Few subjects have received the amount of attention and controversy as the treatment of women within the Muslim community has. Media reporting has portrayed an image of a patriarchal society in which Muslim women are subjugated to their husbands and are subject to their every whim. But is this a myth or reality? The MAT AGM intends to explore this issue, with a particular focus on domestic abuse.
2006/ 2007 government statistics reveal that 312,000 women reported cases of domestic violence. It is unknown as to what proportion of these were Muslim women, but reports suggest that the problem is a great one within the community. But is this true? Furthermore, what is the cause?
If we are to believe what is said about domestic abuse within the Muslim community a number of issues arise as to how to deal with the matter. The traditional image portrayed of Muslim women is that they are disempowered individuals who lack the confidence of coming forward and seeking help. They therefore suffer in silence and consequently allow the problem to perpetuate in this community more so than in others. Furthermore, by coming forward they face the risk of retribution from family members.
It is not only the victims of domestic abuse who remain silent on the issue, but also certain Imams. It is said that the practise of domestic abuse derives legitimacy from the Islamic scriptures and therefore is a matter which all Muslims believe in and accept. For an Imam to preach contrary to this would be sacrilege. However, is this actually factually correct and how far is this legitimacy derived from a distorted interpretation of the scriptures? Furthermore, is the silence of the Imams more to do with preserving their own position within their communities than preserving the supposed practises of the Islamic faith?
If indeed these are issues within the Muslim community, how should they be addressed? Is further legislation required specific to Muslims, or is a community based approach more appropriate? The problems outlined above are not only issues which the Government must deal with, but are major hurdles for all agencies outside the community, including the police.
It is the intention of MAT to dispel certain myths about Islam and domestic abuse and also to discuss avenues for tackling the problem.