The BBC show Panorama, through secret filming, has found that Shari'ah courts are not helping women in domestic violent situations. The Telegraph states: “85 councils operating in mosques and houses across the country has revealed that the courts, which are run by sharia councils, are ruling in favor of men ... Read More »
Sister Asma is our latest example of Muslims making a positive contribution in the West. Sister Asma is one of the founders and the current Vice-Chairperson of Muslimat Al-Nisaa, a women’s shelter in Baltimore, Maryland (USA) that was designed to assist homeless, Muslim females across the United States. Read More »
Nour is a charitable organization that aims to raise awareness and engage the public, especially minority Muslim communities, in taking action against the silent yet prevalent social injustice of domestic violence (DV). We believe it is important to be proactive rather than reactive. At Nour we have a strong Islāmic ethos and seek to condemn DV using Islāmic literature from both the Qur ān and the prophetic teachings. This is important in communities where there is a widespread misconception that Islām advocates (or even allows) domestic violence. Read More »
No matter what the reason may be, there is no excuse for enduring injustice. Unfortunately, in many cultures, there is so much negativity associated with seeking help through a third party and/or pursuing a divorce, that many women willingly endure domestic violence rather than protect their rights. Read More »
written by an Anonymous Guest Seeing the Truth Little by little, day by day, as she continued her irrational behavior, my mother's abuse began to finally wear down on the affection, trust and admiration I had for her. One day we had an altercation in which she crossed the line, ... Read More »
Islam recognizes the evil of verbal abuse and perhaps that’s why there is so much emphasis on guarding one’s tongue and keeping others secured from its invisible harm. The Messenger of Allah, ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "A true believer is not involved in taunting, or frequently cursing (others) or in indecency or abusing.'' (al-Tirmidhi) If this is the right of a regular Muslim, then how much more so a wife or husband is entitled to be safe from verbal abuse and taunting. Read More »
My parents' disputes could and would start over anything and everything, although money and invalidating of feelings were two strong sparks. My mother believed divorce was not an option because she could not work and support all of us herself. My father did divorce my mother once in a fit of anger, but then asked for her back. He told me he loved my mother and would never want to divorce her as this would break our family apart. Despite the illusion that our family is together, it is broken. Read More »
An important dimension of domestic marital problems, as I see, is that the Sunnah of Love and Gallantry seems to be overlooked or dismissed as a long-gone era. The Sunnah, that is taught at times, seems to overlook amazing instances of passion, valor, fidelity and sacrifice in the name of true love. Instances from the life of the Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his companions builds a comprehensive system of devotion – a Sunnah of Love. Read More »
As Huda slowly gained consciousness on the floor, she became aware of her surroundings. She felt the cold tile beneath her and the taste of blood in her mouth. The thundering sound of her husband, yelling and cursing at her, became disturbingly clear and his menacing image slowly came into focus. Fear filled her heart that he may strike again. Her trembling body felt so weak, helpless and vulnerable. He ruthlessly kicked her in her gut one last, fatal blow. Huda was pronounced dead later that evening along with her baby girl who had survived 6 months of brutality in the womb. Read More »
If your spouse beats you, or threatens you or your children or other loved ones with physical violence, or makes you afraid constantly, then please seek help. But a woman should not have to be beaten or physically hurt before she has access to help. You have a right to feel safe. If you are in doubt about whether your situation is abusive, you still have every right to ask for help. And if you are not being abused, but you know someone in such a situation, please do not wait until some terrible act takes place. Read More »
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