By: M.M. Hassan Abdulhadi Rashid – University of Karbala – College of Islamic Sciences
The rate of family problems has escalated to a level known as domestic violence, which is manifested in severe physical abuse that can lead to bruises, contusions, and broken bones in one of the body parts. In some cases, it can even escalate to the commission of murder, as we have seen several cases widely circulated on social media that provoked public outrage and anger. Certainly, these cases of violence have their real causes, and they did not arise by chance.
There are six realistic reasons that we present to families to make them aware of them, so they can take immediate action to avoid falling into their consequences:
First: The economic factor and its consequences such as poverty and the pressing need for basic necessities of a dignified life; the resulting psychological impacts and nervous stress on the husband, wife, and family members lead to a situation of blame, complaints, and arguments that escalate into quarrels and anger. Poverty drives the escalation of family crises, especially when matters are compared between the family’s situation and that of other families, whether they are relatives or acquaintances.
Second: Moral shortcomings such as marital infidelity, where either the husband or wife becomes involved in suspicious and forbidden relationships. This is one of the most prominent and closest causes of domestic violence, as the motives for the crime converge when the husband discovers that his wife has fallen into the trap of infidelity. Similarly, excessive suspicions might drive the wife to harm her husband, and possibly to revenge or plot his downfall if she discovers his betrayal.
Third: The tribal and family factor in the arrogance of the husband and his domination over his wife, restricting her freedom and preventing her from enjoying her rights as a respected human being with her legitimate personal rights and permissible relationships. This also includes denying her the opportunity to receive education or participate in social roles.
Fourth: Conflicting wills and the struggle over managing family life and raising children. This reason often arises between spouses when they have contradictory ideas, thoughts, and tendencies, leading to severe conflicts. This may also occur between a father and his children when they fail to accept his parenting style, which may push him to resort to violence with them, or vice versa.
Fifth: Inconsistent laws in the country. Some countries grant unequal authority to one party over the other, whether the wife or husband, which drives one of them to retaliate and take revenge against their partner due to their weaker legal position. This is commonly seen in divorce cases where the father is deprived of his custody rights, thus subjecting him to injustice and psychological harm. Likewise, this harms the children when the mother or her relatives are given custody.
Sixth: The influence of what is promoted by certain cultural institutions that advocate for liberation and equality, which contradicts the values, traditions, and some of the principles of Islamic law. This leads some wives and children to rebel against the values and customs of the Arab Muslim family, forcing the committed father to impose his authority through force and abuse.
