(Based on Oprah Winfrey's speech on women's sexual abuse)
Epigraph (Reading time: approximately 7–8 minutes)
"And
remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers."
— Qur’an 51:55
"Whoever
commits a sin or wrongs themselves but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will
find Allah Forgiving and Merciful."
— Qur’an 4:110
SEXUAL
HARASSMENT & ABUSE: BACK TO BASICS THROUGH DIVINE REMINDERS
Inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s Reflections
By Aamir
Yazdani
Introduction:
The Power of a Reminder
The Merriam-Webster
Dictionary defines a "reminder" as “something that calls a memory
or thought to the mind.” In the context of human morality and guidance, the
Qur’an repeatedly positions itself as precisely this: a divine reminder.
“Indeed,
this is a reminder; so whoever wills may take to his Lord’s way.”
— Qur’an 76:29
Human
beings are, by nature, forgetful. This inherent weakness necessitates reminders
to help realign our moral compass. In the Qur’an (91:8–10), God declares:
"...by
the soul and Him that moulded it and inspired it with knowledge of sin and
piety: blessed shall be the one who has kept it pure, and ruined one that has
corrupted it!"
Every soul
is born with an innate awareness of right and wrong. Divine revelation
functions as an external reinforcement—a reminder—to nurture this
internal compass.
The
Qur’an on Gender, Purity, and Human Conduct
One of the
most pressing moral issues of our time is the prevalence of sexual harassment
and abuse, particularly against women. The Qur’an speaks directly to this
issue, beginning with men:
"Enjoin
believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that is purer for
them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do."
— Qur’an 24:30
This verse
serves as a direct reminder to men to control their desires and respect
boundaries—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is no accident that men
are addressed first.
Furthermore,
the Qur’an instructs both men and women not to envy each other's advantages but
to seek God's grace with humility:
"Do
not covet the bounties which Allah has bestowed more abundantly on some of you
than on others. Men shall be rewarded according to their deeds, and women
likewise. Rather, ask Allah for His grace."
— Qur’an 4:32
This
reminder sets the tone for mutual respect and cooperation, not rivalry or abuse
of power.
Moral
Clarity in a Culture of Noise
In today’s
world, where vulgarity and moral compromise often dominate media and public
life, the Qur’an warns:
"Say:
'The evil and the good are not equal, even though the abundance of evil may
impress you.' So fear Allah, O people of understanding, that you may be
successful."
— Qur’an 5:100
This verse
reminds us not to be swayed by what is popular or pervasive but to distinguish
between right and wrong with clarity and courage.
The Qur’an
also forbids, in no uncertain terms, the very acts that underpin harassment and
abuse:
"Say:
My Lord has only forbidden shameful deeds—whether done openly or in secret—sins
and unjust aggression, associating partners with Allah without authority, and
saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge."
— Qur’an 7:33
Notably,
the first item listed is shameful acts, whether public or private, precisely
the kind of conduct at the heart of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Why We
Need Constant Reminders
Human
beings, regardless of their status or accomplishments, are prone to
forgetfulness. This is why religious traditions emphasize periodic collective
reminders. Judaism observes the Sabbath. Christianity emphasizes weekly church
attendance. Islam, likewise, has Jumu’ah, the congregational Friday
prayer. These rituals exist not merely for worship but for moral
recalibration.
The Qur’an
identifies itself repeatedly as a reminder—not just for believers but
for all of humanity.
Stories
of Women Who Were Not Abused
Let me
highlight two powerful, real-life examples from recent Hollywood cinema:
1. Hidden Figures — This film tells the true story of three Black women
mathematicians in 1960s America who helped launch NASA’s space program. Despite
the racial and gender discrimination of the era, these women were not sexually
exploited. Their merit was recognized, and they were treated with dignity.
2.
Saving Mr. Banks —
This film chronicles British author P.L. Travers, creator of Mary Poppins,
and her collaboration with Walt Disney. Throughout the movie, Travers maintains
professional integrity and is respected throughout her interaction with Disney
and his team.
These
stories remind us of the possibility of workplaces grounded in professionalism,
dignity, and mutual respect.
A Call
to All: Men and Women
Let the
men of the world—producers, directors, actors, CEOs, and leaders—heed the reminders
revealed by God. Let them strive to become true servants of the Most
Merciful, so that they may find success both in this life and the eternal
one to come.
Let the
women of the world—entrepreneurs, artists, professionals, and dreamers—also
turn toward these reminders. Let them seek God's guidance as they pursue their
ambitions, never compromising their dignity or worth.
A
Message of Hope and Redemption
To
those—men or women—who may have erred or wronged others, the door of mercy
remains wide open. God’s mercy surpasses our guilt:
"Say,
'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of
Allah’s mercy. Surely, Allah forgives all sins. He is indeed the Most
Forgiving, the Most Merciful.'"
— Qur’an 39:53
"Except
for those who repent, believe, and do righteous deeds—for them Allah will
replace their evil deeds with good. And Allah is ever Forgiving and
Merciful."
— Qur’an 25:70-71
To
all—myself included—who have faltered: seek God’s forgiveness and seek
reconciliation with those you may have harmed. For God's Book—the Glorious
Qur’an—serves as a reminder in every aspect of human life, but only
for those willing to pay heed.
Aamir Yazdani
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