Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Women and children are much more likely to be the victims of violence, whether through physical, financial, or emotional abuse. The number of American women who were murdered by current or ex-male partners from 2001 to 2012 is 11,766.

One of the most disturbing misconceptions is the negative portrayal of women in Islam – that only Muslim women are abused and oppressed by Muslim men. Domestic violence is a universal crisis and unfortunately exists in every society. God created man and woman as equals and He never intended that any one should be treated in degrading or humiliating manner. The position of Islam on kind treatment of women is quite clear. The Holy Qur’an states:

“Retain them (wives) in kindness or release them (wives) in kindness... These are the limits prescribed by God, so transgress them not; and who so transgresses these limits, it is they who are the wrong doers” ( 2:230). At another place the Qur’an states, “Consort with them in kindness; and if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing wherein God has placed much good in them” ( 4:20). God instructs men to be kind to their wives and treat them well to the best of their capability.

Islam does not command a man to abuse his wife or children. There might be some Muslim women who are oppressed and not given their rights. However, this is not the fault of Islam. Such unjust behavior is an ongoing tragedy which is found within every society, culture, and religion. The problem arises when culture and traditions overshadow the true teachings of Islam, either through ignorance or by harmful cultural rituals. Domestic abuse is an inhumane act which should not go unchecked.

Domestic violence affects everyone. Children who are brought up in these houses where mothers are subjected to abuse tend to follow the same violent acts which they witness in their homes. Such children are more prone to drug abuse and are more involved in criminal activities. Therefore, it is false to assume that domestic violence does not affect the home’s environment.

Every soul is created by God with honor, respect and dignity. Ending the cycle of violence, is a vital step in solving this global problem. As civilized human beings, this is our foremost responsibility to respect each other and condemn every act of abuse and violence.