Opinion | “Silent Suffering behind closed doors”

“They Treat Women with inhumanity and brutality, oblivious to the fact that they have given birth to the Prophets (May Peace be Upon them all). They Treat Women with brutality, disregarding the fact that they too have daughters and sisters. They treat Women with disgrace, neglecting the fact that they too are born of a Woman.”

08th March It’s International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate your strength and power. Remember to prioritize your inner strength and not let yourself be defined as a victim and merely puppet. Instead, hold your head high, face the world with utmost dedication, and carry the universe in your heart.

In today’s modern era, the proliferation of societal issues has reached an unprecedented level, leading to the desolation of our interpersonal connections. Consequently, individuals frequently find themselves ensnared in a multitude of social transgressions. The decline of social morals and principles presents grave trouble to a harmonious society. It is truly disheartening to witness the distressing reality faced by women in contemporary times. They often endure unimaginable traumas and domestic violence inflicted and foisted upon them by their husbands and in-laws. The stark discrepancy between the nurturing love provided by their fathers and the harsh realities they encounter in their new families is a painful and inconceivable suffering. The prevalence of such brutality against women signifies a distressing degradation of morals and ethics. Regrettably, the once revered values and traditions of our beloved Kashmir, where daughters-in-law were treated as cherished family members have faded down with an Implausible change. Instead of being embraced with respect and reverence, they are subjected to disgraceful treatment and subjected to inhumane acts of violence by their in-laws. This reality is both opprobrious and deeply saddening. According to the Report from the Crime Records Bureau, crimes against women have seen a significant increase of 15.62% in just one year. The data from the 2011 census, which states that there are 64 lakh women in Jammu and Kashmir and the crime rate per lakh population in 2021 stood at 61.6, indicating the severity of the situation. The report also highlights the distressing numbers of rape cases, attempted rapes, and dowry deaths, with a staggering 91.4% of the accused being known to the victims. These increasing cases of rape, harassment, molestation, and domestic violence are not only deeply disturbing but also erode the harmony and morality of society. It’s apparent that the social standards in the valley have been greatly affected by these issues. In Islam, women are honoured with the utmost respect and reverence. The Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of kindness and attention towards one’s mother, stating that she holds the greatest right over a person. This highlights the significance of women’s rights in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be upon Him) also emphasized the importance of treating wives with kindness, stating that the best of men are those who are best to their wives. Islam strongly condemns any form of oppression or mistreatment of women, including sexual harassment and domestic violence. Islam promotes gender equality and ensures equal rights and reverence for both men and women in all aspects of life. Allah Almighty has stated in the Qur’an, “And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women” (2:228). This verse emphasizes the equitable treatment and rights of both genders. In Islam, there is no disparity between men and women in their relationship with Allah Almighty. Both are promised the same rewards for good deeds and the same punishments for evil deeds. Islam upholds the rights, esteem, and position of women, rejecting the dominance of men over women. It is truly disheartening to witness the unfortunate reality of women facing such brutality after marriage. The purpose of this article is to raise understanding and mindfulness and reach those individuals who treat women with disgrace. It is of paramount importance to remind them that every person, regardless of gender, has a mother, sister, or daughter whom they hold sympathy and affection for. Would they want their own loved ones to endure such inhumanity and disgrace, they would not surely. Women are indeed the most beautiful beings created by Allah Almighty to bring tranquility, peace, and harmony to the world. They have been the mothers of prophets and hold a special place in our society. Therefore, it is our paramount duty and responsibility to treat them with utmost respect, sincerity, and kindness. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized the importance of treating wives with kindness, stating that the best among his followers are those who are best to their wives. We must ponder on how we will face them on the Day of Judgment, knowing how we have treated the women in our lives. Before the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Arabian society was male-dominated, and women had no status or rights. They faced harassment and were even subjected to infanticide. However, with the Prophet’s teachings, the rights of women were upheld, and they were recognized as beautiful and cherished gifts from Allah Almighty. Sadly, in contemporary times, women still face harassment and mistreatment. One of the foremost strategies to eliminate and fight domestic violence from society is through education and disseminating awareness among women regarding their rights. It is essential for women to be aware of their rights, as many who are subjected to harassment and cruelty are often unaware of the protections available to them. Deprivation of education and awareness has been seen as a significant contributing factor to domestic violence. In addition to education, the enactment and establishment of strict laws and regulations is essential in tackling and preventing domestic violence. These laws serve as a deterrent and provide a legal framework for holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. By establishing clear consequences for domestic violence, we can send an unshakable message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Furthermore, active participation from community members is vital in combating this devastating issue. When communities come together and take a stand against domestic violence, it creates a supportive environment for survivors and sends a message that violence is not acceptable. This can be achieved through community awareness campaigns, support groups, and fostering a culture of respect and equality. By combining education, strict laws, and community involvement, we can fight towards eradicating domestic violence and creating a safer society for everyone.

 (Writer canbe reached on Kausarjan2024@yahoo.com)