Islam's attitude towards violence against women
Since women have always been more vulnerable because of their physical makeup and since divine religions have always stood up for the oppressed, it follows that:
- Focus on mental health and prevention
There are numerous examples in religious writings that advocate treating women with respect and prohibiting violence against them, such as:
Hazrat Ali (AS) left the following testament at the time of his death: "I command believers to bear witness that God is One and that He has no partners, and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, and...Think of God, the God concerning women and servants. In fact, the Prophet's (PBUH) final words were, "I advise you to think about the two parts of society that have been held in a position of inferiority: women and servants’’
Imam Baqir (a.s.) advised, "Place divine piety at the top of your priority in regard to the two groups of the society that are in a state of weakness. These groups consist of women and orphans.’’
Imam Kazim (a.s.) stated, "God is most enraged by those who support women and children."
Imam Kazim (a.s.) said: "God is most enraged when it comes to supporting women and children."
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "One who annoys a believer annoys me."
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: "No one appreciates women unless they are virtuous, and no one attacks women unless they are vicious."
Imam Sadiq (AS) said, "Whoever looks at a believer in a way that causes her fear, God will make her scared on the Day when there is no shadow but the shadow of God's mercy."
- Combating the cultural elements that contribute to violence against women
Islam has considered the cultural factors that contribute to violence against women and has taken action to combat it. This is due to several cultural factors, such as the belief that having a son is preferable to having a daughter because sons are economically productive and daughters are viewed as consumers in the family's economy, or because boys have more opportunities to grow and succeed, resulting in greater happiness. Islam provides the following clarification in this regard:
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) stated, "Whoever desires the death of a girl would be deprived of the recompense of girls and shall meet God as a sinner."
Imam Sadiq (PBUH) said, "A man accompanied the Prophet" (PBUH). The color of his face altered as a result of receiving the news. The Prophet (PBUH) inquired, "What took place?" "It's good," he declared. Hazrat said, "Explain." The man stated, "When I left the house, my wife was experiencing labor pains; I've since learned that she gave birth to a girl." (Why are you upset?) the Prophet (PBUH) asked. God gives him sustenance in addition to the support of the soil and the shade of the sky. In addition, it is a pleasant-smelling flower."
My wife is expecting; please ask God to give me a son, Yahya bin Zakaria sent in a letter to Abi al-Hasan (AS). That Imam replied to his letter with, "Perhaps a girl is preferable to a boy," Thus, Yahya bin Zakaria's wife gave birth to a daughter.
- Effective educational strategies for preventing violence against women in overcoming the culture of violence against women
In Islamic teachings, the justice-based upbringing of children is emphasized.
- The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated, "Indeed, God desires that you treat your children fairly, even when you kiss them."
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated, "When giving gifts to your children, treat them equally, and if you must prefer one over another, prefer girls over boys."
Islam and condemnation of domestic violence
Domestic violence is one of the main forms of violence against women, and in this context, Islam advises treating girls properly, reminds us of the valuable role of women as wives and mothers, and commands us to treat them well and refrain from violence against them:
- Daughter
Islam has made specific suggestions to pay attention to the special importance of girls and women because of the widespread belief that the female sex is inferior to the male and has encouraged special consideration for them in order to make up for the historically weak position of women and establish equality between men and women in society.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: "Having a daughter is a blessing. Girls have a lot of grace, they are willing to lend a hand, and are innocent and content."
Imam Sadiq (AS): " One decent woman is better than a thousand wicked men."
Imam Sadiq (AS): "Women are the greatest good."
Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "God would bring him into Paradise if he has a daughter and does not harm her, does not insult her, and never chooses his son over his daughter."
The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The best among you is he who is the best to his wife and daughters."
Whoever has a daughter should teach her manners and make the girl's manners decent, as well as teach her knowledge and make her knowledge good," the Holy Prophet (PBUH) advised. The girl would spare him from the flames and divine wrath, so he should generously shower her with the graces of God from which he has benefited.
2- wife
Imam Sadiq (AS): "This single transgression is sufficient to destroy a man's household."
Imam Baqir (a.s.): "Whoever chooses a woman as his wife must respect her. Your wives bring you happiness. Whoever marries is not permitted to harm his wife."
In a hadith, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) discusses the punishment for a husband's mistreatment of his wife: "God will not accept pardon, charity, or good actions from him until he makes his wife happy. Even if he fasts throughout the day and remains up at night, frees slaves in the name of God, and kills God's enemies in the name of Jihad, this husband will be the first to enter the fires of hell.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH): Be aware that God and the Messenger of God despise a husband who injures his wife to coerce her into giving up her dowry and divorcing him. And God will not accept anything less than fire as punishment for a husband who abuses his wife to the point where she gives up her rights. Because God is angry when a woman is harmed, just as he is angry when an orphan is mistreated (and in supporting him).
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "If a man slaps his wife's face once, God Almighty commands the Lord of Hell to slap him seventy times in hell." The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated, "I am amazed by the man who beats his wife, for he deserves to be beaten more."
According to Imam Baqir (a.s.), the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) stated, "How can one of you men beat his wife and then cuddle her?"
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated, "Whoever slaps the cheek or face of a Muslim, God will scatter his bones on the Day of Resurrection and drag him to Hell in chains, until he repents."
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): "Would you like me to inform you of your worst men?" We replied positively, O Prophet of God. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "The worst of your men is the one who slanders, has horrible manners and bad language, eats alone, and does not forgive; others are his wife's refuge. It is true that Allah dislikes men with loud voices and prefers those with gentle voices.
In a sermon, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated, "God Almighty will humiliate man if he marries a woman with halal money with the goal of bragging and hypocrisy toward his wife."
3-Mother
"Your Lord commanded you to worship none but Him and to be kind to your parents; if one or both of them get elderly, do not harm them, do not speak harshly to them, and treat them with respect. Be humble in their presence out of compassion, and say, "Lord, just as they raised me as a kid, have pity on them."
Imam Baqir (a.s.) said in the interpretation of the verse "Fala taqul lahuma uffin (Say not to them a word)": "God has forbidden telling parents Oof (as a sign of discomfort) which is the least harm, let alone actions that cause the greatest harm."
Ibn Mehzam recounts, "At night, I left Imam Sadiq's (AS) home and proceeded to my own" (in Medina). My mum was with me as well. Therefore, we had an argument, and I was disrespectful to her. The following morning, when I went to pray with Imam (a.s.), he exclaimed to me, "O Aba Mahzam! Why did you treat your mother so rudely? Her tummy was where you slept, her arms were your cradle, and her breasts were your source of food. I said: Yes. Therefore, he said, don't be harsh to him.
I heard from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) that he said: "... accursed is the one who beats his father or mother." accursed is the one who is cursed by his parents."
Imam Javad (a.s.) said: "Amr bin Ubaid al-Basri went to see Imam Sadiq (a.s.). He greeted Imam Sadiq and sat next to him while reciting the following verse: "Those who avoid grave crimes and their wicked acts." Then, he stopped to continue reading the verse. Imam (AS) asked him what stopped him from reading. The man said, "I'd like to know the major sins from the Quran." Hazrat said: O Amr! God Almighty considers those who abuse parents to be cruel and miserable. Harassing parents is one of the most serious sins "...
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, "There are three sins that are punished in this world and are not left to the hereafter: (one of them) is being cursed by parents."
Islam and condemnation of violence against women in society
In addition to domestic violence, women may also be victims of societal violence. Due to the higher susceptibility of women, this frequently occurs in unique social, economic, and political circumstances. Islam offers numerous recommendations for addressing this issue, including:
- Supporting women in armed conflicts
Says Imam Sadiq (a.s.) "The Prophet (PBUH) would summon the army's commander, place him next to him, and place the companions in front of him. Then he would command: Do not betray, do not indulge, do not mutilate, and do not cut down a tree unless it is absolutely necessary. Instead, go to fight "in the name of God, and in the name of God, and in the way of God, and for the nation of the Messenger of God (PBUH)". Don't kill the women, children, and elderly disabled men.
Concerning Christian, Zoroastrian, and Jewish women, I questioned Imam Sadiq (a.s.) on why the jizya was waived for these women. Says Imam Sadiq (pbuh) "Considering that the Prophet of God (pbuh) prohibited killing women and children in battle unless they engage in combat. So, if they get into a fight, try to stay away from them as much as you can, and have no fear of anything, they said. Given that the Prophet of God forbade killing them on the battlefield, it is preferable to treat them tolerantly while things are quiet and peaceful. Additionally, there is no jizya for the elderly, the blind, or those with disabilities. Because the Prophet outlawed killing blind patients, disabled old men and women, and children on the battlefield, they cannot be killed. Jizya was consequently taken away from them for this reason."
After the Battle of Jamal, Hazrat Ali (AS) issued the following orders to his army: "Do not kill those who have abandoned the fight and fled, do not attack the injured, do not steal anyone's clothing, and do not attack a woman."
Khaled bin Waleed was dispatched by the Prophet (PBUH) to the Bani al-Mustaliq clan to spread Islam. In the past, Khalid and the Bani al-Mustaliq and Bani Makhzoom tribes engaged in intense conflict. During the time of the Prophet (PBUH), this tribe submitted to him and obtained a document (a peace treaty) from him. When Khalid approached the Bani Jadhima tribe of Bani Al-Mustaliq, he ordered the muezzin to sound the call to prayer. Then he and the others prayed, after which he ordered his warriors to launch an attack. Consequently, there were injuries and deaths. People from Bani Jadhima brought him a letter from the Prophet (PBUH) and complained about Khalid's behavior. The Prophet turned toward the Qibla and declared, "O God, I am disgusted by Khalid's actions in your sight." Then he ordered Khalid to return the items he had stolen. Then he said to Hazrat Ali (a.s.), "O Ali, go to Bani Jadhima, make apologies for Khalid's acts, and obtain their forgiveness." Then he stepped up and declared, "Violate the judgements of ignorance." Ali (AS) also visited this tribe, acted with them in accordance with divine law, and then returned. The Prophet (PBUH) asked them, "O Ali, how did you treat them?" He stated that he paid the blood price of the deceased to the deceased's family. I compensated them for each fetus that was aborted and for money that was lost. Then, from the property that was left to me, I gave them a sum for breaking the drinking vessels of their dogs and livestock, and I gave the remainder to the women because they were scared of this attack and to the children because they were screaming and wailing.
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) said: "... I have been informed that a member of Mu'awiyah's invading army (led by Sufyan bin Auf Ghamdi) assaulted a Muslim woman and a woman under the protection of Islam, stealing her anklets, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. This woman had nothing else to do besides weep and beg for pity. In this manner, the army returned with a great deal of goods, with no wounds and no bloodshed. If a Muslim (in this circumstance) dies of remorse, he is not to be blamed, but he deserves to die of such sorrow."
2- Supporting women impacted by armed conflicts
Safiya, a Muslim prisoner of battle, said to the Prophet (PBUH): "May God make your women widows since you made our women widows, and may God make your sons fatherless because you left our son fatherless." The Muslims who witnessed Safiya's aggression approached her to confront her. He instructed not to disturb her or do anything to her. Muslims followed suit. Everyone was startled by the Prophet of God's gentleness and patience (PBUH).
"Bughra" was a poet among the Quraish who inspired them to fight through his poetry. He was among the seventy Quraysh individuals captured during one of the battles. When they calculated the ransom for the people, Abu Ghra addressed Abul Qasim as follows: "O Abul Qasim! As you are aware, I am a poor man; therefore, bless my girls and do not demand ransom from me. The Prophet (PBUH) responded, "I would free you without ransom as long as you cease encouraging people to war." No, he replied, swearing to God. Therefore, he made a pledge not to return.
Imam Baqir (a.s.) said: "Hazrat Ali (a.s.) observed a woman whose shoulder was scented with water musk. They took the musk from her, brought her home, and questioned her about her life circumstances." ‘’Ali ibn Abi Talib sent my wife to fight’’, the woman stated. My husband was killed during one of the wars, leaving me with orphaned children. I am also without possessions. I have to perform the labor of others in order to earn money. When he returned home, he was agitated, and as soon as daylight dawned, he took a basket of food and knocked on the woman's door.
Who is it, she asked? Hazrat said: I was the one who brought water musk for you yesterday. I've brought something for your kids, so please open the door. "May God be pleased with you and decide between us and Ali (take our right from him)," the woman prayed. As soon as he entered the home, Hazrat proclaimed, "I want to do something in requital. Tell me what I should do. Should I knead dough and bake bread or play with my kids..."
I am more capable of making bread than you are, the woman replied. But you need to keep the kids entertained while I make the bread. As a result, the wife took the flour, created the dough, and cooked the meat. Hazrat Ali then made morsels out of the meat, dates, and other ingredients and gave them to the kids, saying, "My kids!" each time they had something. ‘’Ali needs to be halal due of your circumstances’’. The woman said, "O servant of God, turn on the oven," when the dough was ready. Hazrat did the same thing, bringing the flame's heat to his face while muttering to himself, "Taste it! This is the punishment for the one who disregards the needs of the poor, the orphans, and the widowed. A woman who knew Hazrat at the time recognized him and told her, "Woe to you, he is Amir al-Mu'minin." The woman said, "I am ashamed of you, Amir al-Mu'minin," after learning the truth. "I should be humiliated due of my carelessness in your concerns," stated Hazrat.
3- Supporting oppressed women
And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allāh and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper"? (An-Nisā/75).
During the reign of Ali (a.s.), I was with him when a call came from the Kufa mosque, according to Ammar Yasir. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) turned and spoke to me, "Ammar! Get up and leave to prevent (this man's) abuse against that woman. I left and noticed a man holding the reins of a camel as a woman stood in front of him declaring, "This camel is mine." The man also claims ownership of the camel. The Commander of the Faithful (AS) has forbidden you from oppressing this woman, I told him. Ali should have nothing to do with me and clear his name for slaughtering Muslims during the Battle of Jamal, the man said. Now he wants to take my camel and give it to this woman who has lied? I went to Ali (AS) and told him what had happened, according to Ammar. Ali (a.s.) stood and approached the man and woman, yelling at the man, "Woe to you (for oppressing this woman)! Return her camel!"
4- Supporting orphaned girls
Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: "He who strives for the cause of widows and orphans is like a fighter for the way of God, or one who prays at night or fasts during the day".
5- Supporting female servants
Hazrat Ali (PBUH) said: “The Prophet (PBUH) and I went to the market with a few dirhams to purchase some clothing. We passed a maid sitting and sobbing as we walked. “What occurred?”, the Prophet (PBUH) asked him. "O Messenger of God," she said, "I lost the four dirhams that my family gave me for shopping, and I do not dare to go back home." The prophet instructed her to go home after giving her four dirhams (After shopping in the market). We passed that maid on the street once more on the way back. “Why didn't you go home?”, the Prophet asked her. “It's late, and I'm worried they'll punish me”, the woman added. “Show me the road so that we can walk to your family together”, the Prophet pleaded. They continued walking till they arrived at a house. The Prophet greeted but received no response. The residents responded to his second greeting by saying, "Peace and mercy of God be upon you." The Prophet questioned “Why didn't you respond when I initially asked?” they remarked, "We would want to hear your voice in greeting." The Prophet told them that the maid was late and that they shouldn't reprimand her when, "O Messenger of God, with the help of your foot, we set this slave girl free in the path of God," they said. "I thank God," the Prophet (PBUH) said.
When Hazrat Ali (AS) saw a maid crying while passing by date sellers, he asked: "Why are you crying?". "My lord handed me one dirham to buy dates", she retorted. "After I bought it and presented it to him, he refused to take it and told me to return it; however, this man does not accept it". "O God's servant, this woman is a slave who is without fault", said Hazrat. "Take back the dates and give him his money". The man punched them while standing up. People said, "he was Hazrat Ali". The man suddenly gasped and turned yellow. He accepted the dates and gave the cash back. "O Commander of the Faithful, be pleased with me", he said. "If you finish your job well, we will be happy with you", Hazrat said.
6- Supporting needy women (relatives and strangers)
"Whoever is given responsibility for the affairs of believing men and women", Hazrat Ali (a.s.) declared, "I shall be his guarantee that he will be protected from disbelief and poverty."
7- Supporting elderly women
And your Lord has decreed that you worship not except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small." (Al-Isrā/23, 24).
"Take care of your elderly, respect them, be kind to them, and stay in touch with your relatives," recommended Imam Sadiq (a.s.).
8- Supporting women with emotional problems
Imam Baqir (a.s.) reported that Hazrat Musa (a.s.) questioned God, "What is the recompense of one who consoles a mourning mother?" God said, "On the day when no shadow exists other than the shadow of my mercy (Judgment), I will place him in the shadow of my pity." There is no shade other than His pity; so, He places the comforter in His mercy.
9- Punishment for sexual assaults against women
A question was posed to Imam Baqir (AS) on the punishment for a man who raped a woman. He stated that the sentence for such an individual, regardless of his marital status, is death.