Physical abuse of women and children from Hadith perspective

Abstract

UDK: 28:372.2

This article is comprised of the introduction, the main part divided into three segments and the conclusion. The first segment of the main part presents the texts of the Hadith wherein the significance of the dignity of women and children is stressed baring a message of the need to introduce change to social and cultural standards with the aim of improving their statutes in society and providing better care and protection for them. The article emphasises that the text of the Hadith categorically forbids inflicting physical violence in this regard. The second segment elaborates on the authenticity of the Hadith texts directly or indirectly pertaining to the physical abuse of women and children as a principal that needs to be consulted when dealing with this topic. The third, final part thematizes the issue of interpretation of the, apparently, challenging texts of the Hadith about this topic. Regarding this type of Hadith, the article concludes that the reasons for misinterpretation and improper instrumentalisation are the negligence of the hermeneutics of the lineage of the Hadith, disregarding their pragmatic function and an observation taken through the lens of feminist hermeneutics of modern times.