Leaders like Nik Aziz must begin to educate men that they must take responsibility for their own actions and treat women as fellow human beings of equal worth and dignity.

To blame women for the ills of society is a bankrupt assertion. The solution to society’s ills does not lie in the shrouding, segregation and control of women. The Qur’an urges men to “lower their gaze and guard their modesty”, instead of staring brazenly at the sight of a woman’s belly button. Unlike animals, God has endowed man with higher intelligence. Use it to control your lust and desire.

Sisters in Islam
8 October 2000