Post by maruf on Sept 21, 2005 1:24:43 GMT -5
Comment: Musharraf’s rape remarks add insult to injury
September 20, 2005
In outrageous remarks made in the past week Gen. Musharraf claimed that rape was a “money-making concern” and that women were using it as a way of getting visas to go abroad and to make money.
"You must understand the environment in Pakistan. This has become a money-making concern," he said. "A lot of people say if you want to go abroad and get a visa for Canada or citizenship and be a millionaire, get yourself raped."
These shocking statements have caused great emotional injury to victims of rape and their families. The most high profile rape victim Mukhtar Mai, who gained international prominence after being gang raped in 2002, allegedly on the orders of a village council told the BBC: "I offer all the riches I've made out of the panchayat (village council)-enforced gang-rape to the president in return for justice."
Sumar Mallah, whose five-year-old daughter was raped and killed on 5th September said: "The police and the rapists have been insisting that I accept money and forget about my daughter. I will never settle for money. I want justice."
Musharraf’s remarks reveal his low regard for his own people, claiming that a woman would degrade herself to allow for such a heinous act to be committed against her for a small financial profit, the reality is that he sees rape victims equal, rather, lower than a prostitute. Instead of mobilising the state’s resources to apprehend and severely punish criminals who are responsible for dishonouring our women we have seen statements that turn the crime onto the victim.
Islam commands the ruler to be the guardian over his people, protecting them and bringing the criminals in society to justice.
Ibn ‘Umar reported that Rasool Allah (saw) said: “An imam is a shepherd (guardian) and is responsible for his flock (people)”
Allah (swt) states:
“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it is (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (An-Nisa - 135)
Finally, we remind the Muslims that we must also speak out against the negligence and corruption of our rulers. Silence is not an option.
September 20, 2005
In outrageous remarks made in the past week Gen. Musharraf claimed that rape was a “money-making concern” and that women were using it as a way of getting visas to go abroad and to make money.
"You must understand the environment in Pakistan. This has become a money-making concern," he said. "A lot of people say if you want to go abroad and get a visa for Canada or citizenship and be a millionaire, get yourself raped."
These shocking statements have caused great emotional injury to victims of rape and their families. The most high profile rape victim Mukhtar Mai, who gained international prominence after being gang raped in 2002, allegedly on the orders of a village council told the BBC: "I offer all the riches I've made out of the panchayat (village council)-enforced gang-rape to the president in return for justice."
Sumar Mallah, whose five-year-old daughter was raped and killed on 5th September said: "The police and the rapists have been insisting that I accept money and forget about my daughter. I will never settle for money. I want justice."
Musharraf’s remarks reveal his low regard for his own people, claiming that a woman would degrade herself to allow for such a heinous act to be committed against her for a small financial profit, the reality is that he sees rape victims equal, rather, lower than a prostitute. Instead of mobilising the state’s resources to apprehend and severely punish criminals who are responsible for dishonouring our women we have seen statements that turn the crime onto the victim.
Islam commands the ruler to be the guardian over his people, protecting them and bringing the criminals in society to justice.
Ibn ‘Umar reported that Rasool Allah (saw) said: “An imam is a shepherd (guardian) and is responsible for his flock (people)”
Allah (swt) states:
“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it is (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (An-Nisa - 135)
Finally, we remind the Muslims that we must also speak out against the negligence and corruption of our rulers. Silence is not an option.