Human Rights and Cultural Deviations: An Analysis of Un-Islamic Practices in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Islam offers comprehensive guidance for all human situations, emphasizing practical acts of worship and ethical principles intended to meet the spiritual, physical, psychological, and social needs of individuals. However, within Tamil Nadu’s Islamic society, several entrenched social practices—such as the dowry system, extravagant marriages, and domestic violence—have become widespread despite having no basis in the Qur’an or Sunnah. These customs stand in direct contradiction to Islamic teachings and represent clear cultural deviations that undermine fundamental human rights. The persistence of these un-Islamic practices can be attributed to limited knowledge of authentic Islamic teachings, societal pressures, and the desire to maintain social status. This paper seeks to highlight the gap between the true principles of Islam and the lived practices of many Muslims in the region, while working to dispel misconceptions and misunderstandings that contribute to these harmful traditions.