HUDUD- SHAME IN SALVATION

HUDUD-  SHAME IN SALVATION

I have been following the attempts to introduce the private bill on Hudud that politicians of PAS would like to tender for acceptance. I have some opinion that is formulated and based on my conscience, life experiences and the people I meet. I do not profess to have in-depth knowledge of my own Christian faith or any other faith for that matter. I am not going to quote any of the Holy Books or scriptures to support my opinion as this would be a never ending road to intellectual and ineffectual debate of persons trying to prove each other wrong on behalf of God.

There is a backdrop against what I am presenting.

·                   So many wars and conquest of a religious nature and unspeakable atrocities were committed by the various followers of religion in the name of God.

·                   We find clerics and religious authority citing some religious law or other as evidence to justify their actions.

I am inspired by persons whose life actions are in excess of my thoughts.  They are good individuals whose lives are lived in quite dignity. I am just expressing some of them.

·                   I have two violin student’s  a Muslim doctor and his daughter who are person’s of great compassion and love and utterly dedicated to his profession. The daughter comes with the father for the lessons and she is such a beautiful soul.

·                   Another violin student is Muslim Lawyer and a grandson from the distinguished Onn family. His position accords him the comforts to live a good life. The natural propensity to inconvenience himself and help other individuals is food for thought.

·                   Prof Adeeba Kamarulzaman who has reached out to persons who are HIV positive and serves to dignify lives that are rejected by society.

·                   My previous staff who is a Muslim who has his fair share of disadvantages, weakness and challenges is also one whom I draw inspiration from. I will never forget the Wednesday afternoon when my schedule was full of lessons he came in and requested my assistance to take a dog that was obviously abused and lying helpless in a deep drain, where both its hind legs and ribs were broken. The drain was filled with a combination of revolting odours- excrement, decayed food , rotting flesh, and all kinds of garbage inclusive of water that was putrid and dark. The dog nearly bit both of us quite a few times and we were overcome by nausea and vomiting. We managed to place the unfortunate animal in my car and drove back all the way to my home grasping our breath for obvious reason. The dog died within the day. The compassion to try and save the life of an animal despite the overwhelming odds and not abandon it to its fate is a compelling lesson that the dictates of religion alone do not characterize our response. I believe these are moments that the light of God inspires and touches a person across the boundaries of faith and ethnicity to have the grace of an angel.

Dr.Muzamil ,  Ms. Aida Muzamil, Prof Adeeba  Mr.Rizal Onn and Mohammad Ruzi are among the exceptional Muslims and Malays who are placed in my life by providence or God for a reason beyond my comprehension. Their exemplary lives are sufficient evidence of the good that  resides in the Muslim faith.  Such lives also compel us to address concerns with regard to faith in a manner of sensitive discernment and discourse to find a better path or a kinder way.

                

I believe that most faiths profess the message of equality, justice and mercy. This is precisely one among the various compelling reasons why silence is not an available option on laws that affect every person. Unjust applications based on the principal foundation of religious references or what is passed off as a Divine teaching is susceptible to abuse. I contend that laws that impact life or limb without the possibility of rehabilitation and restoration of life must be subject to the highest discourse and debate on its application. How does one prevent the coterie of undesired results that may emanate from such implementation? Do we fully understand the ramifications and repercussions of laws which may infringe on the rights that have been won by struggle of lives lost, sculptured, nurtured and reshaped over the years to secure the highest possible human standard for all?

A faith born or conceived from God will unconditionally offer salvation to all He creates, irrespective of who they are and what they are. I wonder when we reach Heaven’s gates, the pure soul who opens the gates may be armless, the God who comes to greet us will be without limbs or head and may express that each limb or head we removed was akin to removing God’s own. We may sadly find deep shame in salvation. 

HUDUD – SINLESS SOCIETY

Each human soul I believe is sent to the world coated with layers of conscience either through nature or nurture or a combination of both. We acquire the wisdom in the adventure and dance of life through varied multifaceted experiences and challenges of victories, defeats, failures, giving sharing’s, illness, sufferings and deaths.  We are not immune to the grief that perpetuates any part of the world. We are all tied and woven in an inescapable garment of destiny. When one’s safety is threatened by dark ideals, we may fight gut wrenching and  heartbreaking wars to secure and protect life as evidenced by the 2^nd world war. There is an inspirational true story of two young sibling who were founder and members of a group known as Weisse Rose( White Rose). These young medical students spoke out against Adolf Hitler and the impregnable fortress of the Nazi regime- they lost their lives in the most brutal and cruel of circumstances, yet their courage is a reminder that in the face of what may seem to be overwhelming odds, must never prevent us from dignified defence. We cannot on the premise of faith express that since one is not of a specific faith one has no right to discuss a law that will affect everyone. The immense, immeasurable and inspirational greatness of a faith that attracts is one that will not impose but will live on the conceivable principal that equal protection is accorded to each and every person. If a faith is offered as nothing more than a poisoned chalice  of fear and faithfulness  towards attaining salvation, one is sadly  forced and dictated by laws to behave or lose life and limb. The imposition on others who are non believers is also degradation and misrepresentation of the noble intention of what is deemed as a good faith.       

The motive to liberate each and every soul and our awakening conscience is our moral compass that allows us to soul search on what is the best that we ought to offer.

The weight of considerations that ought to prevent laws even the Divine ones from being tendered must be allowed a conscientious premise of objection as follows:

·                   Silence, refusal, posturing, threats, innuendos, accusations, defamations or convoluted responses to concerns or challenges are a very ominous  sign and dark manifestation  not of the laws per se but of the persons who want to implement such laws. Any cleric, politician or party from whichever side of the divide who will not engage the citizens in a respectful manner cannot and should not be trusted- period! 

·                   Laws that would affect and impact the most disadvantaged, marginalised and innocent  in our society pre-empts  any attempt to even offers such laws as viable alternative.

·                   Circumspections disposition and extreme caution should be the order of the day, taking into account that a disproportionate or small number of clerics and politicians always constitute a strong vocal minority. Groups or individuals always project causes without creditable, realistic  data or established facts and impose it on citizens across the board. The deception and propaganda here is that we are led to believe that a majority want and desire such laws. The mainstream media highlighting laws that may essentially be supported by a fringe minority gives them a platform to advance their causes and it is shameful sensationalism which sells that wins the day.

·                   What about the citizens who are differently educated the ones who may only speak and understand their ethnic language ? What about the ones who were never exposed to a formal education that liberate one’s minds to options and alternatives. The  representation to suggest or apply such laws is arrogant, insensitive and disrespectful.

     

One aspect that is a grievous and growing concern is the nature of the top layers of political leadership on both sides of the divide. We may have perfect laws constructed in good faith and on the other end of the  spectrum we have a conveyor belt of less than ordinary unscrupulous and unprincipled politicians who have this uncanny receptivity to grade human rights according to ethnicity or religion. They come coated  with diverse agendas from a rarefied stratosphere devoid of thought, and are anything but exceptional.

Some have the audacity to insult, incite intolerance and insensitivity. A display of insolence against public displeasure or opinion shows how they can spit with the salvia of arrogance  in defiance at the electorate knowing they have immunity. This eventually contaminates other individuals who are given a clear signal that they can do just about anything and get off with an ineffective slap on the wrist.

Some in the religious parties and NGO’s rely on fanaticism, fanning fears, fantasising of enemies who are far superior and supreme and can confuse, convince and convert on a simple word. This divisiveness and polarization need not exist, we are always getting piecemeal solutions to what are simple succinct problems. What is it that such problems keep reoccurring? We have elected enunciated individuals who are spineless with a cosmic dark hole of ventilation with appalling ignorance and insensitivity to represent us. Either it is impoverishment of understanding, sheer stupidity, lack of education, vested interest or a combination of all that does not allow them to solve an issue that lacks the depth complexity of other issues that afflict certain parts of the world.

There are also the religious parties or NGO’s that would support actions and laws which reflect primordial instinct towards violence, which in turn perpetuates a vicious cycle of never ending brutality. They pontificate sanctimoniously on the virtues of their faith and yet with conceit and indecent haste are willing on fallacious arguments to enslave us on laws that obviously are detrimental to a wide segment of the population. I have no doubt that the guardians of law and morality who have been entrusted such position by our votes are compromised and will equivocate in the face of fingerprint feather pressure. The Jekyll and Hyde syndrome surfaces when they are presented with sophisticated multi-billion dollar contracts that have  to go through parliament or state legislatures and it is done with such ease, that is virtually unnoticed. But here we have a simple issue and procrastinations across the board are registered at the highest levels. Does this not inform us with great clarity that we are  intentionally expedient and as such subject to an unnecessary debate of division through a cocktail of negligence, incompetence, fear and an alarming lack of integrity.             

In our desperation, when we find one politician from the whole lot who has some semblance of average  common sense we lose our composure and equate it to finding a treasure-this is how bad it has become. 

Can we create a sinless society? I don’t know, I do not possess enough wisdom to adjudicate such matter. I have a dictionary of weakness catalogued from A to Z. I believe eradication of a sinful society is impossible. But I fear if we implement laws to remove limb and life, each of us who were silent or imposed such travesty would have our limbs intact but we may not enjoy the sauna in hell. And perhaps Paradise would enjoy the benefit and privelege of the discarded sinners of earth.   

HUDUD – MAJESTIC OR MADNESS

What are the immeasurable, irrespirable ideals, ingredients and components that gives faith its backbone to attract and inspires us to acts in excess of our human limitations? Is it a faith:

·                   With an invitation of love as a principal foundation?

·                   That accords equality and respect to those considered non-believers?

·                   That dignifies human life to share with one’s neighbours

·                   That prompts one to give or sacrifice his/her life for the advancement of a justifiable cause or protection of all life.

A moot point that ought to receive due consideration is that despite the obvious manifestations of God or a religious afflictions we have atheists who live very principled, altruistic and dignified lives and also contribute to the advancement of society? Is this not deemed an incompatibility when individuals who have no professed faith, calibrate their lives towards good are able to resonate with deep harmony and peace towards others and more often than not in excess of persons who profess a religious faith?

Can we justify and deem our lives to far superior and valuable on the premise that we have faith. It is inexcusable and sheer arrogance when we claim superiority by virtue of faith or any other concoctions that we invent to advance our claims. A few days ago a mother who brings her young son  over for violin lessons expressed, quote ‘ No matter how foolish, irrational or illogical laws may be, one will always use their intellect and find means to apply such laws, if unsuccessful – they will use sheer brute force to apply it ‘ unquote.

Now I am respectfully articulating and offering opinions that they may lend dignity to all without exception. I hope that critical yet fruitful thinking will materialize from opinions tendered, though it may seem provocative in nature, it is hoped that a non-Muslim is not prohibited the freedom of expression on laws that may directly impact his/her life.  Though I have voiced disagreement towards any form of capital punishment which deprives a person of life, I want to believe that the proponents who want to implement Hudud must be acting in good faith on the premise that they are undertaking divine mission as such I would not view such challenges as an abomination or anomaly.

Now there are some prominent concerns which I propose should be negotiated in a  very rational and spiritual manner. A multifaceted approach where  the variables on the current needs of society, the prescriptions in the Holy Books , the relevance to apply laws in this day and age, and liberal usage of compassion and wisdom should perhaps be the backbone of considerations.

It is my understanding that laws with such severity would be promoted and based on the concept of creating an ideal society that has specific components ingrained and implemented which provides a narrow window or opportunity for transgressions against what is termed as divine law.  Would an ideal society be one where :

·                   Wealth is distributed with equality.

·                   Education is accessible to all

·                   Equal employment opportunity

·                   No discrimination against race, religion or gender

·                   Affordable and subsidized medical treatment

·                   No restriction is placed on minority religions

·                   There will be no disadvantaged or marginalised persons.

·                   That all are equal before the law

·                   That each and every family or individual has affordable housing

·                   Eradication of corruption and poverty

·                   Accountability and transparency by those in power.

  

I am not expressing about a basic perimeter of acceptance in securing the above. There must be an effort that provides not the ordinary but a perfect and exceptional structure of  life. This prevent the thought of committing any offence and the only motive or defence one can offer is insanity. Can the proponents who want to apply such laws guarantee the ideal quality of life will be assured as a preventative measure?

The statue of laws defines a real human civilization that is advanced, progressive and in line with human aspersions and as such it will always be open to discuss, debate, formulate, interpret and enforce laws that would naturally gravitate towards the majority with sensitive exceptions and considerations for the minority. A law as I understand it; is not an antiquated instrument, as such it must be obviously realized that life is larger than laws. Consistent reform according to social, economic, technical realities would necessitate that laws are renovated, changed or discarded according to times.       

On a personal level I cannot and will not accept any law :

·                   That requires blind obedience and fear of God.

·                   Which proclaims itself superior to other laws

·                   Cannot substantiate its strength,  greatness or advantages

·                   That has not consideration or sensitivity to human weakness.

·                   That will divide people.

 

On the simple presumption that Hudud laws are accepted and applicable.  Some direct concerns in no particular order

·                   Will we immediately by law apply punishment for all who cannot substantiate their wealth as having wealth in excess of one’s capacity means that it is an ill gotten wealth.

·                   That all who have promoted and implemented unjust policies will be prosecuted and promoted.

·                   It must be recognised that the proposed laws were compatible for situations that existed at that period in History, there are new situations and new types of crimes that are evolving – the laws are simply not calibrated for such allowances or developments.

·                   We also have everyday happenings of our young children who are developing in families who would lie and steal and are we going to apply laws to have tongues and hands of children removed.

·                   We also have in our midst a wide basket of persons with mental issues who may steal or take another person’s life or commit other misdemeanours- How would the law be applied against them?   

·                   Are there persons among us of such innocence, purity, build and constitution, that they are in an exalted position to lord over us with such laws.

·                   Do we have blanket assurance that one would be protected from repressive and unjust treatment?

·                   We have Judges, prosecutors and persons in high positions within the Syriah system who are supposed to implement laws being caught and prosecuted for the very laws they are supposed to uphold. Would all the cases of this particular judge be reviewed and expunged, and what would happen if a person was executed under His watch.  Would it not imply that the persons who selected an immoral Judge be punished for their lack of  auditing a suitable the candidate, which by definition would be murder. The severity of the punishment for murder therefore should be all involved should forfeit their lives. 

There cannot be any ambiguity the terminal finality of punishments as advocated by Hudud with its dire consequences, encompasses and makes the shifting of evidence a matter of the inescapable responsibility.

Our quest for unattainable perfection may be a folly of sheer madness, which may utterly defeat and destroys us, none of us can equate our conduct to God as such we cannot cast a stone on another individual. The majestic and powerful eloquence in human life is filled with compelling and beautiful stories of ordinary persons whose lives filled with numerous disadvantages of being sown with hate, despair, destruction, loneliness from birth and yet they can struggle and overcome the disadvantages and become the finest among us. Isn’t this glory of the highest nature? This is triumph over tragedy and is woven in the fabric of our society. Will we deprive and rob ourselves of such stories?  Is it the sword of Laws preferred over the majestic touch of forgiveness, rehabilitation and restoration that faith based laws can offer?