I have noticed that a recent article from the Associated Press has been making its rounds on the news sites.  The article is about a recent upsurge in sexual harassment of women in Arab countries.

CAIRO – The sexual harassment of women in the streets, schools and work places of the Arab world is driving them to cover up and confine themselves to their homes, said activists at the first-ever regional conference addressing the once taboo topic.

Activists from 17 countries across the region met in Cairo for a two-day conference ending Monday and concluded that harassment was unchecked across the region because laws don’t punish it, women don’t report it and the authorities ignore it.

The harassment, including groping and verbal abuse, is a daily experience women in the region face and makes them wary of going into public spaces, whether it’s the streets or jobs, the participants said. It happens regardless of what women are wearing.

This is an extremely disheartening thing to hear of.  Brothers, we really must face this terrible calamity head on and do something about it.  How can men treat women this way?  How can we treat anyone this way?  Brothers let me remind you of the importance of manners and of how we treat one another.

“…you should show courtesy and be cordial with each other, so that nobody should consider himself superior to another nor do him harm.” Riyadh-us-Saleheen. Hadith 602.

Indeed, the Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam,  has specifically said “I enjoin upon you the importance of good conduct f to your womenfolk.” Do you think that the Prophet Muhammad,   sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, ever harassed women, or allowed it?  When the first convert was a woman, Khadija.  When it is well known how he prized and respected his wives.

Abu Hurayra stated, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘The most perfect of believers in belief is the best of them in character. The best of you are those who are the best to their women.‘” [at-Tirmidhi]

Brothers, there is absolutely no excuse for the harassment, sexual or otherwise, of women.  Personally in fact, I would be concerned about the hellfire.  Also remember that one of the accepted signs of The End is sexual harassment.  Protect your women, honor them, keep them safe and happy.  That should be our goal.