What is True Liberation and Protection of Women?

The plight of women in modern-day Syria and other regions underscores the urgent need for a system that guarantees their dignity, safety, and rights. The tragic stories of women subjected to rape, torture, and exploitation in the prisons of Syria during the ongoing conflict highlight the failure of secular and authoritarian regimes to protect the vulnerable. This suffering serves as a stark reminder that a comprehensive solution is required—one rooted in the principles of justice and humanity. True liberation and protection for women can only be achieved through the establishment of an Islamic state that adheres to the Shariah.

The Plight of Women in Syria’s Prisons

Syria's conflict has exposed women to unimaginable horrors, particularly in state-run detention centers. Reports from survivors reveal a pattern of systematic abuse, including rape, physical torture, and psychological torment. According to human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, women have been used as tools of war, with their bodies violated to break the spirit of communities and families.

For instance, accounts from the notorious Sednaya Prison describe women being beaten and sexually assaulted. These heinous crimes are not isolated incidents but part of a broader culture of impunity fostered by the secular regime. Such environments not only fail to protect women but also leave them vulnerable to exploitation at the hands of those who should uphold justice.

Women Under Islamic Rule: A Historical Perspective

To understand the potential of an Islamic state to safeguard women's rights, we can look to historical examples from periods of Islamic governance. During the era of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the subsequent Caliphates, women enjoyed unparalleled rights and protections, especially when compared to the conditions of women in other societies at the time.

Personal Safety and Dignity:

Islamic law strictly forbids any form of harm against women. During the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), women could walk freely in public spaces without fear. Violations of their dignity were met with swift and uncompromising justice. The principle of hudood (fixed punishments) served as a deterrent against crimes such as rape and harassment.

Economic and Social Empowerment:

Islamic governance empowered women with economic rights, such as the right to own property, engage in trade, and inherit wealth—rights that were unheard of in other civilizations at the time. For instance, Khadijah (RA), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was a successful businesswoman who operated independently in a male-dominated society.

Protection During War:

Even during times of conflict, Islamic teachings mandated strict rules to protect women. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly prohibited harming women and children during military campaigns. This contrasts sharply with the modern-day targeting of women in conflicts like Syria’s.

A Systemic Solution: The Role of the Islamic State

The Islamic state, as envisioned in classical Islamic jurisprudence, provides a framework for justice that addresses the root causes of women’s vulnerability.

Justice and Accountability:

An Islamic state prioritizes justice as a cornerstone of governance. Under its rule, perpetrators of crimes such as rape and torture are held accountable through a transparent judicial process. Unlike secular systems, where corruption and favoritism often obstruct justice, Shariah-based governance ensures that no one is above the law.

Comprehensive Social Support:

Islamic governance establishes institutions to support women in every aspect of life, including financial assistance for widows and orphans, access to education, and healthcare. The Zakat system, for example, ensures that the wealth of society is distributed to protect the vulnerable, including women who may otherwise be left destitute.

Moral and Ethical Framework:

The Islamic state instills a culture of respect for women through moral education and societal norms rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. Unlike secular systems that often exploit women through hypersexualized media or unchecked capitalism, Islamic governance promotes modesty and mutual respect, safeguarding women’s dignity.

Conclusion: A Path to True Liberation

The ongoing suffering of Syrian women, and women worldwide, demonstrates the failure of secular systems to provide lasting solutions. In contrast, the history of Islamic governance shows how the principles of Shariah ensure comprehensive protection and empowerment for women. By restoring the rule of Islam through the establishment of an Islamic state, society can create an environment where women are not only safeguarded from harm but also empowered to thrive.

Now is the time for change. It is a moment to speak up and raise our voices for what is right. We must actively participate in the discourse, challenge the narratives of oppression, and expose the political agendas of those who seek to undermine Islam and its values. Our collective responsibility lies in reshaping the global political agenda to prioritize justice, morality, and the principles of Shariah. This is not merely a theoretical aspiration; it is a practical call to action that begins with engaging in meaningful dialogue and advocating for the divine system that guarantees true liberation and protection for all.

«مَنْ رَأَى مِنْكُمْ مُنْكَرًا فَلْيُغَيِّرْهُ بِيَدِهِ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِلِسَانِهِ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِقَلْبِهِ وَذَلِكَ أَضْعَفُ الْإِيمَانِ»

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he is unable to do so, then with his tongue. And if he is unable to do so, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith.” (Sahih Muslim)

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Sumaya Bint Khayyat