by Dr. Aaliyah Hussain

I personally love Liz because she challenges the status quo and encourages others to find their voices.

So, what does the term ‘Haram Police’ mean?

The Haram Police is a colloquial term used to describe individuals - often self-appointed guardians of morality - who strictly monitor and police the behaviour, dress, and lifestyle of others (mainly women) based on rigid interpretations of Islamic law or, more often, their own opinions. Rather than offering compassionate advice or engaging in constructive dialogue, these individuals frequently rely on public shaming, harsh criticism, and intimidation to pressure others into conforming to their personal standards of orthodoxy. This dynamic can create an atmosphere of judgment, fear, and silence within the community, particularly impacting young people and women.

Liz shared her experience of initially being intimidated by these figures, which led her to study their behaviours and understand their motivations. She noted that many of them display hypocritical behaviours, often criticising others while engaging in actions that contradict their supposed beliefs. For example, men harshly criticising women for tabarruj or fitna while themselves sexually harassing women or displaying vanity.

Liz’s decision to start speaking out was fuelled by her desire to combat injustice and bullying within the community. She highlights the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs and not allowing fear to stifle one’s voice. By sharing her own experiences and insights, Liz aims to empower others to speak up against oppressive figures. Furthermore, she argues that authenticity is key in challenging societal norms. By being true to oneself, individuals can inspire change and encourage others to do the same.

Haram Police are self-appointed guardians of morality, who strictly monitor and police the behaviour, dress, and lifestyle (mainly women) based on rigid interpretations of Islamic law or, more often, their own opinions.

How can I challenge the ‘Haram Police’ in my community?

Challenging oppressive moral policing begins with creating safe, supportive spaces for honest conversation. You can address this behaviour by:

Call out hypocrisy: Point out when self-appointed critics apply double standards or use religion as a tool for personal control and bullying. Recognising the hypocrisy in the Haram Police allows individuals to question their authority and stand up against their oppressive tactics.

Engage in open discussions: Share your personal experiences, listen to others, and foster nuanced dialogue about faith, individual agency, and community expectations. This way, we can have a more inclusive and plural approach to our religious practices, rather than a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

Support targeted individuals: Actively advocate for and amplify the voices of those who feel marginalised, intimidated, or silenced by hyper-critical community members. By publicly showing your support, we can fight back and not let it become the status quo.

Overall, our conversation was a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against societal pressures and hypocrisy. By challenging the Haram Police, we can create a more inclusive and understanding community.

Remember, your voice matters, and standing firm in your beliefs can inspire others to do the same.

If you want to continue the conversation, and connect with other like-minded Muslim women who are doing the work of disentangling the patriarchy from Islam and learning to embody their spiritually authentic selves, then I warmly invite you to join the Rising Sisterhood - more info here.