-----Original Message-----
From: Mohammad Farooq <FAROOQM@trxinc.com>
To: nabic-l@globalfront.com <nabic-l@globalfront.com>
Date: Thursday, June 03, 1999 6:38 PM
Subject: Re: The Hostage Islam
Assalamu alaikum.
First I have a request to everyone participating. Once a thread is introduced, unless there is a good/compelling reason, let us not change the subject heading. Every posting with a different subject heading is not meaningful when we are discussing a particular thread and it actually causes confusion. That is why I am returning to the original thread that provoked this discussion. For now, let us stick to it.
Br. R. wrote:"Now Mufasereen give various interpretations to cover up any embarrassment. They say (their interpretation) that you can beat the wife with a stick (see Tafimul Quran for example) but not very hard".
PATENTLY INCORRECT. Mufassireen's position in this regard is not based on their "interpretation" and "to cover up any embarassment". The Prophet (s) himself has specifically addressed this verse by further clarifying. For example, read Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Kitab an-Nikah, #132. I urge you to read all the pertinent narrations of the Prophet (s) in this regard. The delimitation of this verse is based on specific and detailed guidance from the Prophet (s) himself. Therefore, I would request Br. R. to do little better homework before making such statement. Otherwise, his statements would be simply the other extreme of the Talibani positions/views.
Br. R wrote:
"That is a subjective judgement."
NO, it is not. The Prophet (s) clearly delimited the application of the specific verse. Therefore, neither I nor Br. R. or anyone else has the right to make it subjective.
Br. R. wrote:
The person who burnt his wife alive in New York could have simple broken some bones and stayed within the limits of shariah within an Islamic society citing "disobedience" as his cause. Right?
WRONG. This is the way, quite counter-intuitively, Br. R.'s argument becomes a defense of the NY person. I have already explained adequately that, let alone breaking bones, any act that would cause pain or injury or even leave a traceable mark would be against the Shariah. Citing "disobedience" to hurt someone is not a Islamic defense. The recommended measure for disobedience is an integral part of saving a marriage. Unless, once again, we are ready to sacrifice our common sense, beating, hurting, injuring do not fall in the same category for saving a marriage. According to Islamic Shariah, this person would be prosecuted for MURDER.
Br. R. further wrote:"In any case what you are saying ...is your interpretation which goes beyond the Quranic text. Other Ulemas say differently."
Once again, what I have stated is not interpretation. This is based on clear and specific narration from the Prophet (s). If some Ulema says differently, that does not change the reality that the Prophet's (s) clear and definitive guidance cannot be overridden by anyone else.
Br. R. wrote:
"The claim "disobedience" to the husband is valid ground for beating. This beating extends to acts that involves severe damage the bones and internal organs."
I have already explained that Islam does not allow it. Islamic experts' position on this represents a consensus in light of the Prophet's instruction.
Br. R. wrote:
"This happens routinely in Most Muslim countries unprotested by Ulemas or even the so-called Islamic movements. >Lets not deny what is true."
This part is true and no denying of it. But, once again, please don't confuse the "norm" of abuse with the "norm" of Islam. If you really believe that the Qur'an says or permits "beating" of women, while there is clear and definitive evidence directly from the Prophet (s) against that, you are no different than those who actually use the Qur'an against its intent and overall guidance.
Yes, Br. R., I know you better. That is why with my deepest empathy I am saying to you that while your intent seems to be to take a stand against such beating/violence, yet there seems to be quite a striking similarity between your opinion and those who want to beat, burn, maim or murder their "dear" ones.
Fi amanillah.
Mohammad Omar Farooq