A few questions ...

Submitted by Maxie (United States), Feb 28, 2012 at 22:31

Hello, I read your piece with much interest but ended disappointed ... I apologise, for I just recently learned about the killing of Mrs. Hassan by her husband. It pained me to imagine what she must have felt during the episode. I can tell you that I am Muslim and I don't believe that I am commanded to either commit domestic violence or the so-called "honor killing." You quoted from the Quran pertaining to a particular historic battle situation but did not mention the history and context of the part of the revealed verse used. I wish you would have quoted also where Muslims are told that the taking of life is a sin, but then that would probably have caused you problems. I read that the couple had a history of domestic violence and it seemed to me that this was a fatal and brutal act of spousal violence. However, here and elsewhere there seems to be a body of people who would like to suggest that this was an "honor killing," whatever that means. ... we cannot say that it is a honor killing, yet the tenor and the extensive investment you make in this article is in the direction of that suggestion. I note also that you refer to Bridges TV and some organizations you referenced as "Islamist." Did you mean, "Islamic" and, if not, I would be interested to know what authority you use to define "Islamist." One final question regarding the person who you mentioned clearly distinguishes between domestic violence and honor killings. Is it that the latter is done mainly by Muslim men and that if it is done by a man of another denomination it would be regarded as domestic violence instead?

Many thanks.

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