Should we call it the male chauvinism or the welfare of women is really not understood in a declaration by an Islamic Clergy through an interview. There is really no word of caution for the men, whose thoughts also could wander easily into the forbidden area. Probably another man might come out with a statement that men should not touch cantaloupes or watermelons and even handling guns either.

The unnamed sheikh from Europe, who was featured in an article on el-Senousa news, was quoted saying that if women wish to eat these food items, a third party, preferably a male related to them such as their a father or husband, should cut the items into small pieces and serve. He said that these fruits and vegetables “resemble the male penis” and hence could arouse women or “make them think of sex.” He also added carrots and zucchini to the list of forbidden foods for women.

The sheikh was asked how to “control” women when they are out shopping for groceries and if holding these items at the market would be bad for them. The cleric answered saying this matter is between them and God. Answering another question about what to do if women in the family like these foods, the sheikh advised the interviewer to take the food and cut it for them in a hidden place so they cannot see it.

The opinion has stirred a storm of irony and denouncement among Muslims online, with hundreds of comments mocking the cleric. Already there are raging controversies in the way women liberation is at stake in the Muslim world and the daring outburst of Aliaa Magda Elmahdy is a classic example. Also the support she received from the same place was phenomenal and proves the point beyond doubt.