Domestic Violence in Pakistani Homes Islamic Teachings and Societal Interventions

Abstract

Domestic violence in Pakistan represents a persistent yet insufficiently addressed human rights crisis, with countless victims—predominantly women—suffering in silence due to social stigma, legal inertia, and cultural normalization. Despite Islam’s unequivocal condemnation of zulm (oppression) and its emphasis on justice and human dignity, domestic abuse is often justified or concealed under patriarchal customs and misappropriated religious interpretations. This contradiction between Islamic moral imperatives and societal practice necessitates a critical scholarly inquiry into the ethical, theological, and structural dynamics of domestic violence.This study undertakes a comprehensive postdoctoral-level examination of domestic violence in Pakistani homes, mapping its psychological, legal, and cultural dimensions. It explores how religious rhetoric is selectively employed to preserve male dominance while overlooking the Qur’anic ethics of equity, compassion, and responsibility. The paper exposes the gap between Islam’s normative teachings and the lived experiences of victims, underscoring the need for authentic religious literacy and interpretive renewal.Central to the analysis is the Qur’anic framework of family life built upon mutual respect, emotional support, and raḥmah (mercy). Drawing from the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the study highlights his exemplary treatment of women and his rejection of coercion and cruelty. These Prophetic values offer a viable ethical model to confront and reform contemporary abusive dynamics.

Additionally, the paper critiques current legal frameworks and law enforcement practices that fail to offer timely and effective protection for victims. Educational and spiritual institutions are also examined for their role in shaping societal attitudes and either perpetuating or preventing abuse.