KARAMAH’s Executive Director Aisha Rahman took the stage at the Providence Recreation Center on October 10th to launch the third annual series, “Love Like the Prophet: Ending Domestic Violence in Muslim Communities.” Co-sponsored by MakeSpace, the room overflowed with 75 attendees, all intently listening to the speakers share their stories and insight on domestic violence within Muslim communities. Ms. Rahman shared the stage with Imam Zia of MakeSpace, Nazli Chaudhry of Domestic Harmony Foundation, and Marium Durrani, the staff attorney at KARAMAH.
The event began with Ms. Rahman sharing her experiences growing up surrounded by loving parents but learning of the harsh realities of some families. She shared stories of her work as a litigator in a small town where she was surprised at the number of domestic violence cases in the local Muslim community. When examining these cases, KARAMAH decided to change the focus from the negative to the positive.. KARAMAH seeks to educate the world about Islam. For the past three years, KARAMAH has commemorated Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the series, Love Like the Prophet which seeks to educate on the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) legacy and his tradition of love and mercy. Following her framing of the need for such a series, Imam Zia took the stage to examine the framework of love from a Prophetic model. “Our focus tonight is looking at how the Prophet treated those around him,” Imam Zia said, “It was common for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to tell those he loved, ‘I am yours and you are mine. Our friendship is unconditional.’”
Next, Ms. Chaudhry of Domestic Harmony Foundation took to the stage. She spoke about how “people were surprised to learn domestic violence was as prevalent in our [Muslim] community as it was in others. Domestic violence does not discriminate.” Facing an audience that was in turn emotional and involved, she continued, “It was a taboo for Muslim women to speak up about their experiences, so we worked to keep confidentiality.” Finally, KARAMAH staff attorney, Marium Durrani, spoke about the direct legal services that KARAMAH provides. “Our clients are primarily, but not exclusively, Muslim. We are partnered with Asian Pacific Island Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) and represent clients from the DC/Maryland/Virginia areas.”
The next day, KARAMAH travelled to Masjid Muhammad for the second Love Like the Prophet event. The room was packed with audience members all interested in learning more about the Prophetic model of love, and how domestic violence was reflected in their community. Ms. Rahman once again took the stage, along with Imam Talib of the Nation’s Mosque: Masjid Muhammad, Ms. Chaudhry of Domestic Harmony Foundation, and Ms. Durrani.
During the event, Imam Talib spoke about how “the nature [we] come from is from compassion and mercy.” He spoke about the innate human aspects of love and compassion, and how the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) worked to remind his congregation about anger and empathy. Ms. Chaudhry reminded the audience of the “need to talk about education, awareness, and prevention – the basic steps before we make any sort of community.” Ultimately, the fact was underscored: human rights begin at home.
If you want more information about KARAMAH’s work or direct services, call our offices at: 202.234.7302.
We look forward to continue the conversation with later events at Islamic Society of Washington Area, and Busboys & Poets later this month.
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