Prophet Muhammad Forbade Men from Harming Women

Jakarta - A recent case of violence against a woman in Bandung has left deep sorrow and concern. This incident serves as a reminder that Islam, from its earliest days, has firmly prohibited harming women and commands its followers to protect, honour, and respect them.

The Prophet Muhammad specifically addressed the treatment of women, as recorded in a hadith narrated by Muawiyah al-Qushairi. He asked the Prophet, and the Messenger of Allah replied, ‘Provide them with food as you eat, clothe them as you clothe yourselves, and do not strike them or mistreat them.’ (Sunan Abu Daud, authenticated by al-Albani).

Syekh Abdul Gaffar Hasan, in his work ‘The Rights and Duties of Women in Islam’, explains that this hadith underscores the Prophet’s command for men to honour women, fulfil their rights, and refrain from causing them any harm. The instruction specifically emphasises that men should not enjoy fine meals at expensive restaurants while bringing home cheap, low-quality food for their wives and children.