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* Respect for the female gender. As a mother, she has 75% of the rights of parents because of pregnancy and suckling, among other things. The Holy Prophet (SAS) said, “Heaven lies at the feet of mothers.” As a wife, Prophet Muhammad (SAS) said, “The best of you (men) are those who behave well towards their family.”
Therefore, a man’s position is elevated when he treats his family well.
As a daughter, Islam recommends additional care and attention be given to them because of their vulnerability, and great rewards are bestowed on those parents who treat their daughters with respect, and who did not take advantage of them.
* Islam teaches us to treat every other female as our own. A man complained about his problem with fornication to Prophet Muhammad (SAS). In response, the Holy Prophet (SAS) asked him, “Would you like someone to fornicate with your mother? He said no. With your wife? No. With your daughter? No. The Prophet (SAS) then said the female you are fornicating with is the mother, wife or daughter of someone else; therefore, treat every other female as your own.
* Islam recommends for men and women a dress code which is agreement with modesty. When we compare the dress of women of the past having long sleeves, skirts, etc., and there was less violence against women. Today, more of the body is exposed, and the violence has increased.
In one study by Donnerstein and Liz, it was demonstrated that, “exposure to the media depicting women in a degrading, subordinate situation, even if not explicitly sexual or violent in nature, will lead to increased violent behaviour of men against women in society.”
In this regard, little effort is made to connect violence against women with this reality. Women are portrayed on television as vehicles for satisfaction of male fantasy. They are brainwashed to think that their bodies are objects for the pleasure of others. As a result, some of them accept abuse from the ones for whom they are supposed to provide “pleasure” when they claim dissatisfaction. Females who look at themselves through the eyes of others are more prone to depression and low self-esteem, which can lead to failure. Every female has the right to protect her chastity and maintain a dress of dignity, honour and respect, which will ensure her rightful place in society. This dress will not only protect her against rape, but will assist those contemplating such acts to desist from this behaviour.
The dress of females will ignite the flame of passion among men, or extinguish that flame. Those who encourage women to abandon their chastity are the ones who corrupt or humiliate them.
* Islam teaches us to look, listen and speak what is lawful and good. The culture of our society encourages violence against women in the form of violent movies, vulgar and degrading advertisements, songs promoting violence, pornography, violent computer games, and violence as a means of solving problems instead of peace.
God is peace and loves peace. A culture which is violence-free must be created, and violence–free zones are a must in order to rid our society of violence.
* Islam seeks to promote violence-free homes; Islam prohibits husbands from abusing their spouses. Prophet Muhammad (SAS) did not recommend a male who was violent for marriage. In addition, he said, “Shame on that man who hits his wife then he sleeps with her.”
Violence in the home will produce violent children; therefore, Islam prohibits alcohol and narcotics, which are some of the main contributory factors of violence. The society should assist in promoting healthy marriages. Research has found that some men who turn to crime and display violent behaviour came from single-parent families, broken homes or homes of violence.
Education is compulsory for every Muslim male and female. Islam addresses men who suffer from insecurity because of their spouse’s education or wealth, and encourages them to harness the strength of their spouse for the benefit of their families. Prophet Muhammad (SAS) married Khadijah (RAD), who was wealthy. The Holy Prophet never saw her wealth as a threat to his position in the family. Instead, he used her wealth for the upliftment of their family and society.
Education of males will ensure their use of their heads instead of their hands.
Islam promotes equality among the different sexes. There is no stronger or weaker sex. In fact, Prophet Muhammad (SAS) taught that strength does not mean defeating your opponent in a wrestling match, but strength is your ability to control your anger.
Real men do not beat women.
