Seminar Examines Religious Leaders’ Role in Combating Violence Against Women

A seminar in Jeddah has turned its attention to the role religious leaders can play in confronting violence against women, including the need to correct misconceptions tied to some religious texts.

The event, titled “The Role of Religious Leaders in Combating Violence Against Women,” brought together scholars, researchers, specialists and religious leaders. The International Islamic Fiqh Academy organized it in cooperation with the Muslim World League.

Its opening sessions reviewed research and studies across four main areas: the meaning, causes and forms of violence; religious references and the correction of misconceptions; community, institutional, media and international approaches; and the role of religious leaders in preventing and addressing violence.

Researchers discussed ways to provide a grounded academic treatment of the issue based on the Quran, Sunnah, the comprehensive principles of Islamic law and its objectives. The approach, the article said, should avoid excess and neglect, and should not use religious texts to justify practices that conflict with justice, mercy and accepted standards of conduct.