NASFAT warns against twisting Qur’an to abuse women

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The Nasrul-Lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria has warned against what it described as the growing misuse of Qur’anic verses and prophetic traditions to justify the abuse and discrimination of women and girls, describing the trend as dangerous, misleading, and un-Islamic.

The organisation issued the warning on Wednesday as part of its activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

It stated that many acts of violence carried out in the name of Islam were rooted in harmful cultural beliefs, ignorance, and extremism, not in the teachings of the faith.

According to NASFAT in a statement shared with The PUNCH, Islam promotes justice, dignity, and compassion for all human beings, stressing that no verse of the Qur’an or hadith supported the oppression of women.

The Society listed several widespread misconceptions used to excuse abusive behaviour, such as the claim that Hawwā’ (Eve) was responsible for Adam’s fall, the false notion that killing non-Muslims guarantees “72 virgins,” and the misinterpretation of verses on polygyny and marital conflict.

NASFAT also flagged the misuse of texts on inheritance, the hadith on women’s “deficiency,” and the story of Prophet Yūsuf, pointing out that such narratives were frequently taken out of context to reinforce patriarchal norms.

According to NASFAT, Prophet Muḥammad (Peace Be Upon Him) honoured women, condemned injustice, and embodied compassion, principles that directly contradicted any form of gender-based violence.

“Abuse does not come from Islam. It comes from cultural attitudes, ignorance, and the deliberate twisting of religious texts,” the organisation said.

To counter harmful interpretations and reduce gender-based violence, NASFAT urged religious institutions, scholars, families, and community leaders to take concrete steps, including the promotion of accurate Islamic teachings on women’s rights.

It also urged stakeholders to avoid unverified narrations and cultural myths in sermons and to provide contextual explanations of sensitive religious texts.

The Society canvassed the integration of GBV education into mosque programmes, the raising of boys and girls with equal respect, and the condemnation and reporting of domestic violence as a criminal offence.

NASFAT also called on Muslims globally to uphold justice and protect women from all forms of harm.

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