What is Shariah law? Basically, it is the common law that is used in Muslim or Islamic countries. Here in the United States, all people are answerable to the laws of our nation. However, in Islamic countries, since there is no separation between church (religion) and state, Shariah is the common law that governs all citizens of that country. It is basically a summary of all the laws of the Koran, and governs all behavior of the people. It covers business, criminal activity, marriage, social behavior, modesty of women, and virtually all of life. Although there are variations there are basic similarities too. As an example in business, it is against Shariah law for a Muslim to lend money to another Muslim at interest. As a matter of fact, there are already institutions that comply with Muslim law available to American Muslims.
When it involves women, there are a host of regulations with which they must comply. Modesty is admirable in anyone, male or female. However the problem comes when there are others defining the limits and requirements of modesty. In Muslim lands, women are not allowed to be in public without a head covering. The simplest of these is a scarf, however many require the hijab, which is a covering that encloses the full head, except for the face, and some even the face, except for an opening slot for their eyes. We often read even in our nation of a young Muslim woman who is killed by her father in an "honor" killing. Unmarried women are not permitted to be in the company of unmarried men, and must be accompanied by a suitable chaperon. In the more traditional Muslim countries, women raised in the United States would consider the situation extremely oppressive, and look upon existence there as slavery.
In America, those accused of crimes are innocent until they face their accusers and are proven guilty. Although it often seems as if the wheels of justice grind slowly, or sometimes not at all, it is still a good system. This writer well remembers a series of pictures on the internet of a small boy, who looked to be about six or seven years old, who had stolen a small bit of food. He was held down, and an automobile was driven over his hand and crushed, while he writhed in pain. Sometimes they simply cut off the hand of a thief! In punishing crimes they generally hold to the Old Testament concept of "eye for eye" and a "tooth for tooth" (Leviticus 24:20).
Will we ever in America adopt Shariah or Islamic Law? That is a hard question to answer. Today, the answer would be a resounding "NO." However, there are between one and two million Muslims presently residing in the U.S.. When they get a majority or near majority, or perhaps by intimidation, they may well try to impose Shariah law on the U.S.. It is already being applied to some extent in Great Britain! In point of fact, we would have to say that it is a given that Muslims will eventually try to impose Shariah law in the U.S.. That is what they do! Islam is terribly intolerant toward other religions! Our service people in Muslim lands even today are not allowed to publicly worship the God of the Bible through Jesus our Lord! We have seen statements concerning the projected Muslim center near ground zero in New York to the effect that "When Saudi Arabia allows churches to be built, we will cease the outcry about that center." The more traditional Muslim nations will never permit the observance of other religions.
A contemporary illustration of what can happen is taking place in the Netherlands. Gert Wilders, a popular politician there is actually facing trial for "inciting" hatred against Muslims. He was simply pointing out the dangers inherent in Islam. This writer has great concern that our recent "hate crime" law could be used against anyone in America who speaks against Islam! It is possible in the Bible (Romans 13:1-8), Christians are commanded to obey the laws, pay taxes, and honor rulers wherever they live. Muslims have and will seek to impose their beliefs and practices (Shariah Law) even by force if necessary! America, be warned, you are in greater danger than most realize today.
Ed Rodgers, Muskogee, OK
"Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again."
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:" "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." "For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing." Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
