MISINTERPRETATION, POWER, AND PATRIARCHY: AN ISLAMIC CRITIQUE OF KEY CAUSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN PAKISTANI SOCIETY

Abstract

Domestic violence (DV) in Pakistan is a systemic crisis perpetuated by the misinterpretation of Islamic texts, patriarchal power structures, and cultural norms falsely attributed to Islam. This study critically examines how selective exegesis of Quranic verses (notably 4:34) and the distortion of concepts like Qawwamah (male guardianship) and Taa’ah (obedience) are weaponized to justify spousal abuse. It exposes the contradiction between these misinterpretations and Islam’s core principles of justice (‘Adl), compassion (Rahmah), and gender equity. Through an analysis of Pakistani socio-legal frameworks, the paper reveals how patriarchal customs (e.g., Swara, honor killings) and institutionalized impunity sustain DV despite constitutional protections. Finally, it proposes Islamic solutions—Quranic re-education, revival of Prophetic (Sunnah) models of marital harmony, and legal reforms grounded in Sharia—to dismantle the theological and cultural scaffolding of gender-based violence.