10,000 Muslim Men Against Domestic Violence

by Muslim Consultative Network

We, the men of the board and staff of the Muslim Consultative Network, stand against domestic violence in any and all forms. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we ask Muslim men to stand with us against this societal ill that is strictly forbidden in Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) equated perfect belief with good treatment towards one’s wife when he said: “The most perfect believer is one who is the best in courtesy and amiable manners, and the best among you people is one who is most kind and courteous to his wives.” The Prophet (SAW) also said: “The best among you is the one who treats his family best.” (Tirmidhi)

On September 20th, according to Times News, Mohammed Goher allegedly shot and killed his three children, namely, Saeedah, 14, Saeed, 12, and Aisha, 7 as they slept in his apartment before shooting himself in the mouth in an apparent suicide attempt. Goher was charged with three counts of capital murder. Goher was divorced from his wife, Norma Goher, but had court-ordered visitation rights. AOL News describes Goher’s violent nature and reports he had allegedly held guns and swords to the neck of his wife and even kidnapped his children in the past. Amid this crisis, Norma resides at An-Nisa Hope Center shelter in Houston. In remembrance, we must also not forget our sisters Khadija Mahel and Aasiya Zubair who tragically lost their lives to domestic violence not so long ago.

Islam clearly condemns domestic violence. Once a number of women came to the Prophet (SAW) to complain that their husbands had beaten them. The prophet announced that men who beat their wives are not good men. The prophet also said, “Do not beat the female servants of Allah.” Surah Al-Baqarah from the Quran states: “Retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. But do not retain them to their hurt so that you transgress (the limits). If anyone does that he wrongs his own soul. Do not take God’s instructions as a jest.”

It is evident that although Islam clearly condemns domestic violence and mistreatment of women, unfortunately, in our communities there have been incidents – such as the most recent incident involving Goher and his three children in Texas – that demonstrate otherwise; that sadly show how far we have come away from the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Can we simply watch as these acts take place? No. Indeed, it is incumbent upon us as Muslims to speak out against injustice and stand up for what is right. In the event that we do not address such issues in our Muslim community, the community at large continues to suffer. We applaud MCN Board Member and Executive Director of Turning Point, Robina Niaz, for being at the forefront of combating domestic violence in New York, and other men and women across the country for working against domestic violence. If you know someone in the NYC area who is a victim and needs assistance please visit http://www.turningpoint-ny.org/ 

Please join us and stand up against domestic violence by signing the pledge today and by distributing this message and pledge link widely to your friends, family and colleagues.

Greetings of Peace,

Hasan Chughtai, MCN Board
Samiur Talukder, MCN Board
Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, MCN Board
Ahsan Sayed, MCN Social Justice Intern

Muslim Consultative Network
http://www.mcnny.org

THE PLEDGE:

I pledge to stand against any and all forms of domestic violence, whether in my community or in my home. I understand that as a Muslim it is a moral imperative that I take a firm stance against this social ill.

Go to http://spreadsheets.google.com/a/mcnny.org/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dGRkT29Kbnl6bjQ4Wm93SUFxS2VkT0E6MQ to sign this pledge.