The well-attended religious convergence was held on the theme ‘Islam and domestic violence’. Besides, the event came at a time when domestic violence is becoming a serious topic in the country especially among women and children, who continue to face several pains inflicted on them and mostly caused by their spouses.
Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions, threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behaviour that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship.
The organisation that held the event is made up of 37 professionals from various walks of life. The event was aimed at helping the spiritual, social and economic empowerment of mankind as envisioned by Mawlana Sheikh Ebrahim Nyass (RTA).
Welcoming the gathering, Alhagie Baboucar Cham, explained that the foundation is a branch of the Ansarudeen founded by Sheikh Ebrahim Nyass, reiterating that Shiekh Mahi is an extension of his father, Sheikh Alieu Ceesay because of the tremendous work he does in different countries across the world.
Commenting on the theme, Sheikh Mahi Ceesay while underscoring the importance of the event, pointed out that the topic of discussion included all forms of violence happening in ‘our households’ by inflicting pain on children and women.
He advised people to always endeavour to follow and respect their mothers, saying the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) always teaches believers to respect and give attention to their mothers.
“The reason why domestic violence is rising is because people don't follow the teachings of Islam. Married women should also remember that marriage is a form of worship and every reasonable and religious woman should think about that before getting into any marriage.”
He further reiterated that ‘if people are tolerant in the households for the sake of Allah, then there would be peace in every house.
To that end, he added that violence is not only about beating, but anything that has to do with bad acts and utterances towards an individual.
“The prophet (SAW) has said that the husband is the head of the household and he is obliged to feed, provide shelter and make decisions that are in line with the teachings of Islam; other than that, he shouldn't make decisions that are not pleased with Allah.”
Speaking about equality, the scholar reminded that having two wives without treating them equally is not in line with the teachings of Islam.
“If you are unable to treat both women as one, then you should not marry a second wife,” he said.
He disclosed that over seven million women have been violated in the world, which according to him, which means that out of every 10 women in the world, one has experienced domestic violence.
‘Violence is not encouraged by Islam, thus noting that there are men who inflict violence on their wives because they need divorce.”
The event held at the Pencha Mi Hall in Senegambia Highway, brought together Islamic scholars, teachers, officials and a cross-section of the public to listen to the topic based on the teachings of Islam.
