Violence against women is a global phenomenon that cuts across all cultures, religions, countries, and contexts. It stems from power differentials and gender discrimination. Regardless of the prevalence or causes, it is clear that violence against women can never be acceptable in Islamic teachings.
The Qur’an repeatedly states that all people, regardless of gender, were created from the same soul and are equal in creation, equal in this life, and equal in the Hereafter. The concepts of tawhid (the oneness of God), taqwa (God consciousness), and humans as God’s khalifa (trustees) on earth mean that all believers are equal in the eyes of God, and are obedient to and serve only God and not one another. The Qur’an dictates love, compassion, beauty and goodness within marriages and families. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was reportedly never violent towards his wives or daughters, and resolved conflicts with graciousness.