The Quran Does Not Condone Domestic Violence

Abstract

I have always heard cases where man actually abuses their wives, something which I could never understand. Why do two people come together and end with one party hurting the other? Why do these women so frequently get abused?

Domestic violence has traditionally been defined as violence in the home, or between family members. In the Middle East, there are many strong examples of domestic violence. The bulk of the populations in the Middle East are mainly Muslims. Does the Quran condole domestic violence?

Having done some research myself, I have come to understand that it is not that under Islam, women are denied equal rights, but because of some traditional tendencies that have made life more difficult for them than it should be. I personally feel that it is been due to a loss of a true Islamic perspective that women's rights have suffered. Because of the culture of the Middle Eastern nations, the majority of the women here have a very low status. The idea of male dominance is very prominent in these countries because of their strong beliefs and culture. Many of these nations feel that the woman’s place is in the home caring for the children and taking care of the chores within the home.

What rights do they have? What help can they get? Some of these includes greater involvement of the government in these countries in outlawing such acts, greater encouragement of victims to speak up and the establishing of sheltered homes and help lines, etc.

The Quran does not condone violence.

And those who say of their wives:” You are like our mother’s back”, then retract what they said, have to free a slave before touching each other. That is what you are admonished, and Allah is fully aware of what you do.

As for him who does not have the means, he should fast two consecutive months, before they can touch each other; and he who cannot should feed sixty poor persons. That is prescribed that you may believe in Allah and His Apostle and these are the bounds of Allah. The unbelievers shall have a very painful punishment. (Sura 58: 2-4)

(The Quran, A modern English version, Pg 355)

Muslims are known to be very peaceful people, however there are still many cases of domestic violence occurring in Muslim countries. The reason for this is because many social and legal customs have tolerated and