Al-Qalam 
SA is experiencing heightened national alarm following the killing of 12 women across Ekurhuleni. In this context Imam Dr Rashied Omar has penned a du’aa for an end to violence against women.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
Al-ḥamdu lillāh. All praise is due to Allah.
O Allah, send Your blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Yā Rabb al-ʿĀlamīn, Lord of all the Worlds, You have honoured and given every human being dignity.
Help us protect the lives, honour and safety of women and girls.
Yā Arḥam al-Rāḥimīn, Most Merciful of those who show mercy, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the women murdered in South Africa.
Each life was precious, and to You they have returned. We remember those whose names we know and those whose stories have not been heard.
Comfort their families and give them patience and strength in their grief.
Protect women and children living in fear, whether in their homes, on the streets, at work or in places where they should be safe.
Bring them to people who will listen to them, take them seriously and help them find safety. Grant healing to those who have survived violence and abuse.
Yā Aḥkam al-Ḥākimīn, Most Just of Judges, You have told us that the girl buried alive will be asked for what sin she was killed.
Guide those investigating these killings to the truth.
Give courage and integrity to the police, the courts and all who have a duty to protect.
Let no cry for help be ignored, no case be neglected and no perpetrator be shielded from accountability.
Guide us, especially men and boys, to reject the belief that women may be oppressed, threatened or harmed.
Make us among those who live with their families in kindness, as You have commanded.
Teach us to challenge abuse in our families, our masajid and our communities.
Help us listen to survivors, support those seeking refuge and act before another life is lost.
Bless the counsellors, shelter workers, neighbours and advocates who offer care and protection.
Strengthen our resolve to make every home and community a place where women and girls can live without fear.
Allāhumma anta al-Salām wa minka al-Salām, tabārakta yā Dhā al-Jalāli wa al-Ikrām.
O Allah, You are Peace, and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of Majesty and Honour.
Grant us the courage to build a society rooted in compassion, dignity and justice.
We ask this through all Your beautiful names, Yā Rabb al-Nās, Lord of humankind.
Allāhumma āmīn.
