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The Hurma Project aims to comprehend the implications of the Prophet’s teachings in our contemporary communities, particularly when violations of trust, harm and abuse are committed by those in positions of trust, leadership, or religious authority.
Hurma (حرمة) is an Islamic legal term that refers to the divinely-granted inviolability, or protection, of a person from harm
Hurma in Islamic History & Islamic Law
The pre-Islamic Arabs had a deep respect for sacred times and places, but what they did not recognize was the sanctity of each person created by God.
The Prophet Muhammad, may God’s peace and blessings be upon him, told his Companions that each person in the community has the same sacred inviolability as the holy cities, the holy months and the holy days. He asked them to convey this message to those who were absent:
Once the Messenger of God, may God’s peace and blessings be upon him, was riding his camel and a man was holding its rein. The Prophet asked, “What day is it?” We kept quiet, thinking that he might give that day another name. He said, “Isn’t it the day of nahr (sacrificing the animals)?” We replied, “Yes.” He further asked, “Which month is this?” We again kept quiet, thinking that he might give it another name. Then he said, “Isn’t it the month of Dhu’l-Hijja?” We replied, “Yes.” He said, “Indeed your blood, property and honor are inviolable to one another like the sacred inviolability (hurma) of this day of yours, in this month of yours and in this city of yours. It is incumbent upon those who are present to inform those who are absent because those who are absent might comprehend this better than those present.” (Sahih Bukhari)
The Hurma Project also enjoys support from several academics, practitioners, and organizations in the wider American Muslim community.
What is hurma?
Hurma (حرمة) is an Islamic legal term signifying the divinely-granted right of protection of the human person from abuse, assault, and exploitation.
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Henna Khawja is a Registered Social Worker with a special focus on the spectrum of gender based violence in Muslim communities. With over twelve years in the field, Henna currently works in sexual violence prevention and education with the University of Toronto, and is a Psychotherapist in private practice. Henna has worked with children, youth and adults in community, legal, child protection, corporate and university settings. Henna has also acted as the first Clinical Director for the Islamic Family and Social Services Association (IFSSA) in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the years, she has focused her work on supporting Survivors of trauma and violence along their healing journeys (including but not limited to gender based, spiritual, domestic, intimate partner, sexual, family, intergenerational, community violence). Henna has extensive experience working with Muslim & racialized communities in both Canada and the USA, as well as Pakistan and Zanzibar.
