Rabat - There was a news report from Marrakech the day before yesterday about a husband slashing his wife’s face with a razor and injuring her seriously after a dispute between the two.
The husband who was just released from jail went to her wife’s house to take her home. But on the way when the wife asked him for a divorce, the infuriated convict husband wanted to settle the issue with violence. I read this report just before my lunch time and it was sufficient not only to shock and sadden me but left no taste in my mouth as I sat down for lunch.
Islam lays great emphasis on the strong bonds of relationship between husband and wife. The relationship should be nurtured with kindness, love and mercy. The Almighty Allah mentions it in Surat Ar Rum in the Holy Qur’an as one of His great signs in the world as quoted in the verse above in the box. Affection and mercy are essential for any relationship to survive. Since, a husband and wife’s relationship is based on a contract, it needs to be handled with more care. A wife is not a cow or a buffalo to be beaten to bring her to the desired path.
The Noble Prophet of Islam, Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) is the best role model for us and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has certified in the Holy Quran about the conduct of Nabi Kareem (PBUH) as ‘’Uswatun Hasanah’’ – the best example of conduct. The most merficul among all the human beings ever to walk on earth and for all times, the Best of the Prophets, Afzal ul Anbiya Muhammed (PBUH) said thus:
‘’The best among you is the best towards his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.’’ --- according to a tradition quoted by Ibn Majah. This glorious tradition makes us reflect on how wives should be treated. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) treated all his wives equally with love, respect and mercy. No relationship can last long if it is devoid of love, respect and mercy. We are in the 21st century and consider ourselves to be modern. Is ill-treatment of wife a sign of modernity?
The Marrakech incident is not an isolated one but women across the world are at the receiving end particularly from their husbands who are supposed to be their protectors. When protectors become oppressors, the family breaks up. When families fall apart, the society falls apart. Many laws have been made to protect women in Morocco during the last few years with support and interest from His Majesty King Mohammed VI. There have been reforms of Modawana in Morocco.
The most vital thing to bring about change in the society is to empower women especially the illiterate women in the rural areas about their rights. The suffering women should be made aware of the laws that have been framed for their protection. At the family level, women themselves should teach their sons from childhood how to show love and protect women. If boys learn to treat their mother and sisters with dignity, they will treat their wives with respect. Men should protect the rights of women and not leave the issue to the feminists. A just society is one which treats its women well. Morocco is one of the best countries in the world as far as human rights are concerned. A few aberrations should not spoil the name of this great country.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Morocco World News’ editorial policy
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