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Fatwa CenterSexually abused by her uncle when she was 13
Question
I was either 12 or 13 years old when I went to Pakistan on holiday. While I was on holiday, my maternal uncle used to play games like adults tend to do with children. Innocent running, jumping and hiding. But one night, it went far beyond that, and my innocence was taken advantage of. I was completely unsuspecting. I did not know what it was that had happened. I didn't know how to handle such a situation. It happened again and again. Even long after it happened, I had no idea what it was. I did not know whether it was right or wrong, I just had no idea. Even though I had absolutely no idea what had happened, I was at the age of maturity. So I want to know, will I be held responsible for my actions? Was it my fault? Will I be the one who should take the blame and the punishment? A maternal uncle is a Mahram. What can I do if the one who is supposed to protect me is the one who does this thing?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
If you did not know that what your maternal uncle committed with you was forbidden then you are not sinful in the Sight of Allaah, but your maternal uncle is sinful and he is obliged to repent to Allaah. If he sincerely repents, Allaah will accept his repentance and will forgive him. Allaah Says (which means): {But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.}[Quran 20:82].
As far as you are concerned, you are obliged not to stay in seclusion with your maternal uncle or any other Mahram with whom the fact of staying in seclusion will tempt and afflict you. Also, do not take off your Hijab in front of your maternal uncle.
Allaah Knows best.
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