Written by David Starr   

The beating and burning of 18-year-old Maria Sadaqat in Pakistan is a shocking reminder that in the year 2016, the old practice of honor killings still exist. Pakistan has had a high number of honor killings over the years.

In 2000, the United Nations noted the possibility of 5,000 honor killings every year. This number could be in Pakistan alone. But it is not just a phenomenon happening in Pakistan. Worldwide, honor killings were on the rise between 1989 and 2009. And the killings have continued to accelerate. ("Worldwide Trends in Honor Killings," Phyllis Chesler, Middle East Quarterly, Spring 2010.) The Sadaqat murder is the latest of reported honor killings. But most of the killings go unreported. The victims' families do not want the public exposure because it would dishonor them. Plus, there is the possibility of retaliation if the families made the killings public.

Sadaqat's murder is not a typical honor killing, but shows the marks of its brutality. The owner of a school Sadaqat taught at made a marriage proposal for his son to Sadaqat. The son happened to be already married with a daughter. Sadaqat turned down the proposal.

In retaliation, a group of men went to Sadaqat's home, burst into it and attacked Sadaqat. She was beaten and gasoline was poured over her. Eighty-five percent of her body was burned. She died later on. As I said above, most of these killings go unreported. Instead of the perpetrators being charged, they may wind up paying monetary compensation to the family.

In honor killings, relatives usually perform the grisly act. It could be a father, a brother or a combination of relatives, or nonrelatives. Chesler noted that the brutal act consists of "being raped or gang-raped before being killed; being strangled or bludgeoned to death; being stabbed many times; being stoned or burned to death; being beheaded; or having one's throat slashed."

Religion is connected to honor killings as well. A "moral" code is enforced, with a woman's subservience being "legitimate." "Violations" include being too "westernized," getting a divorce or promiscuity.

Statistically, here are some numbers for overall honor killings worldwide:

VICTIMS -
Killed by Family of Origin - 66%
Daughter/Sister - 53%
Wife/Girlfriend - 23%
Other - 24%
Multiple Victims - 17%
Tortured - 53%

ATTACKERS -
Paternal Participation - 37%
Multiple Perpetrators - 42%
("Worldwide Trends in Honor Killings," Phyllis Chesler, Middle East Quarterly, Spring 2010.)

Not that I'm making excuses for the attackers, but the Muslim world has been dominated by Western colonialism/imperialism for generations. This has been a real threat. Perhaps there is a fear that the Muslim world be engulfed in westernization, with a loss of culture and identity.

Nevertheless, the practice of honor killing is obviously barbaric and inexcusable. To quell it, more Muslims have to speak out. Some western mores could be adapted without being a threat to Muslim identity. The status of women has to be changed, where equality is a priority.

While not endangering Muslim identity, some old practices must be eradicated that not only degrade women, but take their lives. Maria Sadaqat should be a martyr for this endeavor.