The Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) are partnering to educate families on the negative effect of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Muslim homes and the society in general.
According to the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Iliyasu Usman, while some interpretations of specific hadiths or Quranic verses have been misused to justify disciplinary measures within marriage, Islam’s broader ethical and moral framework upholds kindness, mercy, and a clear prohibition of oppression and violence towards women and girls.
Prof. Usman stated this during the Stakeholder Dialogue on the Islamic Perspective for GBV Prevention and the launch of GBV Prevention Guides for Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) organised by the dRPC in collaboration with the Centre of Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) Abuja.
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According to him, “This formed part of the Muslim Opinion Leaders for GBV Prevention in Northern Nigeria addressing the issues by leveraging the influence of Muslim Opinion Leaders, recognising their critical role in shaping societal norms, beliefs, and behaviors.
“This also empowers MOLs to apply Islamic teachings to challenge harmful cultural practices and promote the protection of women and girls. Scholars across the Muslim community continue to correct cultural misinterpretations that perpetuate gender violence, ensuring alignment with Islam’s foundational values of respect and non-violence”.
Speaking, Prof. Taufiq Abubakar, Director, Centre of Islamic Civilization and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) noted that all forms of aggression, molestation, or transgression are strictly forbidden in Islam. “The Noble Prophet (SAW) declared during his Farewell Pilgrimage that your blood and property are sacred with Islam providing clear codes of conduct for treating women with respect, equity, and mutuality”.
The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hajiya Iman Sulieman-Ibrahim, who was represented by Barr. Aisha Gana, said Islamic scholars play a vital role in preventing GBV, stating that by true Islamic teachings, correcting harmful misconceptions, preaching against violence, counselling families, supporting survivors, influencing policies, and partnering with government and NGOs, have all helped Islam shift social norms, reduce stigma, and promote justice, dignity, and protection for all.