This article was first published on 27 May 2021 in response to a sexual harassment incident that infringed on some female members of our local asatizah community.
Amidst the challenges our Muslim world is facing on the global and national front, we are once again shaken by the existence of an appalling online poll, which objectifies and sexualises our Ustazah fraternity.
Though the owner of such polls may view it as harmless fun, it is a form of abuse and sexual harassment.
Sexual bullying or harassment refers to any behaviour degrading others through sexual language, gestures, violence, or victimising others over their appearance.
Undermined by Technology
Sexual harassment is not a new phenomenon, but digital technology has fuelled the rapid spread of such harassments by making it possible to victimise others with a simple ‘Like’.
With technological advancement often outpacing our ability to regulate it, responses against sexual harassment is neither fast nor effective enough in salvaging a damage; for the victim is often left with the burden of collecting what is left of their dignity. When such harms fall so easily to the women in our community, there is much needed reflection to be done.
Don’t Overlook the Small Stuff
For the perpetrators, as much as sharing or participating in these activities is embedded into your digital lives and even normalised among your peer group, or if you feel this is a very ‘small thing’, such conduct only speaks volumes of your upbringing, principles, and values.
Such values, if left unaddressed, moulds your attitude and expectations of potential future relationships and only fuels abuse of many forms, physically, sexually or emotionally.
Spare a thought for these victims, for they could be your own family members that you have been entrusted to protect. The impact of such harassment is unique to each individual and can have a devastating effect on these individuals and their respective family members.
Take Initiative to Correct the Damage Done
Seek out the forgiveness of these victims and make amends, even if in private, for the court of Allah is not limited to this worldly realm alone.
For the friends of the perpetrators, over time it may be challenging to recognise such actions to be a form of harassment, especially under the guise of amusement. Regardless of the intentions, sexual harassment is defined by the victim’s felt experience, not the perpetrators’.
Understand that being passive upon an injustice is an act of injustice in itself. In a hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) reminds us to help both the oppressed and the oppressor, for the oppressed to be free from any forms of injustice of this world and for the oppressor, to be free from the repercussions of such injustice in this world and the next.
Understand that being passive upon an injustice is an act of injustice in itself.
For our asatizah or religious teachers, we should realise that our actions are deemed to be exemplary to the community.
Avoid situations that might potentially open up the doors of fitnah or slander caused by our speech and actions.
Persevere to uphold high moral standards to the best of our human capabilities. Remind each other sincerely, preferably in confidence, should we observe any shortcomings of our fellow asatizah.
Avoid belittling each other’s efforts and remain as one united front in addressing the community’s needs. Be more open-minded in accepting differing views, especially in matters that are of khilafiyah or viewed as having multiple viewpoints in nature.
Self-Care for Victims
For the victims, do adopt effective coping strategies that do not rely on avoidance, but provides you with an opportunity to mediate and understand your trauma. Deal with your perpetrators in a way that is beneficial for you.
Continue to practice self-care evaluation and reach out to a trusted friend or family member when you are feeling especially anxious or depressed. We are with you.
For the community, appreciate, support and celebrate our asatizah’s dedication in guiding our community. Understand that asatizah are only human – do not partake in “Asatizah-bashing” due to the mistakes of a few.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The world is precious (beneficial, provision) but the most precious (beneficial, provision) of all, is a pious woman.” (HR Muslim)
The sacrifices that our Asatizahs continue to make, in meeting the community’s evolving need should never be downplayed.
Renew our commitments in securing the right guidance for our youths. Though some might lament on the rigidity of past methodologies in delivering the message of Islam, the results of such initiatives are being enjoyed by the existence of current productive Asatizahs that shapes the community today.
Likewise, the new modern hybrid methodologies in delivering Islam should not be at the expense of one’s understanding and appreciation of our deen in today’s time and context.
As a husband and a father, I feel the familiar pang and helplessness in not being able to protect the women in my life all the time, from the monsters that digital technology can create.
I am however heartened that I can rely on my fellow brothers and sisters to voice out their support against injustice and oppression.
The best adornment in this world is a virtuous woman and it would indeed be our honor to safeguard our womenfolk.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The world is precious (beneficial, provision) but the most precious (beneficial, provision) of all, is a pious woman.” (HR Muslim)