LAST week, I wrote about the issue of forced marriages and the definition of what amounts to a forced marriage.

Unsurprisingly, it caused quite a stir.

While most of my community were very supportive and relieved that the issue was being highlighted – especially the young people – some people were inevitably critical.

Their objection is two-fold: firstly, they think I should not be raising such issues in public, and secondly they object to my definition of a forced marriage.

I'll say it again – a forced marriage is where either party is compelled for whatever reason, no matter how slight, to accept a marriage against their own free will.

By raising such issues and standing out firmly against them, I'm not betraying my faith or my community.

On the contrary, I'm standing up for both of these.

In the Koran, chapter four, verse 35, God clearly says: "O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against your own selves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor, for God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve (from justice), and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well aware of all that ye do."

Forced marriages are a crime against Islam and basic human compassion.

While I'm on the subject, there is another related issue which also needs to be addressed – domestic violence.

It's a problem in society in general. In the UK, you are most likely to be a repeat victim of crime if you have been a victim of domestic violence. That's more than any other type of crime in the UK.

There are many trusted and capable organisations working to tackle domestic violence in wider society, but I will address it from an Islamic perspective.

For Muslims, the example to follow is that of the Prophet Muhammad. One day, when he was told about a man who beat his wife, he stood up in the congregation and asked out loud: "How can you beat your wives like animals during the day and then expect to lie with them in the night?"

He endlessly encouraged men to be kind and good towards their wives and families, saying: "The best of you in faith is the one who is best and kindest to his family, and I am the best among you to my family."

On yet another occasion, he said: "O people, your wives have a certain right over you and you have certain rights over them. Treat them well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers."

He encouraged men to help their wives, saying: "Helping wives (in their domestic work) earns (men) the reward of charity."

He also assured women, adding: "O women, the pious among you will enter Paradise before pious men."

And there are countless other narrations I could use to further illustrate my point. Prophet Muhammed never raised his voice or spoke in anger against his wives, let alone raised his hand.

For Muslims, he is our example. Attending the mosque, giving in charity, fasting – all of it is pointless if you then go home and beat your wife.