Desk Reports :
Violence against women is a global social problem that manifests itself in many forms. According to the United Nations, approximately 736 million women experience violence at least once in their lives, and in most cases, this violence is perpetrated by a current or former husband or partner.
This violence can be physical, psychological or sexual and occurs across all ethnicities, religions and social classes. These statistics show that violence has become a global epidemic. Islam strictly prohibits violence against women and provides a clear vision for solving this problem, which is based on kindness, love and peace.
Domestic violence in Islam
Marriage is a sacred institution in Islam, which is based on peace, protection and love. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is no institution more beloved to Allah in Islam than marriage.” The Quran states, “And among His signs is this: He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may find tranquility in them, and He put love and mercy between you. Indeed, in this are signs for a people who reflect.’ (Surah Ar-Rum, verse: 21)
This verse clearly shows that marriage should be peaceful and loving, not violent. Violence is completely contrary to the principles of marriage.
Another verse of the Quran states, ‘The believing men and women are helpers of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and establish prayer, and give zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will shower His mercy on them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might, Wise.’ (Surah At-Tawbah, verse: 71)
He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may find tranquility in them, and He has put between you love and mercy.
Surah Ar-Rum, verse: 21
Here, the relationship of support and responsibility between men and women is highlighted, which does not allow for violence. Another verse states, ‘Allah enjoins justice, good deeds, giving to relatives, and forbids indecency, injustice and transgression. He advises you so that you may take heed.’ (Surah An-Nahl, verse: 90)
This verse prohibits violence and injustice.
In Surah An-Nisa (verse: 19), it is said, ‘O you who believe! Be kind to women, even if you dislike them. It may be that what you dislike, Allah has prepared for you in it a great deal of good.’ This shows that being kind to women is obligatory.
Violence against women in the Hadith
The Hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prohibit violence against women. In the Hadith narrated by Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her), it is stated, ‘The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) never beat a servant or a woman.’ (Sahih Bukhari Hadith: 6,858)
This shows that the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) never abused women under any circumstances.
Another Hadith states, ‘When you eat, feed them; when you put on clothes, clothe them; Do not insult their faces or kill them.’ (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 2144)
This Hadith clearly prohibits physical or mental violence against women.
The Quran describes marriage as, ‘They are your garments and you are their garments.’ (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse: 187)
This shows that there should be a relationship of protection and peace between husband and wife, not violence.
When you eat, feed them; when you dress, clothe them; do not insult their faces or kill them.
Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 2144
The Dignity of Women in Islam
During the Age of Ignorance, there was extreme violence against women, such as burying female children alive. Islam prohibits this violence and establishes the dignity of women. The Quran states, ‘Men and women are created equal.’ ‘O mankind! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul and created from it its mate.’ (Surah An-Nisa, verse: 1)
No violence is permitted in Islam to control or subjugate women, even if cultural norms support it. Islam emphasizes kindness, love and peace towards women. Kindness, love and peace are repeatedly enjoined in the Quran and Hadith. Marriage is described as an institution of peace and security, where violence has no place. Allah says, ‘O you who believe, do not call one another by bad names and do not insult one another.’ (Surah Al-Hujurat, verse: 11)
Violence, in any form, is against the teachings of Islam. If we follow the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, violence against women will be eliminated in society and peace will be established.
