By SYED JALALUDDIN OMARI
Translation SYYED MANSOOR AGHA
Islam does not differentiate the killing of a girl from that of a girl. One who kills either his son or daughter kills his own child. However, since in general girl child used to be done to death, here “killing of child” specifically means killing of “girl child”.
Islam raised its voice very strongly against killing of girls and stressed that girls too have right to life. She must be allowed to remain alive. Whoever deprives her of this right will be held guilty soon on the Day of the Judgement.
“And when the girl-child buried alive shall be asked: for what offence was she killed?” (Al-Takweer 81-7&8)
On the face, this question should be asked to the hard-hearted father and the cruel mother who buried the innocent daughter alive; instead of asking them, the girl will be asked, what her fault was, for which she was given such a harsh punishment! When she will say that she was innocent; her eyes were forced shut even before she could open them fully; she was buried before she could see the world around her; at this her cruel killer parents will become deaf and dumb and will not be able to produce any excuse.
One significant aspect of this ayah is that it was revealed in the Prophet’s early Makkan period. At that time Muslims were limited in numbers, to be counted on fingers. It was neither an issue among them nor had any Muslim committed such a barbaric act. However, the Qur’ān raised the issue strongly, and exhorted them to stand up against the curse which was practised by some Arab tribes. This stand was taken, for Islam is totally against all forms of cruelty and brutality and does not tolerate injustice and wrongdoing against anybody.
COUNTERING ECONOMIC EXCUSE
One of the excuses justifying child killing, especially girl-child, was their fear of poverty. They thought that women do not contribute much to earnings; instead they cause increase in family’s liabilities. Since they did not want to burden their sources of livelihood by increasing requirements and as a consequent level of poverty, they indulged in child-killing, even before facing any real hardship; the fear pushed them to commit this cruel act.
Addressing the issue, the Qur’ān declared that providing sustenance for all is in the hands of Allah. Everyone, who is born, brings his/ her own share and no one cuts in the portion of others. It is wrong to think that the girl child will cause you shortage and if her existence is undone, you will be better-off.
“And do not kill your children for fear of poverty; We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great wrongdoing.” (Isra-31)
This was told to well-off persons who fear that birth of another child will affect their economic well-being. The poor and destitute are also prohibited from the act.
“And do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them.” (An-Aa’m-151)
The essence of the teachings is that one must not kill one’s child out of fear of poverty. By killing children, doors of provisions will not open to you. Allah is the Sustainer and Provider of all requirements of life. Believe in Him, He will feed and dress you as well as your children. When the Prophet was asked, “What is the biggest sin after idolatry?” he said, “You kill your child with the fear that he/she will share your food.” [Bukhari, Kitabut-Tafseer, Surah Al-Baqrah; Muslim, Kitabul-Iman]
Here one should not forget that the Qur’ān has also instructed man to work for livelihood. To continue efforts of earning is a great act which carries divine reward. Quest opens the doors of sustenance upon them who work.
No other voice, not even of the claimants of ‘Women’s Rights Movement’, matches the voice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him). He raised his strong voice to protect the most oppressed and feeble section of society. No other charter of “Women’s Rights” is more practical and realistic than his teachings, guidance and instructions. He said:
“Allah has forbidden you disobedience of mothers, withdrawing your hand from paying what is due, to run around for accumulation of wealth and to bury the girl child alive (to kill them).” [Bukhari, Kitabul Adab, Chapter: Rights of parents]
TIDINGS OF PARADISE FOR RAISING AND EDUCATING GIRLS
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) did not only stress girls’ right to life but also prompted his followers for affection towards her. He explained the virtues of providing them with protection and education and gave good tidings of Paradise for generous behaviour with them. He disliked double standard of behaviour with girls and boys. Abdullah bin Abbas narrated that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) said,
“The man who has a girl and he did not kill her, did not behave her with contempt, did not prefer his son to daughter, Allah will enter him in His Jannah. [Abu Daood, Kitabul Adab, Chapter wealth of orphans. Hakim; Al-Mustadrak Part-IV, Page 196]
Anas reported that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) said, “One who provides protection for and educates two girls, will be in his company in Jannah.
“One who raised two girls till they reach the age of maturity, (showing his index and second finger) he and I shall enter in Jannah so close. There are two doors from which retribution enters in the world very quickly; one door is of brutality and torment and the other of disobedience.” [Hakim, Al-Mustadrak al-Sahi-Hain, Kitabul Birr was-Sila, Hadith no: 7350; Tirmizi, Gair Qaulah Baban Maujilan]
In the second part of this hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) has hinted at a very grave reality. He has indicated that the life of oppression is always short. The persecution of killing one’s own beloved children does not give much time to the persecutor. He shall see his bad moments very soon.
(to be continued)