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Understanding The Prophet's Life

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From Issue: 550 [Read full issue]

The Best of Men

Violence against women is not an Islamic tradition. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed Muslims regarding women, "I command you to be kind to women." He said also, "The best of you is the best to his family (wife)". The Quran urges husbands to be kind and considerate to their wives, even if a wife falls out of favour with her husband or disinclination for her arises within him. It also outlawed the pre-Islamic practice of inheriting women as part of the estate of the deceased.

Prophet Muhammad said, "Do not beat the female servants of Allah;" "Some (women) visited my family complaining about their husbands (beating them). These (husbands) are not the best of you" and "[is it not a shame that] one of you beats his wife like [an unscrupulous person] beats a slave and maybe sleeps with her at the end of the day." (Riyadh Al-Saliheeen, p137-140). In another Hadith the Prophet (pbuh) said, "...How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then he may embrace (sleep with) her?..."(Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol. 8, hadith 68, p.42-43).

Domestic violence is preventable by building our Iman (faith), remembering and implementing the commands of Allah and the example of His Prophet. Marriage preparation education and premarital counselling can help future spouses learn skills that will assist them in developing a healthy, violence-free family life.

Anger management, communication skills, stress management, decision making and problem solving skills are also very important life skills that can help to prevent domestic violence.

Compiled From:
"Domestic violence hurts Muslims too: Stop the hurt now"- Aneesah NadirAl-"Arifi, pp. 440, 441

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