muslim Elders

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – The Muslim Council of Elders calls for the enhancing awareness of women’s rights and preventing gender-based violence

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasized the need to reject all forms of violence and persecution targeting women and girls around the world. The council also called for raising awareness of women’s rights and preventing all forms of gender-based violence.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed annually on November 25th, the council emphasized that Islam dignifies women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, elevating their status and underscoring kindness, good treatment, care, and attention towards them. The Prophet of Allah (PBUH), said, “Treat women kindly” (reported by Muslim) and Islam recognizes that people’s best choices are reflected in their treatment of their wives. It also cited the Prophet of Islam’s (PBUH) hadith, “The best of you are the best to their wives” (reported by Ahmad) and his saying, “I am the best to my family” (reported by At-Tirmidhi).

The statement also clarified that attempts by some societies to impose a specific culture on women contradict their values, religion, culture, and ethics. It also forces them to adopt an identity other than their own or limits their choices, which is considered an injustice to women. The importance for Muslim women to preserve their identity was also stressed, pointing out the Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019 which emphasized the necessity to end all inhumane practices and primitive customs compromising women’s dignity, asserting that women are never inferior to men but active partners in all aspects of life.

The statement further drew attention to the plight of women, girls, and children bearing the brunt of wars and conflicts. It called on the international community to take urgent measures to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian women in Gaza, where thousands have fallen victim to Israeli aggression, with thousands facing dire conditions due to the recent assault.

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