IWD: Muslim cleric seeks protection of women

The Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) have asked the Muslim ummah and governments at all levels to protect women and children as Islam strictly prohibits all forms of violence and harm while promoting the dignity and well-being of women. The MOLs under the development Research and Projects Centre’s (dRPC), Muslim Opinion Leaders Project for the prevention […]

The Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) have asked the Muslim ummah and governments at all levels to protect women and children as Islam strictly prohibits all forms of violence and harm while promoting the dignity and well-being of women.

The MOLs under the development Research and Projects Centre’s (dRPC), Muslim Opinion Leaders Project for the prevention of gender-based violence in northern Nigeria, supported by the Ford Foundation, made the call in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement was signed by Associate Professor Taufiq Abubakar, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith, Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Secretary of the MOLs for GBV Prevention in Northern Nigeria, on behalf of Sheikh Muhammad Nasir Adam, Chairman of the Kano Jumu’at Imams Forum.

The MOLs said that Islamic teachings provide clear guidance on preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and ensuring justice for survivors.

“Islam upholds the sanctity of human dignity and strictly condemns all forms of violence, citing the final sermon of Prophet Muhammad, which emphasised the protection of women in the society.

“Treat women kindly, for they are dependent upon you. You have taken them as a trust from Allah. So fear Allah regarding women and treat them well,” the statement said.

The MOLs said that Islam mandates care for wives, protection for mothers after childbirth, and support for widows and orphans and that GBV in any form, either physical, emotional, psychological, economic, or social, is strictly forbidden in Islam.

The organisation then urged key stakeholders to take decisive steps in preventing and addressing GBV by reporting cases and providing evidence to ensure justice.

They added that it is also necessary to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and hold perpetrators accountable.

They urged individuals, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to prioritise support for survivors and reduce stigma, while ensuring that children receive proper care and education to prevent vulnerabilities.

The statement also charged individuals and those in authority to remember that they would be accountable before Allah, adding that it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to actively spread awareness about GBV through sensitizing parents on Islam’s stance on GBV.