Dowry related violence
Violence against women is on increase due to victims’ helplessness and their inability to pay dowry, and offenders’ ignorance about the consequence of their crimes in the Hereafter. It is evident that many guardians cannot meet the legal expenses as they are not financially strong enough. In such cases, the State must come forward to give them all out supports under doctrine of implied power. We firmly believe that the number of violence against women will come down if the State is vigilant.
Secondly, ignorance about consequence of crimes is a stumbling bloc to justice. The Prophet Muhammad (SM) has banned physical assault on wives. The injunction is binding on us, and we know that as per Verse No. 72/23, severe punishment follows for disobedience to the Prophet.
Allah has decreed if wives make family life poisonous, husbands will first give them good advice. If it is not workable, their beds will be separated, and if it is also ineffective, they will be given token physical punishment. Finally, an arbitration board – one member from each side – will be formed with power that whatever decision the board will take, that must be obligatory on both husband and wife. Therefore, there is no need of torturing a wife, who has neither father nor brother by her side to protect. And since, difference of opinions arose concerning the definition of token physical punishment, the Prophet banned it outright. About dowry, it is unlawful to both Islami and the law of the land. So, severe punishment should follow the demand for dowry. Finally, our view is that the State will take all measures as per the Quran and the Sunna to protect women from injustice. Otherwise the entire government machineries will be liable.
Ameer Hamzah
Dhaka
