SWO
Projects :: Open Letter Project
The following
letter has been sent to political, social, and religious leaders throughout
the world. It was developed to raise awareness about the need to promote
basic human rights universally, in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries.

In
the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Compassionate.
Whoever
obeys the Prophet, Obeys Allah
Qur'an: IV, 80
The best
amongst you are those who are best for their families; and their women
are respectful and are honored among them. The most hateful is a society
where women are neither honored nor respected. Said the Messenger of
Allah.
Knowing
about the abuses, cruelties, and violence committed against women and
children, in many countries, including Islamic, has made it necessary
for us to write to you, our brother/sister in Islam to call for the
safety, and honorable treatment of women and children.
This letter
is a call for action by asking every Muslim to stand for what is right,
and be an honorable model for generations to come. By recognizing and
educating the truth of Islam, we emphasize on the standards set by the
Prophet and his teachings. By ensuring women their rights we honor men
and women in Islam, for when women are treated with respect it reflects
the true spirit of Islam.
The Islamic
leaders of today have the unique opportunity to act as role models for
future generations by following the spirit and teachings of Islam and
the tradition of the Prophet (PBUH). It is imperative that the believing
men take an active role in speaking forth on this issue and in ensuring
that their errant brothers are held accountable for these injustices.
Should
our Muslim leaders become the leaders of zulm (oppression) towards their
own citizens, particularly women and children?
Are you,
as Muslim leaders or citizens, among those who can raise their heads
with pride and claim that their women and children are safe, their rights
are supported and protected, their interests protected?
Women's
rights, including rights to property, rights to education, rights to
work and right to divorce are guaranteed by Islam. Are these rights
being protected and established in your country? Are those who beat,
oppress and disregard the needs of women arrested and punished?
The whole
world is beginning to recognize the truth of the rights established
by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Let not Muslims be
the last to establish what is taught by Islam!
We urgently
request that every possible, effective measure be exercised to protect
women and children from violence and that those responsible are brought
to justice in an expedient manner. We insist that this basic principle
of human rights, the right to live in peace, be put into action by renewing
the commitment to bridge the gap between the existence of rights and
their effective and honorable follow through in each country.
We are
writing this letter as a strong reminder of the moral and ethical responsibilities
existent, not only for national authorities and citizens of the world,
but for followers of Islam. The time for change is imminent; to prevent
others from engaging in unethical behavior and to establish new local
and international examples with heightened humanitarian awareness and
action.
Let us
work together to create a better tomorrow for all of us, all humanity.
Inshallah. Ameen.
Best Regards,
Sufi Women Organization Headquarters
Sufi
Women Organization, an international, humanitarian, non profit, non
sectarian, non political organization, was established, with Divine
guidance, to support and protect human rights, with focus on women and
children's rights.
Sufi
Women Organization is a Department of the International Association
of Sufism, an NGO, associated with the Department of Public Information
of the United Nations.