By: Gazi Irfan Khan
Despite being titled as Ashraf al-Makhluqat, or the noblest of all creatures, man seems to have forgotten the essence of this divine title. The recent incident in Budgam district, where a girl was brutally murdered, sends shivers down one’s spine.It was not just the murder of one girl, but the killing of humanity itself. “whoever takes a life—unless as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land—it will be as if they killed all of humanity” (Al-,Qur’ān 5:32)
It is heart-wrenching to note that incidents of abuse and injustice against women, who are referred to as the mercy of Allah, are becoming increasingly common. From burning them alive to forcing them into suicide, the level of cruelty knows no bounds. Even more alarming is the fact that such incidents are not limited to a particular region or community.
Drug addiction, which is plaguing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, is also a major contributor to the moral decline. A million people are reportedly involved in drug addiction in the region, leading to an increase in incidents of violence, including murder. The story of a son killing his mother for money and drugs is just one of many such incidents that serve as a stark reminder of our crumbling moral fabric.It reflects on our actions and the value we place on human life. If we fail to do so, the consequences could be dire. The moral decay that has seeped into our society threatens to push humanity to the brink of extinction. It’s high time we start taking action to reverse this trend before it’s too late.
Islam, a religion of peace and equality, has bestowed a distinguished position upon women. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) elevated the status of women by referring to them as the most prized possession of a man’s life if she is his wife. As per the Prophet’s words in Sunan Nasa’i, Sahih al-Jami’, and Sahih Ibn Hibban, “This world is full of wealth and material possessions, but the best thing in this world is a good woman; a wife.”Furthermore, the Prophet (PBUH) regarded mothers as a gateway to Paradise, as stated in Sahih al-Jami’. And if a woman is a sister or a daughter, she serves as a barrier against Hell, as reported in Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, and Sunan Tirmidhi.
The Prophet emphasized that whoever educates and provides Islamic training to his two daughters or sisters and marries them off will be protected by Allah, and his daughters/sisters will act as a shield against the fires of Hell.
However, it is unfortunate that in today’s age of ignorance and moral decay, women are treated as a liability and abused for dowry, leading to some tragic cases of suicide. The darkness of social and moral maladies that prevailed in the past is resurfacing, primarily due to a lack of education and proper training. It is crucial to realize that we must value and respect women, as they are a blessing and a source of prosperity.
The writer is pursuing Masters in Religious Studies Department of Central University of Kashmir.Theshaheen06@gmail.com
