- By: Wajeeha Kifayat
As the first rays of morning sun awaken the slumbering city, thousands of homes bear witness to the tears of women, silently echoing the tragic reality we choose to ignore daily. It’s an undeniable truth that every solution begins with raising our voices, yet our collective silence has empowered the monster of violence, allowing it to seep into the very fabric of our society like poison. Speaking out is not just an exchange of words; it’s a revolutionary act. When we speak, hidden truths surface, paths to justice are paved, and the idols of fear are shattered one by one. Alas, we’ve locked our tongues in silence.
From the mosque’s pulpit to the parliament’s seats, from religious seminaries to media studios, a thick veil of silence obstructs us from addressing violence against women. Political leaders are engrossed in power struggles, religious scholars are divided and oblivious to the gravity of social tragedies, bureaucracy is practically indifferent to public issues, media is chasing ratings, and educational institutions are merely teaching job skills, having lost the sense of humanity.
Islam has crowned women with dignity and respect. The Quran describes men and women as each other’s garment (Al-Baqarah: 187), highlighting aspects of love, compassion, and protection. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The best among you are those who are best to their wives”. These clear Islamic teachings elevate women’s status, not degrade it. Violence, whether physical or psychological, has no place in Islam.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) never raised his hand against his wives or daughters but instead emphasized respecting their rights as part of faith. His saying, “A believer is not one who eats his fill while his neighbour goes hungry” (Bukhari), applies to how we treat women too; a true Muslim cannot tolerate oppression. Islam holds both the oppressor and the silent witness accountable.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then by his heart — and that is the weakest of faith” (Muslim). This hadith obligates every Muslim to raise their voice against injustices faced by women, whether within the home or in society.
In Pakistan, violence against women is a festering wound that is silently debilitating society. Our silence, apathy, and outdated traditions have deepened this wound. Recent reports indicate that between 2024-2025, 38% of women in Punjab, 32% in Sindh, 45% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and over 50% in Balochistan have faced some form of violence. These statistics are just a glimpse; the reality is far more dire.
Violence against women isn’t confined to physical abuse; it manifests as psychological torment, economic exploitation, sexual harassment, and social exclusion. Women face verbal abuse and emotional violence at home and sexual harassment in public spaces. Many are economically coerced and deprived of their inheritance. Our society’s rapid normalization of these atrocities is a tragedy.
Most of us remain silent, considering it a private matter, but this very mindset perpetuates violence. When a mother, sister, daughter, or wife suffers, our silence empowers the oppressor. We must understand that by staying silent, we become equally culpable.
Although Pakistan has laws to protect women, such as the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010 and the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016, their effective implementation is lacking. Due to the slow judicial process, police apathy, and societal pressure, victimized women often remain deprived of justice. In many cases, families settle matters through “peace agreements.” Is this justice? Certainly not.
To eradicate this evil, legal reforms alone are insufficient. Every individual must raise their voice for women’s rights in their homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces. There’s an urgent need to teach our sons to respect women and empower our daughters. Education, awareness, and courage are the tools to defeat this social evil.
From an Islamic perspective, violence against women is not only a crime but also a sign of weak faith. We must raise our voices against this evil at every level, from our homes to society. For the sake of God, break the veil of silence and be the voice for oppressed women. This is what Islam commands, this is what humanity demands, and in this very practice lies the secret to a prosperous society.