Throughout history, rape has been used as a means of spreading terror during conflicts. Horrific, but nothing new. It should also be noted that the honour cultures in the Middle East preceded Islam but, unfortunately, long association with that faith has done nothing to undermine the honour-based mindset. Rather, it coexists comfortably with Islamic religious tenets. Thus, when confronted with the rape in this region, we find this violent and misguided response by one family:
A Libyan father killed his three daughters after they were raped by Gaddafi's troops to lift the shame on his family, a human rights group said today.
The girls, aged 15, 17 and 18 were allegedly assaulted by soldiers at a school in the town of Tomina, near the war-shattered city of Misrata, during a two-month siege.
When they returned home, their father slit their throats in a so-called honour killing, according to Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).
To be clear, there is another Muslim response:
But PHR also noted that 'some in Tomina have stood up against this practice, including a well-known sheik who has publicly advocated for raped women and girls to be seen as brave and bringing honour to their families.'
Please note that this also filters the rapes through the "honour" lens, which the Imam cannot abandon -- he can only attempt to redefine the parameters. Rape is neither honourable nor dishonourable (unless one wants to argue that it degrades the aggressor). As Augustine wrote in his Confessions, chastity is "a virtue of the mind, and is not lost by rape." (He wrote that in defense of the pious virgins who suffered a similar fate during the sack of Rome -- for they feared that they were going to be held accountable for the "breaking" of their vows.)
[Jesus] summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile (Mark, 7:14-15).
Rape is simply a vile and depraved act that cannot elevate or devalue those who suffer. It's a tragedy, and the only response should be compassion.
Mary, most Pure, intercede for your beloved children!
Comments