What Islam says about marital-violence issue?

By Waseema Hameed Qureshi

Men and women have been endowed differently. Male and female gender qualities don't match. Although a woman can function as the breadwinner, while being both the bearer as well as caretaker of the family offspring, a man is constituted only to meet the requirements of the tough outdoor life. For the special responsibility a physically enabled female shares with nature in the grand task of procreation, a male has to, as Allah's vicegerent, carry out this delegated responsibility of providing, protecting and comforting his marital partner to the best of his ability.

Let there be no mistake in understanding that Islam has not in any case allowed violence against the weak and least of all against women. Allah has indeed, been highly Gracious and Merciful in issuing mankind the Book which instructs us through our difficulties in life.

Every word of His Message means to direct us towards righteousness in the present life and better rewards for the Hereafter. Indeed, mistaken are those who misinterpret Qur'aanic verses as word of permission to execute violence against women such as when it quotes:

'Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions. Thus, righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah's protection. As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is Exalted, Great.' (4:34)

All human societies set up courts in one form or the other which are allowed to function by social consensus, to warn, punish with hard labour or imprison social offenders. Even doting mothers often use corporal punishment to admonish children who refuse to obey rules of discipline.

When warnings and reasoning cannot pump sense into an adult, other options have to be tried to help secure the survival of family life. Methods may vary according to needs. But the core purpose is to firmly safeguard the interests of all concerned persons.

It doesn't matter if some degree of harshness is used to restore marital unity and harmony, but it definitely is devastating when acts of defiance should fall on deaf ears and be allowed to disrupt family life, render the system nonfunctioning and in turn, rob the self-esteem and confidence of those young ones who, God has trusted us with to nurture and protect.

Marital disputes, no doubt, are best resolved within the privacy of home, particularly when the repute of modesty (a woman) is at stake. It is all the more preferable if one of the two partners-in-relationship is to act as a mediator, for they are better known to each other than outsiders.

In this respect, the husband, as provider has been chosen for the task of straightening up of household matters whenever things start getting out of hands.

In fact, this is a tough to put into practice, for in case of misuse of his position Allah has warned of grievous punishment for injustice. The Almighty surely did not intend to encourage marital violence, as some people do misinterpret, because He has categorically declared: 'Those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a glaring sin.' (33:58) So, the above decree was issued undoubtedly, with the high purpose of protecting the sanctity of home-life.

Here we also find, how the above verse distinctly restricts the degree of authority Allah, the most Merciful, places in a man to act as a reformer in marital matters. A reformer cannot reform others before placing himself into the frame of reform first.

Any true believer, who imagines living in the omnipotent presence of the Lord, cannot possibly dare take advantage of his position to make another person's existence subject to difficulty. If a man resorts to violence using lame excuses, he should know that:

'Those who slander chaste, indiscreet and believing women are cursed in life and in the Hereafter: For them is a grievous Chastisement on the day when their tongues, their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions.'

Before claiming to act as Allah's vicegerent to reform women-folk, therefore, a man must give himself a thorough check up. He has to see that the rebellious attitude of his wife is not a result of and hence a silent protest against his own waywardness.

Allah doesn't intend women into slavery of men by disallowing them an equally active part in the outdoor side of this material life. Allah, nowhere in his Book excludes females from the right to use own discretion and free will. His Limits are for the best interest of mankind and both men as well as women have to comply with those limits, not under social pressure but through a wholehearted acceptance of Allah's commands.

Things, we know, don't work with half-hearted commitments. In case of defiant behaviour, a man can use a can for his wife, yes, but Allah, the oft-forgiving, the most Merciful, hasn't left women unshielded against injustice. He quotes: 'And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, flog them with eighty stripes and reject their evidence ever after: For such men are wicked transgressors.' (24:4)

This is a serious notice to the people who choose to abuse women emotionally and physically without adequate and ample evidence to support their views. Allah has indeed proposed very terse physical sentence and public humiliation as a reward for the perpetrators of violence in the present life and an everlasting grievous punishment for the Hereafter.

It is for this very reason that despite the decree, nowhere in the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) or his followers in Islam, one finds a single example of wife-beating or marital violence in general. Discussion, reasoning and intervention by family members were always the preferred methods used to put family matters in order.

Islam believes in free expression of opinion. An Islamic ruler serves the subjects with true spirited fear of God. The burden of sovereignty humbles him down to being self-critical about personal character and possessions.

The caliphs of Islam took public criticism with exemplary humility and apology, where necessary. They were wise and self-conscious about human erring. They faced the world with fortitude to self-correct. Their deeds outline the unique character, a role model would need to adapt as Allah's servant, begging for His forgiveness every step of the way, as they did.

The code of practice attached with a decree of this nature is so frighteningly strict and burdening that there is, of course, no room for some fool to gratify himself by readily offering to hold the reigns of His jurisdiction only to serve personal whims.

The domestic unit, therefore, could not be exempted from a universally accepted necessity, which demands someone at the top management seat to run the household affairs under one command.

There has to be a captain for each individual vessel just as there has to be a leader to direct a unit of soldiers towards a goal. This being an acknowledged fact that two managers cannot be appointed in the same rank, only one could be chosen to become the head.

Allah as Creator has the best knowledge of His creations and hence if He decreed a male to be the captain of the domestic ship, his marital partner should have no qualms in accepting His command whole-heartedly. We must realise that this is to ensure the social and moral welfare and security of human race, within the means of how we have been constituted.

We must appreciate the knowledge that a place of leadership means meeting a challenge to reform self first of all. The fear of the Almighty should thus, change the ferocity of a man's temperament into humbleness, his egoism into servitude and his heedlessness into concern.

Bleak outlook for Muslim youth

By Abu Jamal

There is much talk about 90 Muslim million youth of Pakistan under 25 years being riddled with many problems. Who carry a bleak outlook, no vision to shape the future, lack of income, insecurity and constant agitation of the sexual instinct. Who often resort to crime, idleness, delinquency and who lack in moral values, which shape a healthy society. Who find a secular system run by twisted mentalities, disregarding the agenda of Allah (swt) and instead promoting the agenda of Western norms and values.

A freelance journalist working for an NGO in Pakistan stated in March 2001 "The potential of our youth needs to be channeled in the right direction. Education alone can do this. Gender discrimination ought to be discouraged, as the boys of today would be husbands and fathers of tomorrow. More recreational, entertainment and employment opportunities need to be created for them to reduce their frustrations and feeling of uselessness... The hooliganism that took place during the recent(World Music) festival in Lahore is ample proof of the fact that our youth need more such opportunities to get used to the idea."

Dangerous concepts from one representing a dangerous organisation indeed!

Whose only solution would be for our youth to taste more of this filthy KUFR. In which freedom of choice allows our youth to shamelessly dance on a platform under the banner of pop culture, alcohol and drugs. Where gender discrimination is promoted in an environment that nurtures lewdnesses and agitates the sexual urges where even men target men under the spotlight of liberty.

The issue that more education needs to be parted is a cover to promote the agenda of the kuffar, so that they maintain a physiological grip over the minds. One does not need eyes to observe that the majority of the participants were youth groomed at the best educational institutes in Pakistan and abroad. So, what type of education is the author presenting? The education that promotes free mixing with a hint of deliberate match making! Where the social atmosphere that is available clearly demonstrates flirtatious gestures and the attainment of material prestige as the only outlook in life.

Due to the onslaught of secularism, young people in the Western world became the advocates of the sexual revolution. Aided by the government, the birth control pill was introduced and later the legalization of abortion. Family values deteriorated, marriage became outdated. Childbirth decreased and the divorce rate accelerated. "Egg freezing" became a service enabling women to pursue careers without having to sacrifice their natural craving for children. Today every Western university promotes the gay and lesbian culture through a society who proudly call others to join them. We need to ask ourselves "Is this the direction we would like our youth to take?"

It is true that every system in society has a magical effect upon the people, to influence their thinking and behaviour. Today in Pakistan, we need not judge our youth in a superficial light deeming them to be the cause and effect of all the evils in society. When things go terribly wrong and the society becomes plagued with illegitimate children, alcohol abuse, homosexuality and selfishness like the society in the Western world, ask any parents " Did you teach your child all these things?" They will most certainly answer "no". So the question arises "Then who did?"

The promiscuousness and misadventure, which run loose in our youth, are merely the result, the outcome of a deliberate attempt by the Western policy makers through our rulers to enshroud this Ummah with their way of life. So that the youth, (our future) become lame empty vessels drained from the energy to carry Islam, burdened with the joys of indulgence. As mentioned by Allah (swt) "O you who believe! Take not into your intimacy those who are outside your ranks! They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin. Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their hearts conceal is far greater. We have made plain for you the signs, if you have wisdom" (TMQ 3:118).

It is no wonder that every Internet cafe is packed with chat line dating and access to explicit materials. And that every educational institution becomes a playground for romance. All this so that we never realise our own purpose in this life, being to implement Islam and guide the rest of mankind to the Deen of Allah (swt). Allah (swt) stated "Judge between then by what Allah has revealed and follow not their vain desires but beware of them lest they seduce you from some part of that which Allah has revealed to you" (TMQ 5:49). Therefore, our rulers should beware and fear Allah (swt) the next time they give permission to such like events at Al Hamra. What was it that seduced them away from ruling by what Allah (swt) has revealed. Don't they realise that one-day they will have to answer to him.

In one hadith Muhammad (saw) said that this Deen of Islam is carried on the shoulders of the youth, and we saw the glory of that era where the early Muslims embraced Islam in it's entirety because the Islamic State was able to lift the intellectual level of those new Muslims. This developed in them the Islamic Aqueeda, which became an ideological basis upon which all concepts were founded. As a result, Islam took them from ignorance to the firm rational belief, from the declined behavior to the refined actions, which were pleasing to Allah and his Messenger (saw) and broadened their horizons not only for their day and age but also up to the Day of Judgment. Islam made them believe in the hereafter and led them to imagine it with conviction and concern, firmly establishing the concept of reward and punishment emanating from actions. So they conceived it as being the real life and this led them to acquire a true meaning of life and a real value to live it knowing the path to another happier and eternal life was looming over the horizons.

They held life with open arms and did not neglect it. They took its means and enjoyed the pleasures and the wealth that Allah (swt), the one who set up this life and who determined its criteria and true perceptions. Before Islam their criterion of life was based on benefit, this benefit was the only motive and the main aim of their actions. Then the criteria of their actions changed and came to be based on what is halal and what is haram. These criteria became the driving force behind their actions, and its guidelines were according to what Allah (swt) has commanded and prohibited. The aim of directing their actions was to obtain the pleasure of Allah (swt). Islam gave the people a true meaning of happiness, because true happiness means total and permanent peace of mind and this can never be achieved merely through satisfying the material pleasures and desires. It can only be achieved through obtaining the pleasure of the Lord of the Universe.

Today or tomorrow, whether the kuffar like it or not, our youth will rise from under the rubble of secularism and will represent the Khilafah (Islamic State) and they will look beyond the horizons of the artificial borders drawn up for them. That system too will have a magical effect upon the minds of our youth and they will focus all their energies to liberate mankind from the folds of economic slavery and maximized oppression. They will unify with the millions of voices across the Muslim world, at the forefront of the call to unify under the Khilafah System, the shadow of Islam which is soon to engulf the whole of mankind. The call is ever bounding and the echoes being received by our youth, it's only a matter of time before we establish that Khilafah that Muhammad (saw) foretold and at the same time our noble youth can fulfill the words of the blessed Messenger (saw) who also said " This Deen is carried on the shoulders of the youth".

Before you regret

By Harun Yahya

"Why should Allah punish you if you are thankful and have faith? Allah is All-Thankful, All-Knowing." (An-Nisaa' 4:147)

People are created with many weaknesses and imperfections. Throughout our lives, we forget many things and make countless mistakes. However through repentance, which Allah grants us as a great favour, it is always possible in this world to correct our mistakes. Indeed, the world is created just for this purpose: We are trained, put to test, and purified of our mistakes in this world. It is likely that we may deeply regret our mistakes or the way we have led our lives. However, it is always possible to make up for this regret. After having lived through this regret, we can ask for repentance and hope for Allah's forgiveness.

In the Holy Qur'aan, Allah gives the glad tidings that He will forgive any sin provided one repents sincerely. Allah knows our inner thoughts and every word we keep to ourselves. He knows whether we are true to Him or not. Allah, in the Holy Qur'aan, describes His closeness to His servants:

"Your Lord knows best what is in your selves. If you are righteous, He is Ever-Forgiving to the remorseful." (Al-Israa' 17:25)

Yet, another important fact surfaces here: After death, it is not possible to make up for the mistakes and sins committed in this world unless Allah wills otherwise. So not a single moment do we have to lose. Minutes pass by in a blink of the eye and with every moment passing, we draw even closer to death. Furthermore, we can never foresee when death will confront us. Its date, hour, and minute can never be known. We all will certainly die one day and will give an account of our deeds in the presence of Allah.

For this reason, man must always bear in mind that he may die soon. If he is not to regret in the Hereafter, he must reconsider his life. If it were the time to meet the angels of death right now, would you be able to give an account of all the years you have spent in this world? What have you done so far to earn the consent of Allah? Have you been meticulous enough in fulfilling Allah's commands?

A person might not have an affirmative answer to any of these questions. But if he repents and sincerely makes an absolute commitment to live to earn the good pleasure of Allah, then he can hope for Allah's forgiveness. The Messenger of Allah (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) frequently sought forgiveness from Allah:

"By Allah, I seek the pardon of Allah and return penitently to Him everyday more than seventy times." (Bukhari)

We must take refuge in Allah, Who is Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiver, He Who is All-Forgiving), Al-Halim (Forbearing One, He Who is clement), and At-Tawwab (The Acceptor of repentance). Allah will absolutely give the rewards of those who persevere and often turn to Him. He will certainly forgive His servants who have faith and reward their good deeds according to the best of what they did. In one verse, Allah states this great glad tiding as follows:

"What is with you runs out but what is with Allah goes on forever. Those who were steadfast will be recompensed according to the best of what they did. Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and We will recompense them according to the best of what they did." (An-Nahl 16:96-97)

Never forget that at any time anyone of us might be caught by death and, though being full of regret, might not have again the opportunity to correct the wrongs we committed in the worldly life. For this reason, we should lose no time in asking for repentance from Allah and living by His commands and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam). This is the only way to be a servant upon whom Allah bestows His mercy and love.

Knowledge: the key to success

 By Sumayyah bint Joan

The adage that ignorance is bliss could not be farther from the truth when seriously put into practical application. Throughout the annals of time, what great accomplishments has ignorance made? What great empires and what marvels of science and technology now bear witness to ignorance's strength and power? That's right, none. Nothing of true worth is achieved without wisdom and knowledge.

It was with supreme knowledge that Allah Almighty laid the foundations of the heavens and the earth. It was with wisdom, knowledge and understanding that Hadhrat Sulaiman (Alaihis Salaam) ruled the greatest empire the world has ever known. Our own Prophet, Hadhrat Mohammad (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) told us that acquiring knowledge was a duty placed on each and every Muslim. But the knowledge of what and who, remains the question.

Many of us have used the above saying of the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam), to justify dealing in Riba (interest), in order to send our sons and daughters to the finest universities to become doctors, lawyers and engineers. We use it to justify sending our children to private schools, because they supposedly have higher academic standing and prestige than ordinary Muslim schools. We say we are doing it, because the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said to get knowledge, but is this the knowledge he was speaking about?

It is narrated by Hadhrat Abu Musa (Radhi Allaho anho) that the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said: "The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rain-water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rain- water and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilised it for drinking, (making their animals drink from it) and to irrigate the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren, which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then the land was of no benefit). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah's religion and gets benefit from the knowledge, which Allah has revealed through me and learns and then teaches it to others. The (last example is that of a) person who does not care for it and does not take Allah's Guidance revealed through me (He is like the barren land.)" (Bukhari)

Through the above narration, the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) is telling us of the superiority of religious knowledge. This is the knowledge that we should give priority to. All other knowledge will not be of benefit if we do not have this one. First and foremost, comes the knowledge of Allah. Knowing His names and His attributes. Knowing what is expected of us in regard to our servitude to Him, and what mutual rights exist between us.

Secondly, we should strive to know Allah's Book, the Holy Qur'aan. We should learn to read it in Arabic, if we don't already know how to do so. We should also be trying to memorise as much of it as possible, and stressing the importance of both of these things to our children. Reading the Holy Qur'aan should be something commonplace in every Muslim home, and is an activity that the whole family can, and should participate in.

Thirdly, we should know about Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) and his Companions. It's by reading their stories that we learn of their bravery, love for the religion and their complete devotion to Allah. It's by knowing them that we grow to love them, and through loving them, we strive to become more and more like them. This is especially true, when most children nowadays want to be like Mike (Michael) or Janet Jackson or some other celebrity. They want to emulate these people, because they know so much about them. It then becomes increasingly important for us, Muslims, to introduce our children to our heroes. Who were braver in battle than Hadhrat Umar and Hadhrat Hamza (Radhi Allaho anhuma); who was more wise and gentle than Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhi Allaho anho); and which women were more graceful and honourable than the wives of the Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) were?

Yes, in these times of increasing technology and information superhighways, it is important to obtain secular knowledge. Also, as a nation, we do need doctors, lawyers and engineers. But we need people who are knowledgeable of their religion first and foremost. What good will it do us to have a nation of professional people who do not know how to make the salah, or to calculate the zakat, or how to perform Hajj?

Ignorance is not bliss. Through it runs the deviant courses of innovation, polytheism (shirk), disunity and hatred. Knowledge is the key to our success. It gives us the power to govern ourselves, our households, and ultimately our communities. A nation, which forgets why it was founded, who it serves and what its responsibilities are, by embracing ignorance, is a nation destined to fail.

Search for truth

Saleh Abdullah bin Humaid

What ensures a straight-forward and fruitful debate is a resolute search for truth, not allowing one's own desires or the public's to take control. A sensible person, Muslim or non-Muslim, is expected to seek truth and to avoid error sincerely.

Most of the well-known Muslim scholars were very careful in this regard. Imam al-Shafi`i, for instance, used to say: "I never talked with someone but sincerely wished that Allah keep him, protect him from sin and misdeed and guide him; and I never debated with someone but sincerely wished that we would come upon truth, regardless of whether he or I should be the one to think of it first."

Abu Hamid al-Ghazali says also in this connection: "Cooperation in seeking truth is inherent to religion, but sincerity in the pursuit of truth can be distinguished by certain conditions and signs. A diligent seeker of truth may be compared to one who is looking for his lost camel. It would be immaterial for him if he or another person should be the one to find it. Likewise, a sincere truth-seeker would perceive his partner as a helper rather than an adversary, and would be grateful to him if he should guide him to truth."

In another place of volume 1 of Al-Ihya, Imam al-Ghazali says: "Over-enthusiasm is a mark of corrupted scholars, even when the case they are defending is true. By showing excessive enthusiasm for truth and their contempt of their opponents, the latter would be stimulated to retaliate and react in the same manner.

They would be driven to stand for falsehood and to be true to the label attributed to them. If the champions of truth had spoken kindly to them avoiding publicity and humiliation they would have succeeded in winning them over. But as it is, a person who enjoys a place of prestige is strongly inclined to preserve his position by attracting followers, and the only way to that is to boast and to attack or curse adversaries."

To conclude, a debate must be conducted fairly and calmly, without showing any excitement or roughness, and without compromising the chances of arriving at the truth. Debaters should avoid spiteful argumentation and word play, as such behaviour poisons the atmosphere, arouses hostile attitudes and may well end in deadlock.