Sharia Law

 

 

Australia and sharia

Outspoken PUP Senator Lambie recently made headlines when she said that anyone who supports sharia law should "pack up their bags and get out of here".
Indeed, many seem to be under the impression that sharia would 'take over' the Australian constitutional legal system, or encourage terrorism.
Professor Abdalla said that despite this view, "non-Muslims are exempt from sharia, except in cases of murder, manslaughter, rape and theft", and Muslims are encouraged to obey the laws of the country in which they reside under sharia.
"That the sharia obliges Muslims to comply with the laws of their country of residence is premised on the Koranic dicta demanding fulfilling "obligations" and "covenants," as in the imperatives "You who believe, fulfil your obligations" and "Honour your pledges: you will be questioned about your pledges," he said.
"Muslim jurists, therefore, understood that the ultimate authority in any country belongs to the government."
Additionally, many of the laws that sharia encourages Muslims to follow align closely with the laws of Australia. Theft is illegal, as is murder, manslaughter and rape, although Australian punishments are less severe. Even the morals held by many non-Muslims are enshrined in sharia - Muslims are encouraged to show kindness, to be just, to honour legal contracts and to not be involved in any kind of corruption.
Indeed, one of the five pillars of Islam under sharia - the five basic obligations of the faith - involves donating money to charity every year.
Sharia then is not about terrorism, oppressive laws, or even solely about harsh penalties. Rather, it is a code for Muslims who believe it provides the best way to live.
"Whether in Australia or Saudi Arabia, the sharia helps Muslims live their lives in ways that are deemed legal, fulfilling and pleasing to their Maker," Professor Abdalla said.
"When conflict arises between sharia and Australian law, and sharia law cannot be accommodated or causes unnecessary hardship, then abiding by the law of the land becomes bindi