Silver Lining-Tayyaba Case

In the past few days, we witnessed a horrible crime against humanity being committed in a household that’s headed by a person responsible for being just. Irrespective of the fact that any and all details pertaining to what happens inside is personal and cannot be pried upon; it wouldn’t be wrong to say that such a house constitutes in its existence the very idea of dignity and decency. However, as the grave events suddenly appeared and unfolded many remained baffled, horrified and simply depressed. How could a lady inflict such harm to a minor? How could a mother even allow her child to work at someone house in such an age? How could a judge remain quiet after witnessing his life partner committing such horrors? The very nature of this society has become questionable. There are plenty of things that we are to answer for but this horror; regardless of any religion, social standard or law this is a direct violation of the most basic of human rights.

In light of the fact that all involved were Muslims, I’d like to point out the two things that Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) emphasized upon in his last moments: One was Salat and the second one was the instruction to always be just, kind and generous to your subordinates. I’m not going to focus my argument on faith alone but this goes without saying that in the eyes of Muslims and in accordance to Islam; this is a grim sin.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to pay homage to the Chief Justice who took suo moto notice on the situation and brought the case to the court. His first statement pertaining to the predicament was what strengthened my belief in humans and humanity. He ruled that this was a violation of basic human rights and thus a settlement would not hold any legal substance. Let’s keep in mind, that there was an attempt at solving the matter via finances. The parents of the victim already signed the settlement forgiving the wife of the judge for a feeble sum of 30,000 PKR.

As the case surfaced, the girl too was hidden from the courts. Thank fully however, she was recovered by the police and presented in the court. From the way things are going, despite the grim nature of this entire ordeal I cannot help but be hopeful. I hope that justice will prevail and those who were intoxicated by their power and authority learn how despicable their acts were. Maybe this case, will be the beginning of human rights being delivered to everyone regardless of their social or economic status. Maybe, this will be a start of a revolution where children will not be forced to work like this.