By Libya Herald reporter.
Malta, 10 February 2015:
On February 12, 2009, Aasiya Zubair, a Muslim American co-founder of Bridges TV (a network dedicated to promoting cultural awareness about Muslims), was murdered by beheading by her husband.
Prior to her death, she had faced countless incidents of domestic abuse. Her husband excused himself in court, stating (according to his erroneous interpretation) that in Islam, it was permissible for him to kill her as she did “not “obey him
Zubair’s death had sparked a grassroots movement among Muslim communities around the world to end domestic violence. Many initiatives were created including International Wear a Purple Hijab Day.
Ever since the February 2011 Libya Revolution, Libyan NGO, The Voice of Libyan Women (VLW), has spearheaded the celebration of Purple Hijab Day in Libya.
‘’International Purple Hijab Day on February 13th is a day on which all Muslims, men and women, unite against domestic abuse. The Voice of Libyan Women is calling on everyone to wear a Purple hijab, scarf, even necktie to show their support for this cause. We want to make it known that domestic abuse in any form is not in any way tolerated’’, said VLW founder Alaa Murabit.
‘’It has been argued many times that domestic violence is allowed in Islam however this is a grave falsehood. Islam does not teach, condone, or allow for the abuse of any living thing. It teaches Muslims not to harm others and Muslims are taught to believe there is a grave punishment for Muslims who do harm to others or abuse the land, sea or plant life’’, explained Murabit.
‘’Prophet Mohamed (SAW), the example of how excellent a human being can be, was known to have never harmed anyone in his family. He only used violence when on the battlefield against a clearly identified enemy. He taught self-restraint and peace during his time here on earth’’ Murabit added.
‘’Muslim domestic violence advocates want to make it clear without any doubt that these heinous crimes that have been committed in some of the homes in the Islamic community are not supported by the Holy Quran or the valid Ahadith (life sayings and teachings of Prophet Mohamed) and are not the norm”.
”These are learned behaviours that have nothing to do with religious teachings or practices.”, said the VLW founder.
‘’On February 13, we are asking people – men and women – to participate with women around the world in speaking out against domestic abuse. As a Muslim community, let us support this cause and protect what is sacred to our religion and human rights”.
”Wear your purple hijab, scarf, tie, etc proudly as you take on this mission of continuing the education of domestic violence to your own communities’’, added Murabit.
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