Islam plays a very important role in Pakistan, including in its Constitution
LAHORE: This is with reference to the article, “Playing with people’s hearts” by Aine Moorad (May 13). I would go along with the writer and ask a pertinent question as to how we can stop honour killings. Changing notions of honour and a better understanding of religion can help curb this menace. Religion can also be a key factor in campaigning against honour killings. For example, Islam plays a very important role in Pakistan, including in its Constitution. Therefore, it is encouraging to hear a fatwa by the Pakistan Ulema Council, declaring that “killing one’s daughter and humiliating them is a sign of ignorance”. However, as one critic put it, clerics need to be more vocal and consistent in opposing every form of bigotry. In the battle for shifting perceptions of honour in Muslim communities where it causes bloodshed, it is of fundamental importance to demonstrate the fact that Islam in no way condones honour killings. Religious laws regarding sexual morality teach us that a woman’s honour is protected, and that men and women are held equally responsible for adultery.
There is an urgent need for a massive transformation of attitudes towards women. In both Muslim and non-Muslim countries, we must continue to speak up and challenge injustices and cultural elements that deny the dignity and respect for all women and men. We must seek, in our hearts and minds, the strength to persevere in this fight. The nightmare of violence and murder will only end when notions of honour are transformed and upheld by respecting lives, not by taking them.
Salma Tahir
Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2016.
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