In the same way as Islam has unjustly been associated with terrorism, it is now being linked to honor killing. Let it be very clear that Islam considers the killing of an innocent, whatever is the gender or the reason, as killing the whole of humanity. Fourteen centuries hence when different tribes were burying their baby daughters alive due to shame, Islam emerged as one of the main religions to give women their status and full rights. Indeed the Blessed Quran contains a chapter An-Nissa (the Woman) in which all the rights and duties are explicitly described.
Find hereunder an extract from the last sermon of the Holy Prophet with regard to the rights and duties of women:
“O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.”
The above facts make it crystal clear that the Muslims have the responsibility of giving all protection to the female gender and so their religion cannot be blamed and more so considered as barbarous as a result of the illicit actions of a few.
Hon A Gayan who has explicitly recognized having made the speech being spread in the social media on honor killing must admit that this has dealt a severe blow to the dignity of the Muslims, irrespective of the time or the context in which it was pronounced. Consequently as a responsible citizen, he owes an unequivocal and unreserved apology to the Muslim community to prevent the building up of any social tension or any further undue escalation that will definitely affect the peaceful co-existence of our rainbow nation.
The timing of the release of this video in the holy month of Ramadan is quite suspicious, but it may considered as a blessing in disguise as the Muslim community are in a state of compassion and forgiveness and may readily accept the repentance done in all sincerity.
A fervent request is made to those who feel aggrieved by this incident to ponder on the right example set by Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who unconditionally released the pilot who attacked his country in a bid to establish peace in the region and more importantly to prevent a nuclear war which would have been disastrous to the world. Hopefully with such a spirit, the new Prime Minister may come with laws to further enhance the protection of women. This is the true picture of a new emerging Pakistan.
With the imminent visit that the Pope will be making in September, we appeal to those who felt degraded or humiliated by the unintentional remark of Hon S. Soodhun, to show the same compassion and accept the apology of the latter in the best interest of our beloved country.
With the forthcoming important events scheduled in the coming months, a pressing appeal is made to all to help maintain social stability and let our Republic be the greatest beneficiary.
Bashir Mohabuth
