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Sharia Law and the need to co-exist given we share Earth
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Editor, Manteca Bulletin,
This is a follow up to response on Sharia Law and the need to co-exist given we share Earth.
 First off I would like to say that I agree 100% that we need to co-exist on this planet that we share. There are many belief systems that differ, however those differences should always be dealt with through dialog.
 I also believe that Inman Mohammed El Farra of the Islamic Center of Manteca shared the principle “Islam…abhors and denounces in the strongest of terms – at all times anything which opposes peace…” (Bulletin 9/22/16), I also notice when I drive by a favorable message on their outside sign.
 Although the Inman may believe this, he cannot speak for all Islam. One cannot turn a blind eye to the events unfolding in this world in the name of Allah and Islam and say that Islam abhors and denounces in the strongest terms – at all times anything, which opposes peace.
 In this country or any country for that matter with a Muslim population under 2% the peaceful verses of the Quran are always cited.
 When I read the article “What Sharia law means,”  I believe that Sharia law was misrepresented, and so I responded.
 I made several points that were not answered, besides a referral to a website.
 “Sharia may be defined as the Islamic law revealed by God to the prophet Mohammed. That divine law was then interpreted by Muslim scholars over the centuries.”
 This is a quote from interfaithalliance.org/Americanmuslims that Leo Bennett-Cauchon referred to:
 “If Sharia Law is the divine law passed down from Allah to his perfect messenger Mohammed, then how Mohammed interprets this law is the closest avenue of understanding Allah’s will.
 In the Shahada it is recited “There is no god but Allah; and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah.”
 Intrinsic to that recital is the belief that truth flows from Allah to Mohammed.
 The problem is that Mohammed is never questioned. The things that Mohammed did were considered perfect and therefore were not to be questioned.
 I encourage anyone in any belief system to take ownership of their faith by examining the evidence of their claims. And do this not only by who is currently teaching them but historically, and from those who may not agree with you.
 Dare to question what you hear, and check the sources.
 In this case I am speaking about Sharia Law, Islam and Mohammed.
 If Islamic law was indeed passed down by Allah to Mohammed then examine how Mohammed lived these laws out. 
Check your own sources. Read the Haddith’s  (Sahih Bukhari is a trusted source among Muslims) as to the words of Mohammed.
 
See how Mohammed promoted his faith after he gained a following. How did he treat women. What were his words and what did he do? Were there double standards (as in how many wives a man could have and how many wives he took).
I mentioned some verses from the Quran regarding djimmis (non-Muslims’) and their 2nd class standing in Islamic counties.
I mentioned the tax (Jizya) placed on non-Muslims who reside under Islamic law.
 I quoted Asma Afsa-Ruddin’s words that the Quran recognizes the absolute equality of men and women as human beings.
 Then I quoted Sura 4:34 in the Quran that says that Allah has made men superior to women. It also says that a husband can beat his wife if she rebels.
 If indeed “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal…”  Then how could Sharia Law which taxes non-Muslims’ be compatible with the Declaration of Independence.
 And how does superiority of men over women and the permissive beating of rebellious wives fit in with “the pursuit of happiness.”
 As far as abhorring and denouncing anything that opposes peace, I would be insane to think that I could walk into Mecca singing “All you need is love,” and expect a good, peaceful reception.
 Sharia law appears peaceful when everyone is in submission to Allah. In America there is freedom of religion, which allows one to worship as one wants.  However, to invoke one’s religious laws to change the culture (as Sharia ultimately dictates) is not in line with the American constitution.
 The sermon “Be holy in your conduct,’ was not preached by me,” (again it is important to check ones’ sources), however, that’s ok because I do believe in those same words.
Although I am sure that it is clear that I disagree with the religion of Islam, Mohammed and Sharia Law, this would not distance me from becoming friends and discussing issues with people from opposing viewpoints in a peaceful manner.
 
David Halla
Manteca