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Remaining silent is NOT an option: Islamic Perspective

1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence  reports  1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year in the US. 85% of domestic violence victims are women. 30%-60% of perpetrators of violence also abuse children in the household. [http://www.ncadv.org/files/DomesticViolenceFactSheet(National).pdf]

 

Canadian women are  also unfortunately victims of violence and an awareness and action campaign has been launched to address this major issue. Canadian women must join hands and collectively bring together our resources to better understand  the causes of violence against women in Canada and take steps to stop this criminal behaviour.

 

We are reminded that violence against women is a crime in Islam. All forms of abuse are a crime including physical, emotional and financial abuse.  The Prophet Muhammad  said, "An honorable man treats women with respect, and only a despicable person treats women poorly" (Suyuti 4102). 

 

The Prophet's wife, Aisha used to say, "God's Messenger never once in his life struck a servant, or a woman. He never raised his hand to hit anyone or anything." (Sahih Muslim). His example serves as a role model for all Muslims. The Prophet even invoked God's punishment against an individual for engaging in domestic violence (Haythami 2:262).

 

The Qur'an 4:13 states “Live with them (women) on a footing of kindness and equity."

We need to  raise awareness and to take action  against domestic violence. Remaining silent is NOT an option.