Indian film Haq highlights a powerful portrayal of Islamic teachings

The movie ‘Haq”, featuring Emraan Hashmi and actress Yami Gautam portrayed the Islamic point of view on the concept of triple talaq and resistance to the molvi culture.

Yami Gautam uses the Surah-al-Baqrah verses from the Quran to portray the actual concept of “talaq”.It was shown in the movie, the power of Quranic word, “Iqra”, means “Parh”, instead of seeking guidance from molvis.

Inspired by the real-life landmark Supreme Court case of Shah Bano vs. Mohd. Ahmed Khan (1985), the story is set in 1980s India.

Shazia Bano, abandoned by her husband after he remarries, fights in court for maintenance for herself and their children. When he tries to silence her with triple talaq (instant divorce), her personal battle sparks a national debate on women's rights, faith, secular law vs. personal religious law, and justice.

Shah Bano Begum was a 62-year-old Muslim woman from Indore who, after being divorced by her husband in 1978, found herself without financial support and decided to fight for her basic rights in court. 

Unlike most women of her time who accepted their fate quietly, she approached the Indian legal system and filed a petition under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, arguing that it applied to all women regardless of religion and could secure maintenance for her and her children. 

Her case reached the Supreme Court of India, which in 1985 ruled in her favour and upheld her right to maintenance — a landmark verdict affirming that secular law takes precedence over personal laws when it comes to fundamental rights and justice for women.

Shah Bano's unwavering determination not only challenged societal and legal norms but also sparked nationwide debate on gender equality, secularism, and the need for legal reform, making her struggle an enduring symbol of courage and empowerment for women in India.