Fatima from the United Arab Emirates has been working with me to tell her story of sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather. Here’s the last blog post about it.
It was broadcast at the top of the Outlook programme and featured on the front pages of BBC News online as an audio slideshow of her photos and the BBC World Service front page (now in the highlights).
It also was included in the highlights of the week for the BBC multimedia team.
It was been generating comment on forums outside the BBC including here and here.
I have also had a few personal emails about its content. It certainly is a disturbing account which has been therapeutic for Fatima. This is what she says of working with Your Story on this ..
I really felt so much better after the report, I think recording my voice and writing all these things down made me feel lighter. Now it has given me the chance to be able to concentrate on other things besides the abuse and just start a new project. There is something therapeutic about hearing the sadness of my own voice.
In addition to Fatima herself speaking, she also recorded her lawyer who explained how she won her case for asylum in the States – a rare occurrence. Also, Fatima’s friend – who has helped her so much, recorded her thoughts. I’m posting these two interviews on this blog as I think it adds very much to what Fatima is saying.
Listen to Fatima’s lawyer here – 5 mins 8 secs
Listen to Fatima’s friend in the USA here.
(please note these two audio files are hosted on external sites – the BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.)
67 comments
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March 30, 2009 at 11:50 am
nina robinson
From Adel
Hi Nina,
I watched Fatima’s audio slideshow based on the title “she wanted to share her experiences of sexual abuse growing up within a strict Muslim family in Abu Dhabi”. My initial anger was with the step-Dad for the sexual abuse, and the “MOM” for not sensing her daughters pain and cry for help. But I failed to see how what happened in that household relates to a strict Muslim family, and not just any other family. If this abuse was to take place in Holland or England, it would’ve been just abuse with no mention of their religion, and most likely the story wouldn’t have made it to publication, but because it happened in Abu Dhabi, all of a sudden it’ all about a Strict Muslim family and of course Islam. Everything I’ve studied and learned to date tells me that the piece is a perfect example of Generalization. You took all Muslims and grouped them under one category.
Maybe I missed the point, can you please help me with it.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Adel C. Hammoud
July 22, 2009 at 6:47 am
noha
i agree with you Mr. adel 100% this have nothing to do with islam.
March 30, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Rana
I watched the report and it’s sad. But as the first comment, I dont understand the relation between what the girl had to go through and Islam. We hear stories, which are even worse than this on Oprah, done Christian or Jewish or even faithless fathers! I am sick of trying to stick the Muslim identity next to criminal actions or mentall illnesses. But we’d never hear the title “A christian father rapes his daughters” or a “Jewish family kills a shop-owner”. I guess the BBC has to be mature enough and stop this joke.
March 30, 2009 at 3:35 pm
haider mehdi
Hi Nina:
I agree with Mr. Adel. Before turning to BBC, I was reading CNN on line this morning, March 30, 2009 and learned about this Colombian father, Mr. Arcedio Alvarez Quintero who sexually abused his own daughter since she was about 5 years for several years which resulted in 14 pregnancies with eight children — five girls and three boys — survived. Which was a replica of the Austrian father, Mr. Josef Fritzl who also sexually abused his own daughter and kept her in his basement for many years and fathered several children. Bothe of these men are the biological father of their victims but their religion is not discussed?
Sorry but please don’t misunderstand me? As Mr. Adel said, I am also very angry with the step father of Ms. Fatima as well as her MOM of should be tried and punished but please don’t label this as crime done by all Muslims. Thanks. And have a nice day.
Haider Mehdi, USA
March 30, 2009 at 9:54 pm
pinkhito
I’m not confused about the Islamic content mentioned because if this abuse had happened in the west the daughter would NOT be punished by law with lashes nor would the step father be free to roam. Also with a concrete evidence a girl would not be turned away by the courts. She would also receive help and the police would be at the parents door steps for questioning even if charges are not filed.
The point is clear here and that is the girl was turned away by courts who establish their law based on SHARIA. IF sharia law is an Islamic law and tells a 15 year old girl that she is NOT considered a child abuse case but instead a mistress then how is this not related to Islam.
Their is no reason to compare western countries because their laws are not based on religion, and in western countries a girl will not be lashed, and the man will be kept away from children for the rest of his living life and jailed as he should be.
If a girl is judged based on a religious belief then religion comes into question no matter what the religion may be, or what ever else the law says it’s based on.
From what I’ve been researching it seems that this is all too common in Saudi Arabia and UAE. Lashing a rape victim and the rapist seems to be what is done to remedy the situation under sharia law. This seems to be NO SECRET and the rules seem to be clear and practiced by law as an official ruling under Islamic law.
March 30, 2009 at 11:56 pm
britishmisk
As a Muslim it saddens me to read stories such as these where Muslims are living at the hands of domestic violence and sexual abuse with no sense of justice or retribution.
What needs to be understood is that in cases like this it is a result of cultural ideas based upon concepts of ‘honour’ and ’shame’, NOT religious ideas and practices.
Under Sharia law there is no punishment for a woman who is raped, rather the death penalty is given for the perpetrator once conclusive evidence is obtained (Witnesses or DNA tests etc). For any laymen who decides to scour religious Islamic texts, it would not take long to find evidence for this (See Imam Malik’s al-Muwatta, the first formulation of Islamic law). When we see instances of rape victims being punished under “Sharia” it is usually a result of maligned legislation believed to be based on sacred texts, but are rather a result of misguided cultural beliefs believed to be in line with religious ones.
In Fatima’s particular case it seems that her mother refused to pursue justice in an effort to protect the “family honour”. While honour is highly regarded in Islamic cultures worldwide, in some parts of the world it is taken to an extreme, even to the extent to which Fatima has been made a victim of.
This is an extremely sad case and I hope Fatima will go on to continue to enjoy a happy prosperous life, and maybe sometime in the future be able to reestablish a relationship with her mother if times improve. As a Muslim I feel there needs to a reeducation of Islamic society across the world and the rooting out of cultural practices that undermine the beauty, love and simplicity of the Islamic faith. There also needs to be a reeducation in the western world with regards to the true essence of Muslims and the Islamic religion, as “pinkhito”’s comment clearly shows a need for.
March 31, 2009 at 5:49 am
Lubna
Dear Nina and Fatima,
It was a sad thing to listen to Fatima’s story, I am so sorry for her to have had lived with this monster and her clueless mother. However, linking this abuse to muslim society trying to show muslims communities in a bad picture as rapests is not objective.
Just a couple of months ago, a scandelle broke up in Austria (considered one of the most civilized nations) that Jozef Fritzel raped his daughter for 24 years and fathered 7 children from her !!!!! in 2008 3 similar cases were reported in Austria, and similar cases were reported in UK where a man raped 2 of his OWN daughters, a guy in Italy was reported to rape his 2 daughters and encourage his son to rape his 4 daughters the youngest aged 6 years !!!!
Such cases happen every where it is not an incident to be linked to a specific religion or nation, these are incidents of mental and moral problems.
The way this presentation and narration is done seems to aim to further give a bad idea about Islam and the Arab World, rather than presenting Fatima’s suffer and misery.
March 31, 2009 at 6:49 am
Rana
Pinkhito, I am not surprised at all with what you have said. It doesnt only seem that you know nothing about Islam, but the fact that you have researched it too makes a bit “surprsing”! A stereotypical view doesnt just “shock” us anymore…
A country that thinks punishing a raped girl, is a Shari’ah based law, is none of our business. Please check this link:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam/AskAboutIslamE/AskAboutIslamE&cid=1123996015456
I dont know what Muslims should do more to explain their faith. After all the fuss after the 9/11, do you know how many converted to Islam instead of just turning away from it? Please make sure you research on reliable sources. Going to a website that’s anti-Islam to learn about Islam, isnt the right thing to do.
A good Shari’ah reference, I recommend that you rely on this page:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah/LSEZone
And about Islam:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam/DIEZone
Good luck…
March 31, 2009 at 7:49 am
Marwa
I am from UAE too, I have to say that the girl’s reaction is understood.i wouldn’t blame her, nor the culture she was raised in. I wouldn’t also blame the religion because this story is independent from religious beliefs ;sexual abuse is a crime in all religions.
Shame, pride and reputations are all terms used to imprison the girl in many cultures not only in the Arab world but also in some other conservative cultures.
I think each one has to take responsibility to their actions and live the way they choose to live
I think if i were in her shoes , i would’ve done the same!
March 31, 2009 at 10:08 am
V. Zessinthal
No matter how hard I try i cannot but sound repetitive and echo the opinion of Adel, Rana, pnkhito and others. Why is religion dragged into so bluntly into a crime that has all landmarks of western culture? “Fatima contacted the BBC World Service citizen journalism project, Your Story, because she wanted to share her experiences of sexual abuse growing up within a strict Muslim family in Abu Dhabi.” Is it because Fatimah is a Muslim and her religion was Islam? Why western culture?
I am a jounalist, and I beg to differ from the hypocrite Jew and Christian journalists. Oops, did I mention Jew and Christian? I’m sure you wont like that. However, I would conveniently like to mention that rather then trying all your might, lock, stock and barrels to defame Islam and Muslims, you should be praising and thanking Islam whos growth in the west is directly related to the steady fall of crim in your mighty countries. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_the_United_States
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5621482.ece
So get a life and and report the truth, the complete truth.
March 31, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Khalid
I feel sorry for Fatma and I hope that Allah shows her the right path of her life from now on, beside if she had not got the justice from Humans, she must be assured that she will get it from their creator.
In response to few comments above:
Based on the main source of Islamic teachings “i.e. the Holy Qur’aan” there is no such thing about a criminal to be set free without an appropriate punishment of the committed crime, however, the mechanism and the how of this matter developed is not quite clear, therefore we are not in a position to make judgments based on an ambiguous case like this.
I do agree with most of the people here that such incidents are not to be attached to a particular religion, since all religions including Islam & Humanity condemns such actions, and those religions are not a remote control units that instruct people to behave in a certain manner, remember that people has choice and religion cannot be accused for their actions.
We had been always advised to go back to the basics, If there is a problem that we are facing and we are not able to solve.
The Holy Qur’aan had covered such relations “step fathers & daughters” & how they to be organized, moreover, it had also covered how a married/single men or women to be punished if condemned at such cases, beside that there are phrases within the Holy Qur’aan that instructs us about which testimony’s to be accepted and which are not.
The religion of Islam is a way of life, people with closed hearts & minds will never understand it and will always resist any opportunity to do so.
I hope that this endless pursuit to insult religions & their figures to be condemned by the concerned international organizations and appropriate punishments to be in place for the violators, since they do not bring but troubles and hatred among people.
March 31, 2009 at 2:19 pm
haider mehdi
Thanks for your response:
But I guess you missed my point? Islam is not what is practiced in these countries “Saudi Arabia and UAE” but what is taught in Quran? Please read the whole Quran (if don’t know Arabic then in English) and please read actual translation in English (not the TAFSEER, i.e. interpretation but so called Islamic scholars) and if then you find the Quranic Law on this matter is same as that of so called SHARIA LAWS imposed by Saudi Arabia and UAE then you full right to criticize Islam and Islamic Laws of Quran OTHER wise PLEASE just criticize Government of Saudi Arabia and UAE (by the way I am NO fan of these so called Islamic countries?). And also if you come out in open to criticize the Government of Saudi Arabia and UAE (or any failed Islamic countries) then you will find first in line supporting you because these countries have worst practices of Islam and violators of Human Rights against their own citizens, especially women, children and minorities.
Please forgive me if I have hurt your feeling or anything. Please keep up the good word and take care of yourself and each other. Have a nice day.
Haider Mehdi, Ph.D.
Pittsburgh, USA
March 31, 2009 at 7:55 pm
jamal
this is really sad that it happened in my lovely country.. as all of u said, why we put islam in the face were all what happened are far aways from what islam is really for..
yes our community is safe and that is rarely happen.. but we have to learn from this story.. let us forget about who, where, when, but let us say how to prevent this kind of stories in our lovely country..
April 1, 2009 at 1:19 am
A. Hammoud
I think most of us who listened to Fatima’s story had the same reaction. What does Islam have to do with it? No doubt, there is a dire need to educate children against sexual, physical and mental abuse, and more so in third-world countries including the Arab world. However, Fatima’s story should’ve been used as a foundation for sexual abuse and the struggle of a teenager in a family that is more concerned with Family honour than with the well being of their daughter.
One might argue that she comes from a Muslim family, but clearly when someone commits a crime he or she is criminal, period. Their religious affiliation does not play a role. Fatima’s story has everything to do with a coward step-father preying on an innocent young girl. Culture and religion did not play a role in this story.
And how does one respond to the nonsense of this lunatic about Shaira law allowing rapists to go free and lashing the victims? Also keep in mind, from the law point of view, that Fatima never told her mom what was going on for four years, and only did so after the sexual abuse had stopped. How is the law going to protect her when there is no forensic evidence of the perpetrator, and no witnesses to collaborate her story? It is a case of he said she said in a man’s dominated society.
The crucifixion of Islam and the Sharia law in this story is a perfect example of the blatant ignorance that Muslims continuously having to deal with.
April 1, 2009 at 1:26 am
pinkhito
This is all fascinating! When the catholic church sex abuse cases surfaced everyone attacked the Catholic church, and began questioning why so many abuses could possibly happen in the hands of nuns, and priests alike. The system to this day is being continuously questioned, and reexamined in courts all over the world.
However, their is seems to be a great deal of confusion about Islam even in defense of Islam. If people in UAE and Saudi Arabia are not practicing so called REAL Islam (according to all the comments above) then what are they exactly practicing in the name of Islam?
It’s obvious that Islamic law is against sexual abuse,and in the west we are all aware of this but what is not clear is age ( when is a girl considered an adult or a child) and women’s rights to receive protection when violated according to government rights. WHY are their very little help or none at all it seems in this case for women in middle east so that these girls do not have to run away to western countries for protection?
My husband and I were wondering why this girl did not run away to another Muslim country more closely linked to her own culture?
April 1, 2009 at 6:51 am
Rana
Perhaps she was just more fascinated with Western Culture and she saw it as the place that will give her the ‘ultimate freedom”. The USA in many people’s mind in the M.E. is a place of heaven, freedom and money.
About the church, it makes sense. It’s a church! A sexual abuse in a church is definately worth the news. I believe it’d be the same if it happened in a mosque or any temple. The thing is this story, it’s not. It’s a normal family. So I dont understand why relate it to Islam…
Was Mr. Fritzl, a christian?! Because we just havent heard of his religious views!!!!!!!
April 1, 2009 at 3:32 pm
ِAnas
I saw the video, its sad and its been made to have that effect ” to show how sad to be Muslim” BBC is not mature enough yet.
Really I support what RANA have said above, its a systematic attack on Islam by using some stories . its not in Muslims communities only u can find worst cases and stories in any another community. as result its an obvious “pointing finger” and attack on Islam.
the other result the Human can be criminal or conduct a crime despite of his race its human nature to related to religion.
BBC why its did not support GAZA people during the Israeli attack? Simply u can’t because u will go easy and hid the facts if Muslims are victims.
April 1, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Someone that Islam considers an infidel...
To people who criticize the connection between Islam and this young woman’s tragic childhood, please tell me which other religion dictates a country’s law? Why does every Islamic society insist on having religion the foundation for everything? Right from the way they dress (as she clearly points out) to the way they conduct themselves? Why should every aspect of life be governed by religion. Clearly we are in a time and age where there are governments and elections and people are encouraged to open their minds and think for themselves. Why then does Islam insist on putting a firm lid on human progression? It seems to me like the entire middle east is stuck in the tribal ages. It seems to me (more and more these days) that Islam’s intolerance of other religions, women and progressive thinking is based out of a fear of its own dissolution. And that is why under “Islamic law” (an oxymoron) it is considered a sin(?) or blasphemy or offence-punishable-by-death to renounce your religion. For all those who purport that Islam is a religion of “peace” then how can you justify that the spread of Islam is mainly through fear-of-death? There is clear evidence that wherever Islam spreads it only attempts to erode and destroy the culture and traditions of that place. Such a religion that glorifies death, martyrdom, honour-killing, female subjugation will inevitably implode.
Dear Fatima – forget your “Islamic” past for it has given you no happiness, no family, no hope and only left you with fear, shame and sorrow both within your family, society and in the eyes of law. The distance you crave from your past begins with a complete cleansing from the past and a new beginning of faith in your abilities and your dreams. If there is a God, he definitely did not protect you in the name of Islam…
April 1, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Someone that Islam considers an infidel... wait, that's the all non-Muslims
Please refer to the story http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7977293.stm for any clarifications on Islam’s progress…
April 1, 2009 at 10:21 pm
shagun
i may be not as mature you guys are but i will say one thing towards Islam and making BBC mature….
This story is about a girl and her background and it is muslim. Arab is proud of its Islamic law but same time there are so many stories which go to grave yard with sufferer . So why fingers be pointed towards Islamic law? And it is not about Islam practice . it is about wrong practice .
Some one said the girl may be fantasied by USA thats y she went their. I come from a country which does have cases like this and i may say Western country people welcome us with open hands it is us who miss use their help. What’s wrong if girl wants freedom. I live in western world and i say they have far better and clean mind then us. It is our nature of criticizing everything they do, that at last make them discriminate between us and them.
They give old church to be used as temple and mosque. How many mosque or temple are given for Church use ?
It is simple Islam law does not mean justice will be given to you and in western world we girls feel yes we will get justice.
I know there will be people who will pinpoint me after reading my post and tell me i dont know islam. Please dont waste time writing that because my name does not prove i am from different religion,
April 2, 2009 at 12:22 pm
K. Al Hashimi
It is a very saddening story alined with many other that are not revealed to the world. Being a Muslim, I am also ashamed that you have not revealed the fact that Islam pointed the importance of woman and protecting us ‘women’. Making relationships with the other sex expose us from the many disease that occur. You have showed to the world a fact that is living in every society. Whether being Muslim or under other religion. Sexual abuses that happens in the family probably occur all around the world. You should have not stayed quiet for so long to tell. Informing someone outside the family would have been better to reveal what he was doing to you. The so called ‘Ultimate freedom’ that you found in the US, it is due to the pressure you had. As this freedom might come right back at you. It is also shown to me that you surely didn’t grow up on solid boundaries. Being in such society, having a house, very safe with free education and medical fees.
Concerning photography, I have won many prizes shooting within boundaries. Going outside is not what you need to strengthin your abilites.
One last message, Islam protects people and being Faith in Allah is all what you need to get the big prize. Also, I could not imagine living any where than UAE ( Abu Dhabi) as it is the safest in the world.
April 2, 2009 at 12:51 pm
FIB
I do empathize with Fatma’s story, but I absolutely hate how she & BBC made it all about Islam when every part of her misery is against Islam teachings. Her stepfather is a pervert who should be prosecuted and her family shouldn’t kept quiet about it. And Abu Dhabi is not exactly the typical Islamic state, everyone knows that the UAE is the most moderate Islamic country in the world where Muslim UAE locals account for less than 15% of the country population. I wish Fatma well, I hope her family get serious help, and most importantly, I wish BBC present the news in more unbiased journalism against the Muslim community. If this story happened in any part of the world, faith won’t be mentioned.
April 3, 2009 at 7:20 am
zuberu
It is sad what Fatima has gone through, but it has nothing to do with islam. If her family chose to go in that direction, that doesnt mean thats the way islam proposed. It breaks my heart when people try to portray islam in a negative way.She is old now and i hope she is capable of reading to understand what the religion is all about.
April 3, 2009 at 9:48 am
Ethar
Hello,
I’ve written an extensive post about the BBC article and the audio slideshow at Muslimah Media Watch. Please do check it out:
http://muslimahmediawatch.org/2009/04/02/the-hole-story-sexual-abuse-in-a-strict-muslim-household/
April 3, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Abdulrahman Al Bloushi
UAE government opened their hand to women – notice they are even in the military.
April 3, 2009 at 4:17 pm
R Pothi
I agree to a lot of comments above. I am a fan of BBC, but such a reckless title ” strict MUSLIM family” is making me uneasy. I am a Muslim, and like people said earlier, in no way shape or form is the dad’s behavior Islamic. In fact, the father would be punished for such a heinous crime under the shari’a law.
I demand that BBC change the title and remove any religious reference in it. The pictures taken by Fatima are of mosques and prayer areas, which regardless of whether it was intentionally placed to insult Islam, should be brought to a more neutral standpoint. The pictures are great, and it could also be that they happened to be of mosques and prayer areas just because you find a lot of those in Abu Dhabi. But to someone who reads the title and gets int he anti-Islam frame of mind, the Islamic pictures would have an adverse or negative effect.
I grew up in Abu Dhabi, lived there the first 15 years of my life. Islam is a pure religion and cultural piracy and the following accusation on Islam hurts.
April 3, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Ihsaan
Well it’s good she got away from a family like that(if what she says is true) It would of been better for her to stay in country where she could practice her religion. The west will call her to things just as bad or worse.
April 3, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Haroon
Ethar, that was simply amazing. jazaakAllah Khair.
this story of ‘Fatima’ was just funny
April 4, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Mai
I felt sorry for her because she cannot compare between islam and family behavior…This thing doesn’t have to do with ISLAM..and it might happen to anyone muslim, christian…etc
April 4, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Franchesca
“I dont know what Muslims should do more to explain their faith.”
When Islam clearly states that a woman’s word is only worth half that of a man’s, explain to me how on earth she would ever be able to get this man prosecuted for what he did to her? It is her word against his. This is precisely why this is a problem with Islam.
Oh yes, sure there are bad things that hapen in Holland, England, America etc. but if a woman is raped the law is on her side and the perpetrator will be duly prosecuted. These Islamic theocracies allow girls as young as 9 to be married off to old men because their prophet “did it”. This is child rape justified by Islamic holy books, how is this NOT a problem with Islam? The Quran gives rather barbaric instructions on how you can beat your wife for being “rebellious”. How is this NOT a problem with Islam? Islam also demands that anyone who questions or leaves the religion be murdered, how is this NOT a problem with Islam?
“One last message, Islam protects people…”
Erm… Riiight, so why do Islamic Theocracies consistently have some of the worst human rights records on the planet? The less say that Islamic law has in the running of a country, the better the quality of life for women, homosexuals, and anyone who expresses their own opinions.
Well done Fatima, and thanks for sharing this with us. I hope you have a wonderful life.
April 5, 2009 at 9:28 am
Abdulrahman Al Bloushi
who’ve changed my comment?
April 6, 2009 at 9:45 am
Courtesy Please « Your Story
[...] here, I run this blog and I moderate the comments. This post comes after a few comments on Fatima’s Story and this post linked to that [...]
April 6, 2009 at 3:25 pm
haider mehdi
Hi All:
PEACE PEACE PAEACE
It’s not the time to fight or hate each other but make a peace and learn to live together. The modern day world is like a big house and we all are part of the big family. We might have differences but that does not mean that we have to humiliate each other or attack their religion. Religion is a very sensitive issue and should be handled very carefully? I am from India and grew up in a highly diverse society with many religions, sub-religions, cost system and of course poverty and that taught me how to live together. I am a big fan of Gandhi and what he did for SHUDRS, the Lower cost Hindus, who were considered untouchables by Upper cost Hindus and were not allowed to enter into most of the Hindu Temples. Gandhi, a Hindu himself, fought against cost system (part of Hindu culture NOT religion?) but that does not mean he was anti-Hindu (though some might think?). Gandhi also promoted co-existence among different religions and included the names of Gods of different faiths in his prayers? He was for non-violence and for peace. However, there was some one way before him who gave this historical speech on peace and unity among Hindus and Muslims—-“Hindus and Muslims are two eyes of India and if any one of them is damaged then India will become monocular (one eyed) and if they destroy each other then India will go blind”—-by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a Muslim and founding father of Aligarh Muslim University, a leading Institution for Higher education for ALL Indians. And then comes Mother Teresa, a Christian, who came to India at a tender age of 16 or 18 and lived there to serve equally to people of India (all religions and costs) and touched the life of Millions and Millions of people. We need more of these kinds of people in our society who can teach us to live together and respect each other? This does not mean that we can not have discussions? Of course we can BUT what I said in previous e-mails that—“please read the original book of Islam, Quran, and then talk about Islam”—as someone said—“Don’t judge a religion by its followers but by its Book”. So please stop attacking each other unnecessarily and make a Peace. And please take care of yourself and each other. May God help all of us. Thanks for you attention.
Haider Mehdi
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
April 7, 2009 at 12:02 am
farid
there is always 2 side to a story. so no one can give 100 percent right to fatima. but let us consider few facts on her story. she lives with her step father and she has not been treated well by him because she is not her biological daughter, i buy that. but accusing her step father of sexual abuse is out of the question. i think she is a gold digger she needed a story to seek asylum and get a citizenship in america where no matter what it will be more better than to live with a stepfather. if you are running away from sexual assault in u.a.e. and your are now in the u.s.a. will someone out there compare the rate of sexual abuse or rape of these two countries. why not go to saudi arabia or iran where you will feel safer?
April 7, 2009 at 6:28 am
Dina
Every body around the world have some different kind of problems and I feel sympathy about what happened to Fatma but that doesn’t mean I do agree about what did she said!!!
She accuses Islam about what happened to her!! Have she intends our government or our Royal Family???? !!! no way she have done that coz their doors are always open for every thing and we do have a website for UAE ladies if they do have any problems and they are afraid of telling any body and Our Mother H.H.Shk. Fatima she is handling this page.
Raping every ware; you will find the good and the bad things even in the same house not just in a country…
Fatma you don’t worth to be one of UAE People and I wish you will not interfere Islam in this kind of issues because no relation ship about what you are saying and Islam.
I wish you will go back to what you said and understand the mistakes you have made and never blame others about your faults.
April 7, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Miriam
I came to leave a comment but as soon as I had a chance to read some of the comments I forgot my own opinion. To Farid and Dina and to all other middle eastern commentators who may think the same way you have painted a ugly picture! Farid who thinks that their are two sides to a story seems to think that the abuse did not actually happen! Was he there? and the Dina above would like this young woman to move to Saudi Arabia, or IRAN?? Last time I checked these two countries were not on the top of the list for Human rights or even the right of women to exist as normal human beings.
I never imagined that the east could be so judgmental and crude to a woman who is not only a victim but a survivor. If young girls who are raped would have to face such cruel words and hurtful accusations then I hope more girls get the chance to leave.
I have always been an advocate for reforming immigration in the U.S, and believed in tougher laws. But since 9/11 these changes have happened and the laws have made it much harder for people to enter. A person of Arab or Islamic descent would be faced with much tougher investigation do to the patriot act and FBI background check.
For Fatima to have been able to pass through U.S. immigration post 9/11 she would have had to present a very strong case. A rape victim always faces opposition and must always show proof be it psychological or physical but the opposition and the lack of support I’ve seen from people of Muslim backgrounds on this site is a testimony to the hardship she faced.
April 8, 2009 at 8:30 am
lady from UAE
Dear Fatima,
I’m very sorry for what happened to you. It was very terrible. I know that you wanted to punish you raper so badly but no one supported you properly specially your mother.
I just wanna say to you I am in your age, I’m from UAE – Abu Dhabi and I am muslim.
Let me tell you that because of Islam and because I know that Allah is watching me all the time – that’s how I was raised – I stay away from sains and making mistakes.
I wear Hijab and I work as software developer & programmer with men and women from all nationalities in one company. I drive a car and live my life happily and I have the ultimate freedom that Islam and UAE gifted me.
I never felt that I’m trapped and will never feel that.
Your raper must be punished and I’m sure if you had enough support from your family then this monster would be suffering in jail and then executed.
I was surprised how Fatima’s Lawyer mentioned that she made her researches and that we don’t have laws that protect women in UAE!!!
UAE is one of the most famous countries in supporting women and we have many cases of rapists whom had been punished and executed!
I’m sure that this lawyer has done non of researches and she was hand in hand with BBC Wolrd Services in showing how bad Islam would be.
I think BBC should think one more time before fighting Islam in this cheap way because people are smarter now and can unsertand better.
Fatima – I wish you all the best and please keep learning about your religion. I just want you to know what real Islam is. Take care of yourself.
April 9, 2009 at 11:54 am
ahmed
I is very strange at this age of Technology and Knowledge, that some people still rely on whatever they hear in the media (e.g. The Sun!!) and take it for granted especially when it comes to Religions and Faiths.
Millions of People are being killed, raped, kidnapped, in Iraq and Afghanistan, Palestine by some Democratic States, none is interested, simply because they are no longer human beings, HOWEVER, when it comes to a girl being raped in some Muslim country (this is a terrible thing of course), they all turn to ISLAM as if ISLAM tald the rapist to rape the girl or to hurt them.
I just remembered the slogan I read sometimes ago which says: IF YOU DON’T COME TO DEMOCRACY, DEMOCRACY WILL COME TO YOU WITH BOMBS. this is really what’s happening
I am not happy on how the BBC is covering the word issues, it is very biased, they waste pages and pages on how the Saudi women find it hard to buy their underwear, and when people are being killed and raped all around the word, they just mention some numbers, as if they are talking about some rats.
Long lived Islam, all of this stuff will go the History Bin, none will be remembered even after few weeks, ISLAM is and will be SOLID forever.
Hope I didn’t insult anyone
Peace
April 9, 2009 at 3:09 pm
UAE lover
Hi,
I am very sorry for fatima becouse she suffer a lot. I have 2 points, the first one is that i did not see any connection between her sad story and Islam in fact Islam protect and respect all humen. the second point is that I’am from UAE (Emirati young women) and i can say that i am sure that there are many organizations in my country helps woman these organizations helps any female from any nationality inside and outside the UAE for that reason anyone can imagen what this organizations can do for (Emirati female). Further point, her family dose not represents the families in the UAE.
April 9, 2009 at 3:49 pm
UAE lover
I want to add one point more which is that people in my country (UAE) are open-mide and the woman are not treat in bad way. to prove, i am Emirati muslim young lady, i wear the same black wear that she wore in the pictures which is (3abauah and shelah), i study, drive and i go to the malls and cinemas. i can do what ever i want if it is not forbidden in islam.
April 9, 2009 at 11:53 pm
ANGRY
It’s sad to see that most people here want to concentrate on Islam and defending their religion instead of asking the questions about what type of men or people are being appointed to deal with girls who have been raped in their judicial system.
Over and over Muslim seem to step over the truth that this girl had gone to the authorities and they turned her away but gave her punishment for being a teenager. They seem to not believe anything they hear and only choose to believe that everything is wonderful and a victim here who seems to have reached out to the courts and her family is some how dreaming.
The truth is that help was not sufficient and this girl feels betrayed. I am not a Muslim and did not think she went against Islam but was angry that no one helped her! People come up with Iraq, Afghanistan, democracy, and how wonderful their country is..and their religion. SO WHAT!
This is not about beauty, love, or religion. If the courts in my county turned away a girl who wanted help then why the hell should I go after the girl? I should go after the court. Muslims seem to think nothing is wrong and they live in a perfect world..will good for you all..but this story remains and a young girls experience, trauma, and sense of safety was been taken away, and she is probably not the only one, their are many around the world, but lets ask some questions here, and debate reality instead of your belief in your Gods. This is about one country, one city on the planet..not the whole world.
A woman in my county might be happy and well and but two other women in my county may not. Do any of you Islamic supporters realize that everyone has a different experience? Everyone who asks for help may not get it? The media’s job is to report, and believe me in the west they report on everything and don’t HIDE the sick reality that we all live in, and that is the way it should be. This is a sick and wonderful world and pretending that it’s not corrupt WILL GET YOU ALL NO WHERE.
If my wife and I walked out saying that as Catholics we are happy so everyone else who has been raped and molested by the Catholic priests and nuns should just take a hike then their would be no trial, no justice, and no damn criminal would be punished. So why not see the real picture and have some faith in that this world IS NOT PERFECT! Because it’s not.
BBC the hell with it, let them all pretend they live in a great world and everything is perfect or PEACHY. They don’t care who gets hurt here, they all want to talk God, so let them because it seems that people, or the individual does not matter to Muslims, only their clothes, and how happy they are where ever they are. They don’t want to think nothing else.
I’m just happy the Media is willing to stick it out and report the good, and the corrupt.
April 10, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Mounir
I feel so bad to hear about Fatima’s story which reflects a very dark side of the confusion that we, our selves (Muslims) have between Islam and Arabian out-dated traditions (that were practiced before Islam and still sometimes are valid for those whom are born Muslims, but didn’t bother to understand the values of their own religion). Islam as a religion and practices has always fought against such misbehaviors. Islam represent the first organized movement against injustice and violence against girls/women, and still does.
In the case of Fatima, I can’t pretend to understand how bad she felt, being raped and treated inhumanly by those who had to protect her. I can’t neither assume that she took the wrong decision, as she ran away out of the UAE, instead of reporting her case to the authorities there.
I am not a uae citizen, but I have lived the last 10 years in the UAE with my family, where with the protection and blessing of God I feel that safety is unparalleled and what I hear and feel is that, the local police don’t overlook such cases, on the other hand they have no mercy with rapists whomever they are.
All my compassion with Fatima, and I hope from all of my heart that she will overcome her tragic experience, and when that day comes maybe she will relies that Islam was not her problem, nor its teachings that, as all heavenly religions mean to protect her and all girls and boys every where in the world.
April 12, 2009 at 11:44 am
Saeed
After Watching the slid show,
i am deeply depressed because of such tragical action are happening in the world,
but there are things to be clarified here, why the Muslims or Islam to be blamed for this?
i can sense in your story a mixture of feelings, that Fatima is not able to see whom to really be blamed for this!
allow me to explain the following, i am big fan of Islam but i am not a fan of Arabic traditions and culture. if Fatima went to the authorities and complained about your step father, the story would be something else, but instead you got stuck with the Arabic tradition and tried to save your name of your family.
according to Islamic rules your step father should be sentenced to death. well i am not sure to call your family a Muslim family.. does a Muslim see a sin and stay quite.
Fatima I really sympathies with what happened with you.. you must not blame the Islam and Muslim.. instead its the Arabic traditions should be blamed.
April 12, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Makram
I definitely feel sympathy with Fatima and hope that she can continue with a normal and happy life.
This is definitely an unacceptable thing, and Islam opposes such acts. Its a shame that she couldn’t seek the protection & help that she expected, but that has nothing to do with Islam.
It just happens that the people she dealt with are Muslims who clearly interpret Islam the way they think is right. One thing we should never forget – “A Muslim is not equal to Islam”.
We cannot condemn driving because few or many people drink and drive.
To conclude, I think this can happen in any country, regardless of its faith/religion/tradition. In any case, this is not acceptable and human beings (religious or atheists) should not accept these animal-like behaviors. If they do, then they just prove how in-human they are and nothing else!
April 14, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Haleema
I agree with Mr Adel
I think this is more for publicity than sharing an experience. She is not the only person whether a girl or a boy who has been raped. There are people who had worse experience that you won’t even think about, but they did not claimed their religion and country for no reason because it was the rapist fault not the religion as our Islam prohibit all kinds of abuses.
Me as an Emirati girl from Abu Dhabi, I feel sad and ashamed of what you have mentioned and you will know your religion’s and country’s importance later in the future enshalla
April 15, 2009 at 11:10 am
Sindiya Ibrahim
Dear Fatima, Friends, and Supporters,
You all may rethink this situation in which fatima “claims” to be the victim at. You expect your country to protect you in these things, why haven’t you spoken in the first place? The UAE has strict policies for this kind of behaviour. How do you, who had 0% love for your country, talk about your religion Islam in such a way that makes the majority of the Islamic population pissed off at you? If you have zero percent love for your native country, that makes it also zero percent love for your current country, the USA.
April 16, 2009 at 10:43 am
foz
i think this story is not real..
and even it is real..no need to make it a big issue,
im a muslem girl and i do wear same cloths.. but i study, work, visit friends, drive a car…
her issue is not related to islam…
and sexual abust is in all countires and societies
April 17, 2009 at 8:25 am
Hiba
Assalamo Alaykom
Hello everybody
I’m shocked from this story ,, first of all I feel sorry for Fatima’s suffer,,
BUT >> it has nothing to do with Islam ,, I’m not Emarati ,, but i live in UAE ,, and I’m Muslim ,, if the family told the police about that abuse the step-father would be facing charges and he would be punished by the low of Islam , which protects women .. so its the family’s fault , not the religion ,, stop trying to ruin the image of Islam .. and for those who judged Islam try to read about it “not from media” from real Islamic books (I can help you if you want ,, just tell me you want to know about islam and i will send you some books >> arabian.student@gmail.com )
April 20, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Mo
This subject deeply sorrows me on a personal level because i personally know a rape victim whos story is very similar to Fatimas and maybe worst (raped since she was 5 by direct family) Yes in the UAE, but the vital differnce is that the girl i know was in a very nonreligious family so she found her salvation in being religious (ISLAM).
I think that both these girls have been very dramatically traumatized and as a self defense mechanism or as loath and hate to the attackers they decided to hate everything about what there attackers represent.
In Fatimas case she hated the religious aspect, and in my friends case she hated the nonreligious aspect.
Story: Sad
Does this happen in Muslim countries: YES
Does this happen in other countries: YES
Did she get help from family: NO
Did she get help from a non Arabic country: YES
Could she have gotten help in the UAE: YESSS (not her mother apparently)
Does Islam Support rape and rapist: No
Does UAE law punish rape victims: OF COURSE NOT (i seriously dont know where people read this stuff)
Is more needed to be done to help rape victims: YES IN EVERY PLACE ON EARTH
April 23, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Hassan
Someone who rapes his stepdaughter is cursed by God, and he deserves to be stoned. A person who has no religious preference and has no fear of God in his heart and has no sense of humanity in his brain would care less to commit such a crime. (Not religion’s fault.) This kind of person can be found in any nationality anywhere. Punishing the girl in rape case is not only a fair judgment, it is a mockery, she is the victim, the heartinjured.
April 23, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Hassan
Sorry I meant punishing the girl in rape case is not only (NOT FAIR)…to correct the above coment.
April 25, 2009 at 2:47 am
Sindiya Ibrahim
Dear Fatima, Friends, and Supporters,
You all may rethink this situation in which fatima “claims” to be the victim at. You expect your country to protect you in these things, why haven’t you spoken in the first place? The UAE has strict policies for this kind of behaviour. How do you, who had 0% love for your country, talk about your religion Islam in such a way that makes the majority of the Islamic population angry at you? If you have zero percent love for your native country, that makes it also zero percent love for your current country, the USA. You were scared to speak up? What about your mother, your brothers?! Where did they go when you were dealing with this unfortunate act? Why is it when you finally spoke up, it wasnt to the police? And why have you decided to “run away” to another country? Attention much? You seem to talk about Islam but really you have no idea whats said in the Quran do you?
You have no idea how much you meddled with both Islam and the UAE’s reputation. Isn’t it enough for you that people call all muslims terrorists? Or have you also converted into God knows what? I respect all religions, as Islam tells us to, but with all do respect Fatima, you had not just ruined the Islamic reputation, you made me believe that human beings could actually go far under the realms of Stupidity. All this time you were abused, and all you could think of is when you’re getting the camera you asked for? Seriously? Have you any idea of how much safer it is living in the UAE than in the States?
You say that we have no freedom, I am a girl, currently studying for my bachelors in Switzerland. My dad gave me a choice between the States and Switzerland and frankly I chose Switzerland because they dont treat us Arabs as if we were dirt in the airport. They have something called Awareness here. Don’t get me wrong I love the States, my brother is studying over there, but what I’m trying to say is that it was MY call to choose. I chose here, and I have freedom. You had freedom but you chose not to use it and *ran away* as you said solved the problem. I doubt that you are living happily right now, since you have pretty much angered the Middle Eastern crowd and especially your former country.
Is this some kind of a way to seek attention? If so, don’t try to insult your former country and your (former) religion, it is far beyond your league Fatima. My conclusion is that you wanted to be like one of those girls who wasnt born a Muslim. Well, there you go, you made it happen. I just find it quite sad that it was you who had the priviledge to be born into an Islamic family, when it should have been someone else. Cut yourself, do drugs, join a mental institution, do whatever you want to get attention, just dont cuss out MY country, and MY religion. You dont have the obligation to, not anymore.
I am not trying to pull you down Fatima, but you should have thought of all these questions before you “seeked” help. Dont you see it?! People are trying to bring us down, it has been like that for many years now. I know that I must show respect to my elders (it is the Islamic way), as I am 5+ years younger than you are, but to be honest, you had failed my respect in each and every way possible. I am going to proudly represent my country, and my religion.
P.S: I find it ironic how BBC removed my comment the first time which is why I am posting it again now. Which brings us back to the very point I am trying to clear out: BBC, like Fatima, cannot manipulate me nor any of us. And if by chance this comment is removed, well.. Then we all get to see who’s side the BBC is really on.
Yours Sincerely,
Sindiya Ibrahim
May 2, 2009 at 4:53 pm
d. m
I respect you girl
April 27, 2009 at 8:44 am
nina robinson
Farid – thanks for your comment but we are unable to publish individual case studies and names of children without verification due to our strict legal guidelines.
April 28, 2009 at 3:19 pm
unkown
Am amazed that tiny minded people are connected what happened to them with ISLAM, I think ISLAM didn’t ask or force them to do sins.
Personally speaking I faced a similar thing, but believe me, I felt mad on people not on ISLAM & also my faith on ISLAM and on ALLAH increased.
Because after being abused, I’ve reached an age or stage where I found my true religion. My family, my relatives and my friends they don’t know that I have been abused, as being Muslim, my personality is becoming better day by day.
Feel sorry for you dear Fatima but if you want to blame anyone blames yourself, your family but not the religion.
I don’t know who exactly but someone pinpointed that ISLAM allows girls to get married at age of 9, which is not true, also that person said our Messenger (P.B.U.H) married his wife Ayesha when she was a child right??
Well, I recommend you (bro O sis) to search in depth to find the facts.
Saiyeda Ayesha’s age was around 18 when our prophet married her (real marriage) hope you understand what I meant by the real marriage
BBC is not different then other news websites; it thinks how to catch attention.
That’s all live your life happily
April 29, 2009 at 1:03 am
Pearl
As a friend of Fatima I wanted to say a few words. The comments on this blog are a testament to the amount of judgment Fatima faced from her own community, and simply facing her family. I know her family and they too did not want her to speak out because they feared that their reputation might be at risk, similar to all the UAE supporters here who are far more worried about their countries reputation than a woman’s right to speak about her personal experience. I’m glad that these comments are here, they show how judgmental, and cruel people can be. This is exactly why she left because she was treated by her family, and brothers in the same manner. They did not care that she was hurt or assaulted they were more upset about why she decided to tell her family about it. Every individual has the right to speak about their own personal life,and share their personal experience. None of the women here experienced what she experienced. In fact they are fortunate enough to live in a family that allows them to study abroad or they are happy with their lives as is, However, Fatima’s story is NOT about them, so before they choose to speak against her and judge a woman who they know nothing about or could not for a second imagine what she experienced in her home as a victim then they should not pass judgment. She contacted the courts in her country and was instead offered punishment for being 19 when the abuse ended, and so she left instead of being faced with lashes. People should not mistake an individual experience with the experience of a majority, and it seems that in middle east if a person speaks against the greater majority than she is taunted, and verbally attacked. I am not surprised.
To Sindiya Ibrahim, Fatima is actually very happy, and doing very well. She is recovering beautifully in therapy, and is surrounded by many friends who love her, support her, and believe in her. She has not become a drug addict as you have suggested women do in the west. She works part time, has enrolled in college, and is volunteering her free time in helping women, and families who have also experienced abuse in the inner city. Once again as an individual She has the right to speak about her experience, and choose her path in life for her self as a human being, and as a woman.
April 30, 2009 at 3:56 pm
naf7at_alhail
After reading the great number of comments above, I have to say that Islam yesterday, today, and tomorrow has been and will remain to be stigmatized with many false thoughts, no matter how hard anyone tries to present raw facts that convey the mere truth about Islam and its principles.
Fatima, you have lived an unfortunate life, besieged by the walls of abuse and gloominess. It sure has been very tough that you had to endure the hardships of this experience all alone. I understand that it was very difficult to compress your feelings and then reveal them after a few years.
Sadly, your experience has badly misplaced your thoughts about Islam, just as bad as your step-father who has misplaced your life. Your faith has withered, and I think that this has contributed to your accumulated rage, sadness, and all the distressing feelings that you have consequently released through your escape to the States which has resulted, as you claim, in your so-called “liberation”.
A man has distorted your life, and I have to say that you have distorted it furthermore. You are free to choose, you are free to decide, and you are free to live just as freely and conveniently as anyone else; but I believe that you have made the wrong decisions based on wrong assumptions, all which have mounted gradually and flared due to the interference of your abuser in a critical phase of your life.
You have made the choice to leave your ‘ex-culture’, ‘ex-religion’, and ‘ex-country’. Your family , and specifically step-father, have steered you into this radical path. Today, you seem to see the eyes of the “strict Muslim family” in the eyes of all (in the UAE society) , and the national dress (Sheila and Abaya) as a constraint which has shackled you from articulating or freely pouring your thoughts and ideas within your former society.
Frankly my dear, your national dress was a shield and an honoring representation of modesty and a preservation of yourself as a woman; I understand its imposition upon you has somehow made you rebel against it, but you have to understand that your veiling outfit was never a veil upon your inner feelings.
No judgments, but you have dragged yourself into a bigger pit of irrationality and unreason.
May 1, 2009 at 11:22 pm
A.M Al-Hashemi
I must say Fatima’s story made me feel many things at the same time.
I’m so sorry that she had to endure that kind of life. The abuse, and her family letting her down by taking her rapist’s side. That must’ve been awfull and I can’t even imagen how you felt, Fatima.
On the other hand, pinning this whole thing on Islam or the UAE is WRONG. As many people have mentioned on this plog, this can happen to anyone. Actually, it’s happening to many girls all over the globe. And it doesn’t matter what their religion is, or where they’re from. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to under-estimate the girls’ tragedy. It’s just irretating that the issue of religion suddenly becomes very interesting when such an event happens in a Muslim Arab country.
I’m a Muslim Emiraty girl and I’m proud to be one. I’m very happy with my life in this country. I would never choose to change it. I know that I can be protected by my religion and by my country. We, women, have a lot of opportunities within the Islamic and Emiraty culture. Women in this country have accomplished great achievments, and wearing the Abaya and Shela didn’t stop them from doing so.
Fatima, again, I’m so sorry you had to go through that. But you shouldn’t have linked your story to Islam or the UAE. I’m sorry to say this, but you had a twisted family. It was their fault. You being a Muslim or Emiraty had NOTHING to do with it.
Muslims and Arabs are already suffering from being looked at as heartless terrorists and extremists, who have nothing better to do than killing the innocents. Not to mention this “Islam is degrading to women” thing, and you Fatima, are helping in perpetuating such an image.
I hope you can still understand Arabic, “Allah yhdeech”.
Translation: May Allah guide you to the right path.
May 3, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Fatema
My deepest sympathy goes to Fatima, I felt so sad that such a crime happened to her in my country. I won’t repeat what Mr. Adel and others said about Islam in which I strongly agree with them. Such incidents happened allover the world in which it’s not stricted to a certain culture or religion.
However, I just wanted to add a comment to clarify a point.
As a Muslim and Emarati woman, I have never felt that I was victimized by my culture or my religion, even though I was born and raised by uneducated parents. I was able to do everything that add up to my experience in life without breaking the boarders of my religion and I grew up just fine without feeling that I am traumatized or troubled by the boundaries set by my parents because it’s different from a family to another which it’s the same in any other family around the world.
I was able to get masters degree, get a prestigious job, drive a car and even travel when necessary. My “Abaya and Sheila” didn’t ever hold me back and prevent me from living my life normally, They are just clothes!! or the color bothered some people that much!?. The idea of Islam is wearing something to cover women’s bodies in order to protect them from any sexual abuses and even protecting the men. Again, it’s just a cloth. Some cultures lately came to realize that most of their sexual problems happened because of the type of clothes their women wear in public!!
May 27, 2009 at 8:18 am
Mohamed Dawood
first of all, i do feel sorry for what happened to my sister Fatima and the suffer she went through. i believe the experience she went through explores the lack of knowladge and the right understanding of the womens’ rights and roles in ISLAM. though, we cannot judge the whole society based on a one single or even few similar stories, but i believe that there are many stories like the one of Fatima, not only in my country, but all arround the world.
i am so glad that my sister Fatima is feeling much better now and i wish that she can get her revenge from her step father. i also would like to say to Fatima that she cannot judge the religion based on unknowlagable or uneducated people who pretend to follow that religion. it was an action of an individual and she didnt find the person who can help her out. in ISLAM you are so precious, valuable and has ur own rights.
in the end i wish to Fatima all the happiness in her new life and i pray to ALLAH to guide her to the right path.
June 1, 2009 at 9:14 am
nina robinson
i got this on email to day ..
just read and watched Fatima’s video and I would like Fatima to know that she is not alone. I want her to know that I’m also from an Arabic family in U.A.E. and I know how that feels. How men get away with what they do because simply they are men and how we women are imprisoned in black cover of fear. Tell her I know how it feels to be from a pure Arabic family where all what they care about is reputation in the expense of their children’s happiness. I also, made up my mind and left U.A.E. two years ago & now living happily in Australia. Tell her that I know how to feels to leave everything and everyone behind and start all over again. If she has sisters, tell her I know the pain she goes through thinking about her sisters & how would they feel about her, wither they’d hate her or would understand.
Funny, but photography was also my salvation. There must be a link between photography and freedom.
Tell her I salute her for what she has done, It’s not easy but it’s better than living for others, living a lie.
Please tell her she is not alone
June 1, 2009 at 10:04 am
Haroon
I (ethnically Indian) have lived all my life in UAE, and now I’m in Australia for studies
…anyway ‘nina’ robinson’…. please do affirm with us that all this has nothing to do with ISLAM !!
June 1, 2009 at 8:30 pm
farid
Haroon, how can fatima have asylum that she is desperately seeking the easy way? blame anything on islam, even your toothache and u can automatically have asylum and u dont even need a lawyer, a kindergarten teacher will do for the formalities, the more u are anti islam the more u get free access to the federal reserve.
June 1, 2009 at 8:01 pm
farid
I know a lot of people who migrated to another country for greener pasture and i am one of them, but i dont have to degrade my country, people, religion. the ones who does that are people who has the greatest love for vanity that the sell their identity. to mne, any one who sells his identity for vanity sells his/her dignity.
June 16, 2009 at 9:01 pm
someone
hi,
I really got touched by Fatima’s story its pretty sad & i do belive that we like in UAE or any othere country have strick famliles but it doesn’t mean that the family dont really care of their childern’s. It’s just cus we have grown up this way but it’s not the same anymore boy’s & girl’s are equal both have freedom but with limits. What has happend to “Fatima” has happend with many others in many different countries but bringing Islam into this, that’s wrong Iam a MUSLIM Iam proud of it cus Islam doesn’t let u choose the wrong way it’s only them people who don’t trust ALLAH.
Strick family is actully a caring family they just don’t want their kid’s to grow up & have a full freedom to do what ever they like cus Islam teache’s us to repect our families, our parent’s,. Islam is a peaceful sign which we all live peacefully knowing that ALLAH is watching our every move & we will be punished if we take a wrong step… we have the Holy Book of ALLAH (Qur’an) this is how we learn good things but to those who don’t fear ALLAH they care abut this world cus they thing that there is no end to this life.
About Fatima’s mother I’m sure fatima knows why her mother just let it go
maybe her mother doesn’t know what to do but still a mother stay’s mother no matter what she does.
الله يهديج بس
June 25, 2009 at 12:23 am
Abdulla
Hellow , 1st of all i would like to express my sad feelings towards fatema .
i am from dubai and i know how familys are dealing with their childrens
some of them are really strict and some of them are living an american life style . raping is not something easy on a person especially for a girl ! because she feels that she lost her pride , honor & dignity ! and this is not something easy i know how she feels but what she can do? no one blames her ! their are so many people are covering them selfes under the name of islam ! but unfortunately they don’t show it ! but she had so many options to make him suffer as she did she should have complained on him to the police or anything else but now whats the use? thoose people must not live on earth all what the are looking for is sex or satisfying their sexual desire ! they don’t think of anything else ……..
am really sorry for hearing your story my heart is with you .
June 25, 2009 at 12:35 am
Abdulla
answering back on ” someones ” comment what you said is true but i dissagree with you when you said it’s ok that her mother let it go ! no it’s not ok i know she’s a mother but she’s her daughter to she needs a safe roof to live under !!! imagime that this thing happens to you will it be ok? imagine that your getting raped every single day ? imagine that you are living a scary life you never know whats coming next ! she was a kid no one blames her we are living in a muslim society so we should practice it or show it instid of raping and wasting our time on un useful things !