Blindspot!
From Issue: 1006 [Read full issue]
Fitnah
There is a serious conceptual and moral difficulty with the idea of fitnah.
The principle that no one can be called to answer for the sins of another
is a core Shariah value. In Quranic discourses, one person or set of
people cannot be made to suffer because of the indiscretions, sins, or
faults of others - each individual is responsible and accountable
only for his or her own behavior. In fact, when addressing issues of
modesty, the Quran is quite careful to place the blame on those it labels
the hypocrites, who harass or molest the innocent.
For example, assuming that the reason we are confronted with a fitnah
situation is because of men with an overactive libido or who are
impious or ill-mannered. Demanding that women should suffer exclusion or
limitations would violate the principle that the innocent should not pay
for the indiscretions of the culpable. Awrah and fitnah
are separate categories - a person covers the awrah not
because of fitnah, but because the covering of awrah is
a separate imperative based on a set of specific instructions. Whether
revealing the awrah leads or does not lead to fitnah
is irrelevant. Whether a person covers his or her awrah or not,
he or she should not be made to suffer for the indiscretions or impiety of
others. Put bluntly, whether a person is sexually aroused or not is
entirely irrelevant as to what the object of arousal must or must not do.
The laws and imperatives of modesty ought to be set by God and not by
immoral individuals who are violating the law of God.
Compiled From:
"Speaking in God's Name: Islamic Law, Authority and Women" - Khaled Abou
El Fadl