OPPRESSIVE LAWS

    Around the world in 'Islamic' countries courts are imposing rulings which have no basis in the Quran. While the emphasis in the Quran is mercy and justice, the exponents of 'Hudud Laws' (Hudud: plural of Had meaning limit) prescribe their own forms of punishment and discrimination.

    For example, the punishment, according to Hudud advocates, for married people who commit adultery is death by stoning. Not only is there no such penalty in the Quran, it does not even distinguish the marital status of the offenders. (AI Noor 24.1-2)

    However, the punishment is 1 00 lashes -but only if four witnesses are available and stoning, when mentioned in the Quran, is as an act of disbeliever's. (18.20, 19.46, 26.116, 36.18, 44.20)

    In contrast to the Quran, the Hudud laws represent something from the dark ages, giving Islam an undeserved barbaric image. It is no wonder the non-Muslim finds it difficult in accepting the Quran.

    The Hudud laws are a cause for great concern amongst Muslims and non-Muslims alike because they are unjust and oppressive. Among other offences the Hudud laws (also known as the Syariah, laws based on consensus) extensively cover apostasy.

    In every situation the Quran's guides towards benevolence and fairness. Even in cases of theft, the cutting off a thief's hand is not a punishment to be carried out immediately. A period of time should elapse giving the offender a chance to repent and be and make amends. (AI Maa'idah 5.38-39).

    Rape is another crime with which the Quran deals in an equitable manner. It is clear from Chapter Yusuf verses 1 2.23-30 that in such a case evidence of just one female witness and material evidence is sufficient, but a Syariah court would only accept oral testimony and confessions. Scientific proof that appears, is not admissible.