Muslim Monday: Rest in Peace Sister Shaima

Last week on Wednesday (March 21st) Shaima Al Awadi was found lying in a pool of blood after having been beaten in her El Cajon, CA home. On Saturday, March 24th, Shaima was taken off life support and died. Here is the local San Diego news report concerning this terrible tragedy.

I am still extremely upset by the news. I pray Allah (God) grant Shaima paradise and bring peace to her family (she leaves behind 5 children and her husband). There is a lot of speculation about whether or not this was a "hate crime" (a note was found near her body) or committed by a relative - I believe it's irrelevant and downright disgusting that her murder has been turned into a spectacle with people bickering over their thoughts.

Some comments on the report(s) from various media sites have been downright abhorrent - many claiming this was an "honor killing" and Islam is to blame.

I mentioned in a post last month how "honor killings" are in no way sanctioned in Islam. Unfortunately, however, such senseless acts are continually falsely attributed to Islam. "Men" from all over the world have been murdering their girlfriends/wives out of jealously, hate, and/or anger - it has nothing to do with religion or lack thereof!

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said...

"The most perfect amongst the believers in faith is one who has the best manners; and best of you are those who are best to their wives." (Ahmad)

"To abuse a Muslim is disobedience, and his murder is infidelity." (Bukhari)

"He who abuses a Muslim is like one who is heading to his destruction." (Tabarani)

Sadly the ignorant and intolerant are always the loudest while the educated and thoughtful are usually unheard.

Again, my prayers will be for Sister Shaima, her family and friends in the wake of this terrible tragedy. May the murderer (regardless of who it is or what the reason) be brought to justice in this life and the next!

To Allah (God) we belong and to Allah (God) we will return.