How Did We Reach This Point and Why Does It Continue?
Assalamu alaikum. Islam grants justice to both men and women, and we often speak of this, but we forget to implement that justice ourselves. More often than not, this injustice impacts women more heavily. In our society, we've almost normalized men looking at women improperly. Even though we acknowledge it's wrong, we often let men off the hook, defending them by citing 'natural desires.' However, when a sister commits Tabarruj (immodest display), it's treated as a far graver matter. I've observed that even women sometimes criticize their sisters more readily than they criticize men. I'm not defending any sin, but I am stating a fact: we are wrong to criticize women more harshly for sins of a similar degree. We can agree that Tabarruj and not lowering the gaze are comparable issues for women and men. But when was the last time a brother not lowering his gaze caused a major uproar? Yet, I'm sure many of us remember when a sister's improper attire sparked widespread discussion. Again, I'm not defending wrongdoing. As a brother myself, I say we men need to hold each other more accountable. What kind of friendship is it if we don't advise our brothers against sin? I believe sisters should also do their part and rightfully call out men for such actions. Sisters should stop accepting certain behaviors as 'just the way men are.' What are your thoughts on this, my dear brothers and sisters?