In the earliest days of humanity, the first murder was committed by Qabeel (Cain). It is remembered as the third sin in human history. The first was jealousy—Qabeel’s envy of his brother Habeel (Abel). But the second sin is often overlooked. It was the moment Qabeel believed he had the right to decide life and death. In his mind, he became more than human—he became the “lord of death.”
This dangerous illusion still exists today.
Recently, in a rural area of Sindh, a young woman named Rubiya Chandio lost her life. Her crime? Love. She chose someone of her own will. Just like Qabeel, whose love turned into obsession, society today allows emotions, pride, and false honor to transform into violence.
But there is a fundamental truth we continue to ignore: no human has the authority to take a life. In Islam, and in every moral system, life and death belong only to God. He is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the One who decides when a soul returns to Him.
So who are these people who claim otherwise?
Why do communities still believe they have the right to decide who deserves to live and who must die? Why is love treated as a crime for women, while men often walk free after committing far greater ظلم (injustices)? A man may abduct, exploit, or abuse a woman without consequence—but if a woman expresses her choice, even her voice can become her death sentence.
This is not honor. This is injustice disguised as tradition.
Rubina’s case is not isolated. Countless women have been killed in the name of so-called “honor.” Practices like Vani, forced marriages, and tribal punishments continue to strip women of their basic human rights. These customs are not rooted in religion—they are rooted in control, fear, and ignorance.
Islam, in fact, gives women the full right to choose their spouse. Hazrat Khadijah (RA), a respected and independent woman, chose the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ herself and sent a proposal through her family. This powerful example clearly shows that a woman’s choice is not a sin—it is her right.
Yet, society continues to twist religion to justify ظلم.
If honor truly mattered, it would protect life—not destroy it. If justice truly existed, those who commit such crimes would be held accountable. Instead, we often see silence, complicity, or even support for the ظلم.
What kind of justice is this, where a woman is punished for love, but a man is never questioned for violence?
If we are serious about change, accountability must begin at every level. Those who order such killings, those who carry them out, and even those who silently witness them must all be held responsible. No one should be allowed to stand as a spectator while humanity is murdered.
Because the moment a human believes they have the right to take a life, they repeat the same ancient sin—they try to become the “lord of death.”
And that is a role no human has ever had, nor ever will.
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