On August 2, Lebanon’s most senior Shia Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah, issued a fatwa banning “honor” killings.  The fatwa, or religious edict, was a response to the increasing number of honor killings in many Arabic countries, such as Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan.  An honor killing is when a man kills a female relative, usually a daughter, sister or cousin, for an act the man deems as indecent or immoral.  In delivering the fatwa, Fadlallah stated that “honor killings are a repulsive act banned by Sharia (Islamic Law).”

Unfortunately, honor killings have become increasingly common in recent years.  While most killings go unreported, especially in rural areas, it is impossible to know how many women are killed by their male relatives in honor deaths.  However, in Jordan, is it estimated that 20 female deaths result from honor killings each year.  Also, despite efforts from the Jordanian government to toughen punishments for those convicted of honor killings, Jordan’s judges still hand out lenient punishments.  In fact, across the Arab region, those who commit honor killings are usually never convicted or receive lenient punishments.

For more information please see:
London Times:  “Shia cleric bans ‘honour’ killings”  3 August 2007.

Guardian:  “Lebanon cleric bans honor killings”  2 August 2007. 

International Herald Tribune:  “Lebanon’s top Shiite Muslim cleric bans honor killings”  2 August 2007.

Middle East Times:  “Lebanon’s top Shiite cleric bans ‘honor killings’”  2 August 2007.

Ynetnews.com:  “Lebanon’s top Shiite cleric bans ‘honor killings’”  2 August 2007.