This can include a lack of
social etiquette, outdated beliefs, or refusal to adapt to modern norms and
knowledge.
4. Examples of Usage:
o Interpersonal Criticism: When someone makes a
statement or behaves in a way that is seen as particularly uninformed or
foolish, they might be called "jahil" as a rebuke. For example,
"He's so jahil, he doesn't even know basic history."
o Social Commentary: The term can be used
in social or political commentary to describe groups or individuals perceived
as resistant to progress or education. For example, "The policies are
designed to educate and uplift the jahil population in rural areas."
Understanding "jahil" in this context helps to grasp
not only its meaning but also the social and cultural weight it carries when
used in conversation or writing.
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