Today, our sisters and daughters are being subjected to a new narrative—one that attempts to convince them that the label of “honor” imposed upon them is, in fact, a restrictive burden. The essence of this perspective is that while a boy’s disgraceful actions do not tarnish a family’s honor, a girl’s simple smile can bring shame upon her kin.
The root of the issue lies in the manipulation by those who claim our girls are devoid of rights, reducing them to commodities auctioned off in the name of honor. The argument is that if men can transgress without consequence, women should be granted the freedom to engage in shameful acts without judgment. Essentially, there’s a push to normalize disgraceful behavior from women, propagated by liberal men who endorse consensual actions as exempt from sin.
Allow me to elucidate why the honor of a family is often tethered to women. Understanding this, we believe our daughters will thank the Lord. The crux of the matter lies in the inherent “nature” of honor, a distinction between men and women.
Unlike men, who do not automatically gain respect upon reaching adulthood or even in their twenties, women inherently receive respect as soon as they become adults, a divine gift bestowed upon them by Allah. A man embarks on a decades-long journey, enduring trials and tribulations, only feeling he has “earned” a modicum of respect in his late twenties to thirties. This hard-earned respect, however, is often contested.
In contrast, a woman’s respect rises automatically upon reaching adulthood, irrespective of her accomplishments. Her professional achievements define her societal position, but her honor remains a divine gift. Notably, even a 70-year-old man can casually call out to a 20-year-old boy without raising eyebrows, but if the same is done to a 20-year-old girl, society demands respect for the female adult.
It’s worth pondering that while “honor for women” is a common phrase, “honor for men” is seldom heard. Women receive respect from Allah without discrimination, while men must earn it through hard work. Women, along with Allah and the Prophets, are the recipients of respect based on caste. When a woman disrespects this divine honor, it becomes a tragic event that grips the entire family.
Our girls must grasp the essence that their honor differs from that of men. A man’s honor is something earned, with the possibility of regaining it through effort. In contrast, a woman’s honor is a divine gift, lost once and gone forever if compromised. Our girls hold a precious gift, and they must handle it with utmost care.
This invaluable honor is the proof of its priceless nature, evident in the fact that the honor of every noble woman is “undisputed.” A single accusation against the honor of a noble woman triggers a strong societal reaction—a divine system established to safeguard the divine gift bestowed upon them.
