The outcome of the Shafia first-degree murder trial will put non-Muslim Canadians to the test of tolerance. But we must understand that one family’s sick beliefs in “honour killing” do not reflect the beliefs of the majority.
The condemnation of those horrific events — chillingly orchestrated to uphold the honour of a family, followed by attempts to hide the truth — should be voiced in the harshest of terms.
But such condemnation must be tempered with tolerance.
It’s paramount that members of Canada’s Islamic community are not all tarnished by the actions of members of the Shafia family, who were found guilty by a jury in Kingston, Ont., in the killing of three daughters and a co-wife.
The slayings appear to have been committed without conscience. The three convicted — father Mohammad Shafia, his wife Tooba Yahya and their son Hamed — still apparently believe they did nothing wrong.
But by killing four female family members, they appear to have acted to cleanse the family of members who had strayed from traditional beliefs and embraced the freedom this country promises.
Canada’s Muslims are understandably concerned about the fallout from this case and afraid it will further fan the flames of intolerance.
The Canadian Press reported this week that the “trial has cast a shadow over Canada’s Islamic community, further tarnishing an image that has not yet recovered from the events of 9/11.”
This is a time for Canadians to bury their prejudices in a show of support, and demonstrate that we understand that honour killings are not standard practice in the Muslim community.
It’s important to note that Muslims are recognizing a need for change by shedding some traditional beliefs that have no place in this country — including the notion that women are inferior.
In fairness, that community must also recognize tolerance is a two-way street and must respect the values of Canadian culture.
Rona Ambrose, Canada’s minister for status of women, said on Twitter: “Honour motivated violence is not culture, it is a barbaric violence against women. Canada must never tolerate such misogyny as culture.”
Canada’s Muslims say they have embraced that belief, and treat the Shafia trial as an eye opener to what they see as problematic aspects of their culture, which traditionally perceives women as inferior.
Syed Soharwardy, a Calgary-based imam who founded the Islam Supreme Council of Canada, said the Shafia case prompted the community to address “uncomfortable issues” that too often have been swept under the carpet.
Soharwardy said honour killings are condemned in Islamic beliefs, but such values take root in remote regions of Muslim countries lacking education, and such beliefs are misinterpreted.
Canada’s Muslim community has, for the most part, recognized that change is inevitable. A promising example comes out of London, Ont., where a program called The Family Honour Project was launched by the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration. It’s an initiative targeting the type of violence experienced in the Shafia home.
Honour-based violence against women is being combated by offering support for victims through culturally tailored programs. It’s also aimed at changing the behaviours of the abusers.
Centre board member Saleha Khan said the Shafia trial emphasized the urgency of the program, because women viewing the evidence may be discouraged from seeking help out of fear.
To reinforce a changing of the times, Islamic religious leaders in Canada last December insisted on educating Muslims about gender equality at the heart of their faith.
Only through tolerance, on both sides of the fence, will we build a better Canada: one that is inclusive, equal and progressive.
Hatred, violence and oppression will only throw up roadblocks to broader cultural awareness. So, as the Muslim community roots out the small pockets of violence and disturbing traditions, the rest of us must learn to welcome and understand their culture.
Rick Zemanek is an Advocate editor.