❖ Honour Killing: General Attitude and Western Criticism
When incidents of honour killing emerge, the media and secular-minded individuals turn them into topics of strange and baseless debates. These people criticize Islam without understanding Eastern society, even though understanding honour-related issues requires deep insight into Eastern culture, family systems, and social traditions.
✿ Importance of Honour in Eastern Society
Family System and the Man’s Responsibility
Eastern society is built upon the family system, where a man bears the responsibility of providing for, protecting, and respecting his close female relatives (such as wife, sister, daughter). This feeling of protection and belonging is generally referred to as “honour.”
➤ A man considers his wife’s beauty exclusively his own and cannot tolerate others’ eyes on her.
➤ Any attack on the character of his mother, sister, or daughter is seen as an attack on his honour.
✿ The Difference between Western and Eastern Concepts of Honour
In the West, the concept of honour is minimal, and men do not interfere much in women’s freedom. For instance, kissing or hugging is not considered a sexual act there, whereas in Eastern societies, such acts are seen as contradictory to honour.
✔ Essentials of Honour and the Nature of its Emotions
In Eastern societies, honour is a natural emotion within men, tied to safeguarding the dignity and respect of their close female relatives. Some important aspects include:
Wife:
A man wants his wife’s physical and emotional relationships to remain confined solely to him.
Mother:
Any accusation or insult to the mother’s character is seen as an attack on family honour.
Daughter and Sister:
A man wants his sister’s and daughter’s emotions and decisions to be protected within the family system and considers their marriage and future his responsibility.
✿ Honour and Emotional Bonds
If a girl, driven by emotion or youthful impulsiveness, makes a wrong decision, men in Eastern society consider this an attack on their honour. Sometimes, this issue escalates to the extreme of murder.
❖ Honour in the Islamic Perspective
The Position of Honour in Islam
Islam strictly commands the protection of the family system and prevention of adultery, and therefore, the concept of honour aligns with Islamic principles to a certain extent. However, Islam does not condone extremism:
➤ Rulings on Killing:
Honour killing is considered murder in Islam, and its punishment is the same as any other murder.
➤ Importance of Evidence:
Any incident of adultery requires the testimony of four witnesses, and punishment is determined through the court, not through personal revenge.
➤ Killing a Daughter or Sister for Love:
Islam labels such extremist honour as an act of ignorance.
✔ Hindrance to Marriage and Ignorant Honour
According to Islamic teachings, delaying marriage for a boy or girl or imposing unnecessary restrictions is a form of oppression. Many reasons for honour killings are rooted in these ignorant attitudes, which Islam strictly rejects.
❖ Secular Narrative and the Critical Analysis of Honour
Secular Thought vs. Eastern Society
Secular thought prioritizes individual freedom, whereas Eastern society places the family at the center. By using honour killings as a pretext, the secular class criticizes both Eastern society and Islam. In reality, the solution lies in blending Eastern social norms with Islamic teachings.
✿ Legislation and the Role of the State
Islamic law grants the wali (guardian) the right to pardon the murderer, which secular circles allege is misused. The solution lies in enacting laws and taking strong measures at the state level in accordance with Islamic principles to curb honour killings.
✔ Need for Social Reform
A Balanced Concept of Honour
The emotion of honour should be balanced with social responsibility, love, and wisdom. Parents and brothers should understand the emotional and mental state of their daughters and sisters and make decisions wisely, instead of prioritizing their egos and pride.
Respect for Victims of Abuse
From an Islamic perspective, the dignity and respect of a woman who has suffered abuse remain intact. Society has a responsibility to treat such women with compassion and respect, not hatred.
❖ Comparison of Eastern and Western Honour
Lack of Honour in the West
In Western society, the emotions of honour are not highly valued, which weakens the family system. Attempts to mold Eastern society in the image of the West could prove detrimental to the Eastern family system.
Role of the Pakistani Secular Lobby
The Pakistani secular class tries to eradicate the emotions of honour, even though these emotions are an essential part of Eastern society and the family system.
✔ Conclusion: The Balanced Islamic Concept of Honour
Honour is a natural feeling but must be guided by love, wisdom, and Islamic principles. Honour killings or other extremist attitudes are against Islam and reflect an ignorant society. According to Islamic law and teachings, it is essential to maintain a balanced and moderate approach to honour, free from excess and deficiency.
