Results tagged “islam” from Birmingham Mail - Faraz Yousufzai Blog

Forgive the silence. I have been stunned into a type of verbal paralysis over the weekend by the venemous and brutal reaction to the Archbishops lecture on Islam and English Law. I guess thats journalism for you?

As bad as this sounds, Im used to the newspapers, tv and radio only ever making reference to Islam and Muslims as an evil and monstrous pariah in society. Thats normal. But for some reason I am still shocked and hurt when there is a sudden and acute burst of hatred. Some of my friends ask why I am so taken back and knocked for six each time...do I think things have really changed?

I love my country and my people and I live with a belief that teaches me to think the best of everyone. So sue me for being hurt by the words I have read from my countrymen and women up and down the country.

From the time I was 18 years old I have dedicated my life to bridge building, dialogue and cohseion. Now at 30, shall I just pack my bags and leave?

Ive only got 5mins now so here are my thoughts...I'll be back on later for a full discussion...

The problem with this debate is that the word Shariah and the term Islamic law are loaded with negative imagery. It prevents us getting to some of the real issues.

Words over time take on new meanings, they become institutionalised and sometimes hijacked. Our road safety laws are Islamic, our laws of offences against the person are Islamic, our complex laws to ensure politicians use public money in the right way are Islamic. The appellage hides a universal truth. Good law protects us and keeps us safe.

Shariah is not static. Like any body of complex law it must move and change with the times. The principles that Shariah is based on do not change, but how they are interepreted in any given age does, should and traditionally, always has.

This debate is an interesting one, but not new at all. When there was a Muslim empire to speak of, they had this very same debate. And do you not what those barbarians who had gardens, libraries, universities, hospitals, government, welfare and an NHS did, while we in Europe were still smothered in the dark of the dark ages?

They said yes of course. Christians, Jews, Sabians et al should, for a limited set of laws be allowed to administer their own justice. And that dear readers was an age characterised by freedom, safety, science, art and liberty.

But could that work here in Britain? I echo what both 'sides' have been saying. On one hand, It is hugely complex and merits scholarly not popular debate. But on the other, the big question for me would be, who on earth would administer it?

There are so few learned scholars in Britain that have come even remotely close to mastering the traditional religious sciences in Islam with the corresponding mastery of the society that we live in. And the two have always gone hand in hand. You cannot apply Shariah as it was 14 centuries ago, or even 100 years ago for that matter...

One way to go may be to poll Muslim women...with almost zero Muslim women scholars of law in Britain, it doesnt sound like too attractive an option for half the population...

Ive got to go...big meetings all day. Back at 4pm to read your comments...

Faraz out.