November 2006

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Karamah has an excellent article on the zina, illegal intercourse, laws in Pakistan and how the the Islamic laws have been wrongly misinterpreted. The article brings out the difference between sexual contact with consent, zina, and rape which the law makers in Pakistan have failed to understand. I quote few paras to prove that point as to why 4 witnesses are required to prove zina.

It is pertinent to point out here that the evidentiary requirement for zina was initially intended to protect women from frivolous charges. This intention derives directly from Asbab al-Nuzul (reasons of revelation) relating to the Qur’anic verse that establishes the hadd of zina. We therefore believe that the requirement of four witnesses (with all its restrictions and specifications) is a merciful measure from God in order not only to avoid incriminating innocent people, but also to preserve the privacy of Muslims, which is one of the most valued principles in Islam (the concept of sitr). It is not accidental that the privacy principle is stated in the same chapter, a few verses later: “O ye who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until ye have asked permission and saluted those in them: that is best for you, in order that ye may heed (what is seemly).� (24: 27)

We also believe that the requirement of male witnesses constitutes another protective measure that makes it more difficult to prove zina. After all, in Muslim societies women have more facility and liberty to enter houses and access each other’s private apartments than men usually have. From the rich jurisprudence related to the matter, one can easily conclude that Muslim jurists were very cautious not to convict an innocent person. They went so far as to state that it is better to let a guilty person get away with his/her crime than to punish an innocent person. For, even when a person escapes the worldly punishment, the right of God remains. He will ultimately decide whether to punish or forgive the sinful.

I some times wonder which is more basic, science or arts? I am obviously prejudiced because I have studied science for 17 years of my life. I fell in love with Physics when I was exposed to the Newton’s laws of motions. I then decided in life to continue with science. Well to be frank I had little choice because taking arts after 10th was like a social taboo! I am happy I didn’t have to take the bold step of going against the society norms then. My interest in Physics further grew in +2. I was overwhelmed with concepts like pseudo frame of reference and electrostatics. Only after joining engineering I realised that the Physics I fell in love has more to do with engineering rather than superficial concepts.

From the November 14 edition of CNN Headline News’ Glenn Beck:

BECK: History was made last Tuesday when Democrat Keith Ellison got elected to Congress, representing the great state of Minnesota. Well, not really unusual that Minnesota would elect a Democrat. What is noteworthy is that Keith is the first Muslim in history to be elected to the House of Representatives. He joins us now.

Congratulations, sir.

ELLISON: How you doing, Glenn? Glad to be here.