by Ifra Farooq
Every woman deserves to walk without fear, study without harassment, work with dignity, and return home safely. Yet for countless women, safety is not a guarantee. it is a daily struggle. Behind every headline of harassment, domestic violence, or assault lies a shattered family, broken dreams, and a society that failed to protect its daughters.
In Kashmir, where families value honour, education, and faith, many women still endure harassment in silence. A college student may avoid attending evening classes because of stalking. A young professional may remain quiet after facing workplace harassment, fearing blame instead of support. Some victims never speak at all because they worry about damaging their family’s reputation. Their silence is not acceptance; it is the result of fear.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence during her lifetime , making violence against women one of the world’s most widespread human rights and public health challenges. Such violence leaves lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars that often continue long after the incident itself.
Islam established the dignity and security of women over fourteen centuries ago. The Qur’an commands: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression.” (Qur’an 16:90)
Justice is not optional; it is a divine command. Any form of abuse, harassment, or oppression directly contradicts Islamic teachings. Allah also says: “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.” (Qur’an 49:13) This verse reminds us that honour is determined by righteousness, not by gender, wealth, or social status.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set an unmatched example in honouring women. He said: “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi 1162)
He also said: “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim) These teachings leave no room for harassment, intimidation, or violence against women.
As the renowned scholar IBN KHALDUN observed: “The strength of a society lies in the strength of its social bonds.” A society where women live in fear cannot claim to possess strong social bonds or true justice.
Women’s safety is not solely the responsibility of governments or law enforcement , it begins at home. Parents must raise sons to respect women, schools must teach dignity and empathy, religious leaders must speak against abuse, communities must support survivors instead of silencing them, and every citizen must reject victim-blaming. A truly civilized society is measured not by its buildings or technology but by how safely its women can live. When a daughter can pursue education without fear, a mother can travel with dignity, and a sister can raise her voice without intimidation, society moves closer to the justice that Islam envisions.
Protecting women is not merely a legal obligation; it is a moral duty, a social responsibility, and an act of faith. When we protect women, we protect families; when we protect families, we strengthen nations. Let us build a Kashmir where every woman feels safe, not because she is protected by walls, but because she is respected by hearts. And let Kashmir become a reminder to the world that a truly civilized society is not measured by its wealth or power, but by how safely its women can walk, dream, and live with dignity. The day every woman can step into the world without fear will be the day humanity can truly call itself just.
The author can be mailed at meerifra2222@gmail.com
