Epigraph:
#MeToo is a global movement against sexual
harassment and assault, where survivors—especially women—share their
experiences to expose the widespread nature of abuse, particularly in
workplaces and power hierarchies. The movement sparked a cultural reckoning, holding
powerful figures accountable and demanding systemic change.
Oprah
Winfrey delivered her notable speech addressing sexual harassment and abuse
on January 7, 2018, when she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award at
the 75th Golden Globe Awards. In that powerful address, she stated: “To
all the girls watching here now, know that a new day is on the horizon … when
nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.”
"Indeed,
this is a reminder, so he who wills may take to his Lord’s way."
— Qur’an 76:29
⏱ Estimated Reading Time: 6–7 minutes
Sexual
Harassment & Abuse: A Moral Wake-Up Call
Back to
Basics. The
word “reminder” is defined by Merriam-Webster as: “something that
calls a memory or thought to the mind.”
That is
exactly what Divine guidance is—a reminder of our purpose, dignity, and
moral responsibility. The Qur’an declares:
“Indeed,
this is a reminder; so let whoever wills take the path to their Lord.” (Qur’an 76:29)
Human
beings are born with an innate sense of good and evil. To reinforce this, God
instills in us moral intuition and provides Divine instruction as
a compass. The Qur’an reveals:
“…by
the soul and the One who fashioned it—and inspired it with discernment between
right and wrong—successful is the one who purifies it, and ruined is the one
who corrupts it.” (Qur’an
91:7-10)
Yet we
forget. That is why reminders—ethical, spiritual, and practical—are
needed.
Where
It All Went Wrong
Sexual
harassment and abuse are social evils and criminal acts. They represent a
misuse of power and a denial of someone’s humanity. God, in His
wisdom, addresses men first when commanding modesty and
self-restraint:
“Tell
the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity; that is purer
for them. Verily, God is well aware of what they do.” (Qur’an 24:30)
These
commands were given as 'reminders', long before workplace harassment policies
or human rights declarations. These conform to the innate human nature of
goodness. Men and women have different strengths. But God warns us not to let
envy, lust, or power-seeking pollute our relationships:
“O
mankind, fear your Lord who created you from one soul and created from it its
mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women.” (Qur’an 4:1)
The
Prophet (pbuh) said: “O Allah! I declare inviolable the rights of two weak
ones: the orphans and women.”
Sahih Muslim 2594
#MeToo:
A Modern Reminder
The rise
of the #MeToo movement in recent years shattered the silence around
abuse in workplaces, particularly in industries like Hollywood. Women—and some
men—finally found the courage to speak out against directors, producers, and
powerful executives who misused their authority in the absence of ethics.
This problem is not confined to one industry or culture. This practice is
rampant and one that reveals what happens when the soul is corrupted and
God’s reminders are ignored.
"We
showed him the good and the evil path. It is now up to him to be grateful
or profess disbelief." (Qur'an
76:3)
Hollywood:
Two Stories of Dignity
Even in an
often morally chaotic environment like Hollywood, stories of respect and
human dignity exist. They show us what’s possible when people are treated
not as objects, but as souls.
- Hidden Figures
This film tells the real story of three brilliant Black women—Katherine
Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who helped NASA reach the moon
in 1960s America. Despite racism and patriarchy, these women worked
with integrity, and were respected for their intellect, not objectified.
- Saving Mr. Banks
Author P.L. Travers, creator of Mary Poppins, is shown to
be treated with respect and collaboration by Walt Disney. Her vision was
honored, not manipulated. She was not harassed, but heard.
The
Purpose of Reminders
Why do we
need reminders? Because we forget—even the best of us. That is why every
Divine religion incorporates rhythm and routine into worship:
- Jews
gather for the Sabbath
- Christians
for Sunday Church
- Muslims
for Friday Prayers
God declares
the Qur’an a Reminder. Weekly gatherings, daily prayers, and scriptural
recitation are all intended to recalibrate the soul, drawing it away from self
and back to God.
“Say:
Not equal are the evil and the good, even though the abundance of evil may
dazzle you. So be mindful of God, O people of understanding, so that you may
succeed.” (Qur’an
5:100)
“Say:
My Lord has forbidden shameful deeds—open or secret…” (Qur’an 7:33)
A Call
to Men and Women Everywhere
To the
men of the world—directors, CEOs, teachers, colleagues, husbands:
Let
God's reminders tame your gaze, restrain your hands, and purify your hearts. Be
real men—servants of God who protect, not exploit.
To the
women of the world—aspiring actresses, lawyers, designers, workers, and
wives:
Let
God’s reminders remind you of your worth. You are not commodities for lust; you
are creators, thinkers, and carriers of dignity.
Closing
Reminder: It’s Never Too Late
Whoever
carries guilt, the doors of God's mercy remain ever open. God never closes the
door.
“Say,
‘O My servants who have wronged their own souls: Do not despair of God’s mercy.
He forgives all sins. Truly, He is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” (Qur’an 39:53)
“Except
those who repent, believe, and do good deeds—for them God will replace their
sins with good.” (Qur’an
25:70-71)
Realigning
Your Compass
Whether we
are victims, bystanders, or those who have fallen into sin, it’s never too late
to realign our moral compass. God’s Word is not a relic. It is a living
Reminder.
Let’s
listen. Let’s act (including myself)!
Aamir
Yazdani
