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By Azzah Al-Ghamdi
Children are like angels walking on Earth, innocent and free from sin, yet they sometimes face undeserved accusations and damage to their reputation due to their tender age. Some fortunate children belong to loving and responsible families who provide them with all the care, attention, and affection they need. However, the unfortunate reality is that some children have to endure criminal parents who commit heinous acts against them.
It’s disheartening to hear about children whose parents deprive them of even simple pleasures like visiting parks or beaches, even when such places are free. There is no excuse for this neglect, as these parents are not driven by poverty but rather by their disregard for their children’s well-being.
In some cases, even when a divorce occurs, one parent may seek revenge against the other by mistreating their own children. Fathers, in particular, may neglect their children’s needs, leaving them in a state of neglect and abandonment.
These crimes are not confined to any specific country but have been reported worldwide. In Europe and America, governments often intervene to protect children from abusive parents. Unfortunately, this is lacking in many Arab and Islamic countries due to misconceptions about sharia law, which is not necessarily opposed to such interventions.
Turkey, as an Islamic country, sets an example by protecting children from abusive parents. We, therefore, call upon Arab governments to take action and ensure children’s welfare, consistent with the principles of Islamic law. Every Muslim parent should be aware of their responsibilities, and both fathers and mothers commit grave crimes against their own children. These crimes can be so severe that they might warrant the death penalty under Islamic law.
It’s important to note that these individuals who commit such horrific crimes cannot be considered true Muslims or followers of any divine religion. Such actions go against the fundamental values of humanity and the teachings of Islam and other heavenly religions.
In light of these challenges, we urge the ministry of education to present a memorandum to the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States to promote coeducational schooling throughout the Arab world. This approach can offer a nurturing environment to those children who have been abandoned by their parents, providing an alternative support system.
Friendship between men and women need not always be driven by sexual desires. Some men treat women as daughters or sisters and offer support without any ulterior motives. Similarly, some women lack family support and find male friends who become their pillars of strength. The belief that coeducation leads to inappropriate relationships is unfounded, especially considering the presence of security cameras in schools that can deter misconduct.
We aim to create a psychologically healthy society that respects women and doesn’t question their morals. Cultures must come together to create environments that eliminate criminal tendencies and reduce the sources of terrorism. Moreover, coeducation can help reduce divorce rates, as both genders will have a better understanding of each other, enabling them to make informed decisions about life partners based on shared values and beliefs.
The misguided beliefs that have no basis in Islam must be challenged and corrected, and this responsibility lies with the ministry of education. There is no Quranic verse prohibiting mingling between genders or condoning the crimes committed against children.
Media plays a vital role in monitoring and improving society by bringing issues to public attention, ultimately reducing crime and violence. Children suffering from these crimes may carry emotional scars that can lead to serious consequences, including murder or suicide. It is essential that the law holds those who commit such crimes accountable.
Not all criminals are behind bars; some roam freely, enjoying life despite their heinous acts. These individuals must not escape justice, and the ministry of interior should take seriously all reports from schools and individuals. There are individuals who start their criminal activities as children and continue into adulthood, posing a significant threat to society.
In conclusion, we call on the ministry of interior and the ministry of education to present the issue of child protection to the League of Arab States to restore the state’s role in safeguarding children. Providing proper care and protection for these children is not only a moral duty but also essential for safeguarding national security from potential threats posed by those who have suffered abuse in their past.
