10/29/2008, 00.00
SAUDIA ARABIA
Send to a friend

Muslim wives can use karate against violent husbands

Fatwa asserts a woman’s right to self-defence. Issued in Turkey it has been approved by Egyptian religious scholars as well as a prominent Saudi religious figure. It has however raised concerns among conservatives that it might “stir up rebellion” within families.
Riyadh (AsiaNews) – Women can use karate, judo and taekwondo in self-defence against violent husbands, this according to a fatwa that conservatives fear might “stir up rebellion” within families.

Originally issued in Turkey the fatwa was backed by Islamic scholars in Egypt and now has the seal of approval of Sheikh Mohsen al Obeikan, an adviser to the Saudi Ministry of Justice and a member of the Saudi Shura Council.

Contacted by Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Obeikan explained however that women can only hit their husbands in self-defence.

In his opinion the principle of self-defence is rooted in the Sharia, the Qur’an and the Hadith. The Qur’an in fact says that the “recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree)” and “. . . whoever then acts aggressively against you, inflict injury on him according to the injury he has inflicted on you”.

The original fatwa was issued by a well-known Turkish religious scholar, Fethullah Gulen, who ruled that it is within a woman’s right to defend herself by countering violence with violence, and that women should learn martial arts to protect themselves against their husbands.

TAGs
Send to a friend
Printable version
CLOSE X
See also
Riyadh lifts ban on women driving
27/09/2017 10:13
Lahore High Court blocks deportation of 100 Turkish "gulenist" teachers
30/11/2016 09:04
Ankara asks Kathmandu to stop all Fethullah Gulen activities
02/08/2016 13:05
Al-Azhar: 'A fatwa against those who harass women'
29/08/2018 10:41
For Muslim Intellectual, women are a pillar against extremism in the Islamic world
16/12/2015


Newsletter

Subscribe to Asia News updates or change your preferences

Subscribe now
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”