Muslims, do any of you object to Shariah law?

Question

This is a serious question, and I mean no disrespect to you, your prophet (peace be upon him), or your religion. But some governments in the Muslim world do things that we in the West don't quite understand -- like jail a woman for naming a teddy bear after Mohamed (peace be upon him). In the West, many of us have a live and let live attitude with regard to religion. We do our own thing, you do yours, and everyone is free to believe what they want, although we do debate it vigorously.

So, my question is -- would any of you support a government that supported freedom of religion for non-Muslims, a woman's right to choose to wear or not wear the burkah, and more leniency for those may have offended your religion without intending to?

Please, respectful answers only. I ask this in the spirit of wanting to understand you, and in peaceful co-existence.

Thank you. And Happy Eid.

Answer 1

Thank you for asking the question in a very decent and respectable manner; very much appreciated, as I don't come across such people around on Y/A :). May peace be upon you too, and marry Christmas to you in advance as well .

Sharia is the Islamic law based on most Muslim scholars' interpretation of the Quran and those teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that were not recorded in the Quran. There come times when I, a Muslim, here what I consider ridiculous teachings and treatments of humans --whether women, children, men, Jews, Christians, atheists, whoever-- and I refuse to accept it as the truth if I cannot find evidence for it in the Quran that it's allowed in Islam. What I've learned about Islam in the past few years that I've been studying it to understand and appreciate it myself is that it's a fairly logical reasonable religion that applies to people of all times, not just modern or "barbaric" or ancient.

Some Muslims will tell you that the "Sharia" says that adulterers should be stoned to death--YET, you can't find evidence for that in the Quran because the Quran says 100 lashes for adulterers AND fornicators. It doesn't matter what the *hadiths* (the Prophet's teachings, not recorded in the Quran but recorded in collections of volumes such as Imaam Bukhari, Muslim, Trimidhi, etc.) if those hadiths are contradicting the Quran. The Quran is permanent for Muslims, and if it says 100 lashes only and doesn't say stoning, then you stick to those lashes only.
Hence, I don't consider stoning as a part of Sharia but just a part of some cultures.
Some Muslims will also tell you that Muslims who leave Islam are to be killed, yet the Quran doesn't support that teachings.

What I'm trying to say is, I personally have nothing against the "Sharia"--the actual Islamic law that's in the Quran since hadiths are supposed to go hand-in-hand with the Quran. If there's some kind of discrepancy, then the hadiths are at fault, not the Quran because when the Prophet (pbuh) was alive, he made sure the Quran was recorded to its perfection and he had to recite it every year to Angel Gabriel (long story; just basics for now!). The hadiths, however, were recorded much after his death---based on how "he" and his close followers lived at that time.

Naming a stuffed toy Muhammad is NOT a bad thing. Muhammad is a normal name, and if someone wants to name that of anything, he/she has every right to do so. I really, really don't understand what the big deal about is, but may Allah help us all!

Wearing a burqa isn't necessarily ... I wanna say... a part of the Sharia. It's not obligatory to wear it, so ANY so-called Muslim government that *forces* a woman to wear it is breaking the SHARIA law because the Quran constantly tells us not to force our beliefs upon anyone. My favorite one is, "Let there be no compulsion in religion" (Quran, 2:256) and "To you be your beliefs, to me be mine" (109:6). And some others.

I've also realized that many so-called "Muslim" countries don't follow the Sharia and that--believe it or not-- the American constitution is based mainly on Sharia instead. It provides freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and so on, and so does Islam. But yet...in Iran, Iraq, and other "Shia" countries, if you're not Shia, you live a painful life because the Sunnis don't consider you Muslim and treat you like dirt; in "Sunni" countries, you're treated like a no-one if you're not Sunni, and it's not too common to see these two sects getting along.
Where does Islam say that Shias aren't Muslims or that Sunnis are Muslims or that "treat anyone with different beliefs with disrespect"? Nowhere. In fact, it says, "Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just" (60:8).
And "And tell my servants that they should speak in a most kindly manner (unto those who do not share their beliefs). Verily, Satan is always ready to stir up discord between men; for verily; Satan is mans foe .... Hence, We have not sent you (Unto men O Prophet) with power to determine their Faith" (17:53-54).

:D Okay, I promise to stop here :P...Bottom line is, define Sharia :). If they cannot give you evidence for their "Islamic law," then chances are, it's not accurate and are trying to brainwash their Muslim citizens just to get what *they* (the so-called MUSLIM leaders) want.
Anytime you see Muslims mistreating non-Muslims or other Muslims, they're going against the Sharia...even if they claim they're following the Sharia! Truth is, they don't even know what the Sharia teaches. Disturbing, I know.

All right...there go my two cents :P Hope I didn't give toooo much info. LOL! It's that *I* personally don't object to the Sharia but I can completely understand those who do because chances are, they don't know of the true Sharia but know only of the one "practiced".... Get what I mean? God, I soo hope so :P.

Answer 2

I would first like to approach this question: "If there is no such thing as an ex Muslim...?" There is such a thing as an ex Muslim. The term for it is a mushrik, one who has denounced Islam and Allah. The reason why there is a death penalty is because Allah said in the Quran that there will be some of the umma who will divert and denounce what they have learned because of the severe temptations of this dunya (worldly things). Severe temptations being sex before marriage, alcohol, etc. I can see why you would say that some punishments under Shariah law are harsh; however, if crimes in Islamic parts of the world went unpunished (even publicly), then things would be worse than they already are. The thing is this: Shariah law in certain Arab countries (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq) has become laid back because the enforcers (or lack thereof) have become lazy about enforcing the laws. Alcohol consumption is haram (forbidden) and used to be punishable with jail time and a Shariah sentence of 10 lashes if caught drinking in public. Now it's only punishable by jail time. When public punishment is done, it is supposed to instill fear in people (beyond the fear of Allah that should be there). The person being punished is to be an example to others not to commit that same crime. That is why Allah says in the Quran that those before us are examples to us; this is the way Shariah law works as well. To Mark S >> "I'd like to ask one questions: A) If islam is a religion of peace and inclusiveness, then why is it muslims come here to USA to practice as they will and put up as many mosques as they want? Yet, if I a christian go to a muslim country, I cannot put up a church, invite people to my house for bible studies, and go out and evangelize?" Well, I was born and raised in the USA. My mom's an American Muslim and my father is from Qatar. Muslims move to the USA from all over the world and there are Americans who convert to Islam. They want to be able to practice their religion in the country where they live. Why not? And about your other issue: I live in Qatar now and there are more than 50,000 Americans, 27,000 British and Australians, and 80,000 of others (Buddhist, Hindu, Jew) who have the freedom to practice their religions. There are churches here, several actually, and a synagogue. Buddhists and Hindus practice daily in their homes. Christians here hold Bible studies in their homes or in the club houses of their apartment buildings. It's not illegal or "not allowed". So I think it's only fair that Muslims be able to practice in any part of the world. What happened to freedom of religion? It doesn't say "Freedom of Christianity". It says "Freedom of religion". That means any religion one wishes to follow.

Answer 3

Thank you for asking question decently. Actually it is a surprise for me that a western person can ask question about Islam is such a decent manner.
You have basic principal called freedom for individuals, the attitude of live and let others live. First of all, in eastern countries, which may include even non-muslim countries like India, the social values are different.

For us icons of society and religion are extremely important and we collectively are too sentimental about them. As freedom is more important to you which should not be sacrified at any cost, honour of respect personalities are even more important to us. We have no problem discussing logically and decently about anybody, but expression of insult is something we can't tolerate. Forget about Prophets, we can't take someone easily if they talk bad about our parents.

So, you may think that your freedom is superior, but by the same principle we have freedom to think that honour of our Prophet is more important then the freedom of that teacher.
BTW, the question whether she really meant to disrespect Prophet Mohammed PBUH, is altogether different. What I have mentioned above is the reason behind our reaction. I do not think that she intended to express any dishonour to Prophet. Her mistake was that even after being in Sudan, she did know about how muslims feels about their Prophet.

Warm regards.

Answer 4

Peace Be with You...

Good Question!

Actually when we say the term 'Shariah', it means the CHOSEN 'way of life' which the CREATOR has decided for all mankind irrespective of their TIME, COLOR, CREED, SEX etc..

And as part of our belief. This Law was sent to each Prophet which was ONLY for his people and for a limited time. Each time a prophet came he either followed the previous prophet's Shariah (The way of life) or brought a new one. Who decided???

Almighty GOD of course!

Anyways, till the Last and Final Messenger of GOD was sent. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) did NOT invent a new religion.. As part of our belief we affirm the past revelations BUT believe that they were changed over a period of time by men who did it for material gains.

Now, the Shariah which the Muslims have is COMPLETE and UNCHANGEABLE. Almighty GOD sent till with a validity time that will expire on the Doomsday!

So if we say that this law is from GOD, why should it be changed? Doesnt GOD Almighty know the future? Will the CREATOR not know about HIS Creation???

Ofcourse i refer to the INSTRUCTION MANUAL for operating my PC smoothly. Each device has its own manual which MUST be followed without any 'ifs' and 'buts'.

Similarly the MOST complex of all machines - The human being has been sent a COMPLETE code of life - The Holy Quran which is 100% compatible with Modern Established Scientific Facts.

Why should it be changed when it is from the CREATOR?

All you ahve to do is to try and analyze the LOGIC behind various Islamic rulings. Islam is 100% PRACTICAL. Islam when was rightly applied during the early Islamic Caliphates brought PEACE and SECURITY to the world.

UNFORTUNATELY, there is NO country in this world that FOLLOWS islam to the CORE. Now when you PICK N CHOSE between Islam you got to compromise on things here and there.

And thats what is happening in the so-called Islamic coutnries... And who gets the bad-name?

Islam of course!

Thats the whole story...

http://www.harunyahya.com/miracles_of_the_quran_01.php

Answer 5

In Malaysia which is an Islamic country we dont use the Syariah Law because Malaysia is a multiracial country.
Personally i dont care much about the Syariah Law because the current one seems to be fullfilling the needs of everyone.

Answer 6

Thank you for being polite.

Yes, in strict Muslim states, there are some of us who do...not to wipe out the Sharia completely, but to do away with certain parts of it.
The thing is, in most Muslim countries (except Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Iran) we do not follow Sharia Law exclusively, as we also use secular common law along with the Sharia (Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, etc), and I assure you, in these countries there is freedom of religion, setting up of churches, temples etc, and no forced burkhas. Only Muslims are judged according to the Sharia, non-Muslims judged according to common law.

Merry Christmas to you too :)

Answer 7

You are very respectful and kind and I applaud you for that. To the girl above me (suyehada) - get a grip, honey. And step out of those persecution complex claws.

I cannot answer your question, since I'm not Muslim, but I will send a link to your question to my Muslim friends. I'm sure you'll get some lovely and decent responses :)

(((HUGS)))

Answer 8

Yes I do. It is not divine and alot of the laws are prejudiced against women, non-muslims and gays with horrific penalties. It is only for male losers who just want to bully and control.

Answer 9

the main problem with Shariah law is that there are no actual set laws, the law itself relies upon interpretation of the Quran and Hadith and as you can see not many Muslims are doing a very good job of that. ( also quite often it becomes tainted as cultural practices drift in)

if you believe it to be as what you have stated, i oppose that form of it.

Answer 10

do u have any idea what the shari law is?i don't think so.if u did u wouldn't call the law of some islamic country the law of islam.and merry Christmas