Forced Conversions and Forced Marriages of Hindu Girls in Pakistan: Does Islam Allow Such Immorality and Coercion?

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 1 October 2024 Suggesting A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Forced Conversion and Marriage In Pakistan Main Points: 1. Islamic teachings emphasize mutual consent, stating that forced conversion and marriage is against Islamic teachings and a violation of individual rights. 2. The Qur'an and Hadith emphasize the necessity of free and informed agreement in marriage. 3. Despite religious prohibitions against forced conversion and forced marriage, cultural practices in Pakistan often overshadow these teachings. 4. Mr. Sultan Shahin's article at the UNHRC highlighted the alarming rates of forced conversions and forced marriages in Pakistan. 5. He emphasized the need for the international community to recognize forced conversion and marriage as a violation of human rights and advocate for comprehensive measures to protect individuals, particularly women, from coercive practices. 6. A comprehensive approach that includes legal reform, education, and cultural change is required to address forced conversion and forced marriage. ------- (Representative Photo from Files) ------ Forced conversions and forced marriages of Hindu and Christian girls are a deeply concerning issue that continue to affect individuals worldwide, including in certain Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan. While Islamic teachings unequivocally reject the notion of forced conversion and marriage, cultural practices and societal pressures often lead to situations where individuals, especially women, are compelled to marry against their will. This article will explore the religious framework surrounding forced conversion and marriage in Islam, examine the cultural context in Pakistan, highlight recent reports including Mr. Sultan Shahin's presentation at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and discuss ongoing efforts to combat forced conversion and marriage. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws as Well as Forced Conversions and Marriages Not Only Violate The UN Charter but Also Islam’s Pristine Values; Sultan Shahin Tells UNHRC at Geneva On 20 September 2024 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Islamic Teachings on Consent in Marriage At the heart of Islamic marital principles is the emphasis on mutual consent. The Qur'an and Hadith underscore the necessity of free and informed agreement between both parties entering a marriage. The Qur'an states: “O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take part of what you gave them.” (Qur'an 4:19) This verse highlights the prohibition of coercion in marriage, indicating that women must not be forced into unions against their will. Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad's teachings reinforce this notion; he famously stated, “A woman’s consent is essential for a valid marriage.” These foundational principles make it clear that forced marriage is not only against Islamic teachings but also a violation of individual rights. Cultural Practices and Their Impact in Pakistan Despite the clear religious prohibitions against forced marriage, cultural practices in Pakistan often overshadow these teachings. In many communities, patriarchal norms dictate that decisions regarding marriage are made primarily by male relatives, leaving women with little to no say. Cultural beliefs about honor and family reputation can compel families to arrange marriages for their daughters without their consent. Economic considerations also play a significant role; families may pressure daughters into marriage as a means of securing financial stability or enhancing social standing. Moreover, in rural areas of Pakistan, where traditional practices are deeply entrenched, forced marriages can be prevalent. These unions often occur without the informed consent of the individuals involved, leading to significant psychological and emotional distress. Victims may face isolation, abuse, and a lack of support from their families and communities, further exacerbating their plight. Reported Forced conversion and marriage of Hindu girls in Pakistan violates Islam The forced conversion of Hindu girls in Pakistan and their subsequent forced marriages is a critical human rights issue that has drawn attention from various international bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Reports indicate that these practices often involve coercion, manipulation, and violence, targeting vulnerable individuals within minority communities. Such actions not only violate the principles of free will and consent central to Islamic teachings but also highlight a broader pattern of discrimination and intolerance against religious minorities in Pakistan. Islamic teachings emphasize that faith must be embraced freely and that individuals should not be compelled to change their beliefs. The Quran explicitly states that "there is no compulsion in religion" (Quran 2:256), underscoring the importance of personal choice in matters of faith. The forced conversion of young girls undermines this fundamental principle and raises ethical questions about the legitimacy of such actions. Moreover, these practices can lead to severe psychological and social consequences for the affected individuals, often stripping them of their agency and subjecting them to abusive situations. The UNHRC has recognized the urgency of addressing these violations, calling for stronger legal protections and frameworks to safeguard the rights of religious minorities. Advocacy efforts focus on raising awareness, promoting legal reforms, and ensuring that perpetrators of these human rights abuses are held accountable. Addressing the forced conversion and marriage of Hindu girls is essential not only for upholding the principles of justice and equality but also for fostering an inclusive society that respects and protects the rights of all its members. Recent Reports and UNHRC Involvement In recent discussions surrounding forced marriage, Mr. Sultan Shahin's article presented at the UNHRC session has brought international attention to this critical issue in Pakistan. Mr. Shahin’s report highlights the alarming rates of forced conversions and forced marriages in the country, particularly among women and girls, who often lack the autonomy to choose their life partners. Mr. Shahin emphasizes the need for the international community to recognize forced conversion and forced marriage as a violation of human rights. He advocates for comprehensive measures to protect individuals, particularly women, from coercive practices. By drawing attention to these issues at a global forum, Mr. Shahin's report serves as a call to action for governments, NGOs, and human rights advocates to address the underlying cultural and legal challenges that perpetuate forced conversion and forced marriage. Legal Framework and Enforcement Challenges Pakistan has laws that ostensibly prohibit forced marriages, including the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and various provisions in the Penal Code. However, enforcement of these laws is often inconsistent, and cultural norms frequently undermine legal protections. In many cases, families may choose to ignore the law, opting instead to follow traditional practices that prioritize familial expectations over individual rights. Legal loopholes and a lack of awareness about rights can further complicate matters for victims. Many women and girls may not know their legal entitlements or feel that they can seek help due to fear of backlash from their families or communities. Additionally, law enforcement agencies may lack the training or resources to effectively address forced marriage cases, resulting in a significant gap between the law and its application. Efforts for Change: Grassroots Movements and Advocacy Grassroots organizations and human rights advocates in Pakistan are actively working to combat forced marriage. These groups aim to raise awareness about the rights of individuals, particularly women, and promote education around the importance of consent in marriage. Initiatives often focus on empowering women through skill-building, education, and community engagement. Organizations like the Aurat Foundation and War Against Rape (WAR) play vital roles in advocating for women's rights and providing support to victims of forced marriage. They work to create safe spaces for women to share their experiences and seek assistance, while also engaging in public awareness campaigns to challenge societal norms that perpetuate forced marriage. International organizations, such as the United Nations, are also involved in supporting local efforts to combat forced marriage. These organizations provide funding, resources, and technical assistance to help NGOs develop programs that promote gender equality and empower women. The Role of Education in Preventing Forced Marriage Education is a powerful tool in addressing the issue of forced marriage. By increasing awareness about individual rights and options, education can empower individuals—particularly women—to resist coercive practices. Educational programs that emphasize the importance of consent, personal agency, and legal rights can help shift cultural perceptions around marriage. Community-based education initiatives can also play a crucial role in changing societal attitudes. Engaging both men and women in discussions about gender equality and the rights of individuals can foster a culture of respect and understanding. By promoting dialogue and awareness, communities can begin to challenge and dismantle harmful practices that perpetuate forced marriage. Conclusion Forced marriage remains a pressing issue that intersects with cultural practices and interpretations of Islamic teachings in Pakistan. While Islam categorically prohibits forced marriage, the realities on the ground often tell a different story. Recent reports, including Mr. Sultan Shahin's presentation at the UNHRC, highlights the urgent need for action to protect individuals facing coercive marriages. Addressing the issue of forced marriage requires a comprehensive approach that includes legal reform, education, and cultural change. By empowering individuals and promoting a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings, communities can work towards ensuring that marriage is based on mutual consent, respect, and love. Through these collective efforts, there is hope for a future where the sanctity of marriage is upheld, aligning with the core principles of Islam and fostering a society that values individual autonomy and human rights. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/forced-conversion-marriage-pakistan-immorality-coercion/d/133330 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism