The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) recommendations that call for violence against women, among other regressive, illegal or redundant advice contained in a ‘model’ law purportedly designed to protect women’s rights.
In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said, “As much as HRCP wanted not to dignify with any comment the ridiculous CII recommendations regarding ‘light beating’ of women, we think it is imperative that every right-respecting person must condemn such counsel unreservedly. The irony of calling the measure women protection bill should not be lost on anyone.
Apparently in a bid to balance things, the ‘model’ draft pronounces that women should not be murdered in the name of honour. It also ‘allows’ them a say in whom they marry, to own property and to transfer the same to others. It also ‘permits’ them to participate in politics.
These provisions have already, and correctly, been pointed out as unnecessary, because they are covered by criminal law and constitutionally acknowledged human rights provisions for decades. The women in Pakistan should count their blessings that they did not have to look toward the CII for getting these rights. There are other provisions in the draft that are no less ridiculous.
It is difficult to comprehend why anyone in his right mind would think that any further encouragement or justification is needed to invite violence upon women in Pakistan.
Another thing that people have long wondered about is why women and young girls are the main focus of CII pronouncements. Surely there must be any number of other pressing issues in the country that require CII’s attention.
HRCP would like to know why the CII is obsessed with women; its attempts to ensure subservience of the female gender and to keep women from attaining equal standing in society have not been called into question so far.
We hope and expect that things will be different this time and the draft bill will be condemned unreservedly by all segments of society, especially by the government, and that those choosing to stay silent or to support the regressive recommendations would be judged for their stance.
The ‘model’ draft is apparent payback for the women protection bill adopted by the Punjab legislative assembly. The ‘advice’ exposes the mindset of the zealots occupying the CII, who should be removed from their posts immediately. In fact, the body itself is redundant in the presence of adequate constitutional provisions that rule out the enactment of laws contrary to Islam. It is time it is disbanded.”
A controversy of " Beating wife in Islam" has recently been stirred up by COII (Council Of Islamic Ideology) which has proposed amendments in the women protection bill announced by govt. The COII headed by Maulana Sherani ex JUI and rest of memebers handpicked by PM for 3 years came at a time when the ruling govt is embroiled in the Panama scandal and such a move at this time is suspected to divert public's attention towards this non issue. Some media channels with Geo TV in forefront, giving prime talk show time to this topic on the eve of announcement of this bill gave strength to this suspicion. Using religion for political gains is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan and this move certainly comes in this deplorable category. The real damage of this "hasty political move" was absence of details sans which a field day was provided to international media and secular groups to defame Islam once again.
With this background about the controversy, the reality about this topic is as under…..
The ruling to "beat wife" originates from following Quranic verse
"Therefore, the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in the husband's absence what Allah would have them to guard. As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance); for Allah is most High and Great (above you all). If you fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family and the other from hers. If they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation; for Allah has full knowledge and is acquainted with all things." (Quran: An-Nisaa 34-35).
Which means it is ONLY permissible to chastise ones wife when disloyalty is feared. How to go about this "beating" is amply clarified also….The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) explained it "dharban ghayra mubarrih" which means "a light tap that leaves no mark". He further said that face must be avoided. Some other scholars are of the view that it is no more than a light touch by siwak, or toothbrush. Explaining that expression of annoyance and anger are required more than actual causing of physical pain. This step is to be taken as the final measure after all efforts as decribed in Ayat have failed.
Verses from Holy Qur'an:
"…and they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in a just manner…" (2:228)
"…and treat them (woman) kindly…" Holy Qur'an (4:19
"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Quran: Ar-Rum 21)
"…and then (a woman) must be retained in honor or released in kindness…" (2:229)
“Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it something better for you.” (Quran: An-Nisaa 19)
Hadith:
"How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then embrace (sleep with) her?” (Al-Bukhari, English Translation, vol. 8, Hadith 68, pp. 42-43)
"Verily the best of you is the best to his women; and I am the best of you to my women."
"The most complete believers are those with the best characters, and the best of you are those who are best to their womenfolk."
(Tirmidhi #1162 & Ibn Hibbaan and verified)
The Wives of Prophet SAW recounted him (SAW) to be in the best of moods when he entered the house and it seemed that all worries were left outside and when he (SAW) went out he (SAW) was so serious with the affairs of state and Ummah like their was no lighter side in his (SAW) life.
The Prophet SAW is known to have never hit any of his (SAW) wives throught his (SAW) life, The wives of Prophet SAW came to know from the expression of displeasure on his (SAW) face if anything was disliked by him(SAW).
in these hadith;there is no clear cut denying of light beating bro.
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