Pemahaman Hadis Nabi saw. tentang Catcalling: Analisis Normatif atas Pelecehan Verbal di Ruang Publik

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the understanding of the Prophet’s hadith concerning catcalling as verbal sexual harassment in public spaces and to formulate an Islamic normative basis for its prevention. It employs a qualitative normative approach through library research. Primary data consist of hadiths concerning the prohibition of verbal harm, the obligation to protect human dignity, the command to lower the gaze, the prohibition of obscene speech, and the recommendation to remove harm from public roads. Secondary data are drawn from hadith commentaries, Qur’anic exegesis, works on maqāṣid al-sharī’ah, scholarly articles, and contemporary studies on the psychological and social effects of catcalling. Data were collected through documentation, thematic tracing, takhrij, and classification according to the concepts of udhā, ‘ird, ‘iffah, ta’arruḍ, fusūq, and ḥayā’. The analysis involved data reduction, textual interpretation, contextual reading, comparison of scholarly explanations, and synthesis with contemporary findings. The results show that catcalling constitutes udhā bi al-lisān because it causes fear, shame, humiliation, and insecurity. It also violates dignity, undermines moral chastity, reflects the loss of modesty, disturbs public safety, and represents obscene speech inconsistent with a believer’s character. Catcalling cannot be justified as praise or humor because Islamic ethics evaluates actions through their consequences, harms, and violations of victims’ dignity. This study concludes that preventing catcalling constitutes an implementation of protecting speech, dignity, life, and social security, while contributing to contextual hadith studies and public education. It also offers guidance for religious institutions, communities, and policymakers in creating respectful, inclusive, victim-centered, and harassment-free public environments.