As-salamu alaykum,

Shokran for writing to our live session. Sadly, I do not have an answer. Your concern is one of utmost importance and felt by many. Truly, certain places have a higher rate of these horrendous crimes. It is appalling. While suicide is haram and a very desperate and sad way for a girl to escape these horrors, rape and torture is haram as well. Communities must come together and form coalitions, groups of defenders. That is to say that these girls should be protected by the men (and women) of the community.

Men should be trained in defending their families and communities against rape and torture. Girls need to be empowered and learn that it is not their shame if they are raped but rather it is the shame and sin of the men who do such heinous acts. Girls need to be taught that if someone harms them, they need to be able to tell someone, to seek help and get it, with condemnation. Further, centers and non-profits needs to increase in the outreach to young women and girls and offer more professional services and interventions.

While these are very small suggestions brother concerning a huge, sad, horrendous condition, we must start within our ummah and within individual communities-to take care of each other, if we don’t-I just do not know. But it is time, it’s beyond time.