AN UUCSA PRESS STATEMENT

 

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive and destructive injustices facing our society today. It shatters families; destroys emotional well-being, and corrodes the moral fabric of our communities. GBV is not a private matter. It is a moral failing at the community level, a betrayal of our Islamic values, and hence, a religious violation. Our responsibility to address GBV must extend well beyond the Sixteen-Day annual campaign period.

 

“…And live with them in kindness…” (Qur ‘ān 4:19)

 

The Qur ‘ān explicitly instructs us to treat our spouses with kindness. This kindness demands patience and tolerance in times of difficulty. It teaches us that honouring one another is an act of worship and a manifestation of taqwā. The Prophet SAW never harmed a woman and declared, “The best of you are those who are best to their families.” (Tirmidhī)

 

The measure of a community is how fiercely it safeguards its most vulnerable. Violence in our homes can neither be normalised nor ignored. Our communities must never fall silent when families are hurting. Looking away while someone suffers is a betrayal of our humanity and our Islamic duty. We cannot allow fear, stigma, or cultural expectations to drown out the cries of those in pain.

 

Real change begins when we speak up, stand together, and protect the vulnerable with courage and compassion.

We must transform awareness into sustained action throughout the year, by among other things:

 

• Calling out GBV for what it is: harām, unjust, and a grave sin;

 

• Addressing GBV boldly, from the minbar;

 

• Protecting and supporting victims with dignity, respect, and confidentiality;

 

• Rejecting harmful cultural practices that perpetuate silence or justify abuse;

 

• Strengthening family education and early-intervention initiatives;

 

• Training imams, teachers, and community leaders to identify and respond to abuse, and

 

• Holding perpetrators accountable through ethical, legal, and religious mechanisms.

 

Speaking out against GBV is not optional— it is a collective duty, a moral obligation, and a responsibility that rests upon every member of our community to uphold justice and safeguard the vulnerable.

 

“Silence protects the oppressor; courage protects the oppressed.”

 

Released by:

Yusuf Patel (Moulana)
Secretary General

 

19 Jumaadal Aakhirah 1447 / 10 December 2025