Racism, Domestic Violence, Marriage and Islam

6 Responses for "Racism, Domestic Violence, Marriage and Islam"

1. Mi'raaj May 4th, 2008 at 2:05 pm

   Yeah, I remember seeing this film at the MSA WEST conference in San Jose. I think the film raises duly awareness of a couple of challenges that the Muslim community are experiencing. However, my concern is that this film really is ‘airing our dirty laundry’. I can only imagine what a Non-Muslim viewer might think after seeing this film- it perpetuates stereotypes that Muslims are abusive, backwards, ignorant, misogynist, racist and violent. Lastly, it would also be difficult for a someone not in the Muslim community to distinguish what behavior was ‘Islamic’ or what was cultural.

2. Khadija May 4th, 2008 at 3:57 pm

   You know Miraaj, how long are we supposed to worry about airing our dirty laundry?
   I used to have the same stance as you. But you know what? Better that we do it than they do it. And the non-muslims do air our laundry too. I know Islam is a religion where you’re supposed to conceal sins but that leaves me very conflicted. We live in an age whee the arts, movies and etc. serve as propaganda and raise awareness. Hopefully the non-Muslims will see that we are finally trying to solve our own problems.
   just my opinion, but i definitely hear your sentiments.

3. MR's sister May 4th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

   They definately should have displayed ahadith and ayahs talking about the neccessity to protect, honor, and care for women. I agree with Miraaj, Non-Muslim viewers might not be able to identify between culture and religion.

   The prophet was the first man to explicitly say that there is no difference between a white and a black man except by piety and good action. This is extrememly progressive and astounding for that time period, considering that America had massive racism only 50 years ago.

   Also, the Prophet said, “The best among you is the one who acts best toward his wife”. wife”
   The Qur’an says, “Treat them [women] with honor.” 4:19

   Ibn ‘Abbas said, “I love to adorn myself for the woman just as I love that she adorn herself for me, since God said, “They [women] have [rights] similar to those over them, with honor.”

   It is related that that the wife of Mu’adh said, “Oh Messenger of God, what is the right of the wife over the husband?”
   He replied, “That he not hit her in the face and not abuse her, that he feeds her with what he eats, that he clothes her in what he wears, and that he not keep himself apart from her.”

   Alhamdulilah, hopefully now non-Muslim viewers wil see that Marwa’s husband was acting contrary to the values of the Quran and Sunnah (prophet practice)

   Also, Muslim men are also not supposed to use their wives for domestic service:

   The Prophet used to mend his own shoes, sew his own clothes and work in his own house just as one of you would work. He acted like a common man- he patched his own clothes, milked his own goats and engaged himself in routine work.
   -Hadith (written down description of sunnah) from Al-Tirmidhi

4. nayyer May 5th, 2008 at 9:46 am

   salaam, just wanted to point out that many scholars do say its perfectly fine to look at other things like a person’s culture, background, status in society, etc besides the necessary qualities of deen and character. I remember this from Ilmfest and from many others.

   salaam
   nayyer

5. www.musliminamerica.org May 5th, 2008 at 12:30 pm

   The video does raise awareness of the issue. To Nayyer, that is true but I believe that is only Sheikh Yasir Qadhi’s opinion. He gave the same opinion at MSA East Zone. That opinion may be valid, however in this culture it isn’t really accepted.

6. usman May 5th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

   salaam,
   i thought the film did raise a gud issue that needs to be taken care of, however marriage is not always black and white as shown…as far as the west goes…the ahadith and the verse of the quran should have been related that was very important…salaam