Apa salahku?: Unpacking Narratives around Domestic Violence in the Malay-Muslim Community (Part 1)

By: N.H. Rahman This article is part 1 of a 2-part series that critically examines how the problem of domestic violence within the Malay/Muslim population is imagined. Please read part 2 when it is released! [Part 1 of 2] Content Warning: This post discusses domestic violence and institutional understandings and responses to domestic violence. This…

Read More

Teaching ‘feel-good’ Islam: Toxic Positivity & Silencing the Oppressed

by Mysara Aljaru _ An ‘Islamic’ Toxic Positivity “You just need faith in Allah, you are where He wants you to be.” These were words I frequently heard growing up, especially from religious teachers in weekend madrasahs I used to attend as a child. It seemed reassuring at that time. Why wouldn’t it be, right?…

Read More

A Story of How She Died

by Raudah Abdul Rashid _ [content warning for partner abuse and violence] Her name was *Siti Ainun. This is a story of how she died. Siti was a 20-year old woman who learnt from a young age to be independent, to rely on herself. As a quiet child growing up amongst siblings and step-siblings, Siti…

Read More

My Mother was Abused by my Father, but Everyone Around Allowed it to Happen

By Ayla Suraya __ (Content Warning for Partner Violence and descriptions of abuse) My mother’s experience of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) or domestic violence has definitely had an impact on me. Growing up, my mother would share problems that she should have confided in her spouse or a therapist and my parents’ marriage was the…

Read More

Domestic Abuse for People of Faith

by Aliyyah Zubair __ (Content Warning for Partner Violence and descriptions of abuse) An abusive marriage/situation sucks, no matter with who and how it happens. But as believers, there’s that added dimension of our faith and spirituality that can make things that little bit more tricky. I cannot count the number of times warning bells set…

Read More