Responding with RAHMA: A Holistic Approach to Challenging Sexual Violence in Muslim Communities

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Nadiah Mohajir and Navila Rashid

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Gender-based violence, including sexual violence in all its forms, is antithetical to Islam and God’s commands. Therefore, Muslim communities can play a key role in addressing sexual violence in a manner that is affirmed by the core principles of their faith. Drawing upon a national nonprofit’s fifteen years of fieldwork, this paper will explore HEART’s work and ethical frameworks to respond to, address, and prevent sexual violence in communities and institutions. Taking inspiration from the Islamic core values of niyyah (intention), ridha (fullness of choice) rahma (compassion), amanah (God-given responsibility), and adalah (justice), this paper introduces HEART’s innovative four-tiered frameworks: 1) Renewing your NIYYAH begins with self-work for individuals as they embark on sexual violence prevention work; 2) Embodying RIDHA explores the elements of healthy, thriving relationships 3) Responding with RAHMA is grounded in interpersonal relationships and teaches how to respond effectively to disclosures of sexual violence; 4) Fulfilling your AMANAH teaches communities how they can work toward prevention; and 4) Leading with ADALAH teaches organizational and institutional leaders the steps they can take to ensure they are equipped to address sexual violence disclosures through a victim-centered, trauma-informed, and transparent approach.