The Shari’a as it is, has some flaws. It has to be adapted to the modern situation keeping the principles intact.
For example the Shari’a does not address the issue of computers and internet very coherently.
In my opinion, these laws should not be formulated by people who studied Islam just because they did not get admission into anything else. Unfortunately most of our religious scholars of that type. Another thing that strikes me most about Muslim religious leaders is their arrogance. Most of them are ‘if you’re not with me, you’re against me.‘
If you look at the Companions, none of them were full-time theologians who earned from his knowledge of religion. All of them depended on some profession or the other for bread. Deen was their passion.
Even right into 14th century, many of the important theologians were leading scientists, jurists and businessmen and women. Students used to be taught Science alongside the Qur’an and the jurisprudence.
I would like such people formulate the Shari’a.
I too believe that religion and religious leaders should not be exclusive preoccupations. Religion would have a whole new perspective if it were in the hands of scientists, jurists and all the others you mention; it’d be more user friendly, more inclusive, more logical, more contemporary, more accessible, and definitely less punitive and divisive.
Brave post Manas.
Well I am sure this might surprise you but Grand Leader Ayatullah Kahamaei have solved quite a few computer realted issues on his site leader.ir. For instance he forbade us to use pirated softwares which not only because its theft but becaus it will also discourage the local software developer to come up with his own software. In other words not benificiary for the ummat as a whole.
We need to upgrade the SHERIYAT in accordance wiht modern science n technology but there is nothing to change in the ideology. As far as the local mullahs are concerned most of thee are illeterate idiots
Much of it is a power trip. You can see that dynamic in America especially where, if somebody disagrees with the head of a Masjid, the solution to them is to go and open another one half a mile away.
Ashi
Well, I smiled after reading that- but it isn’t funny!
aMmAr
I apologise for late reply. I missed your comment yesterday.
The Ayatollah’s ruling sounds reasonable. However, I doubt detailed and foolproof laws can be edicted without extensive knowledge of computer science.
Ayatollah must be a reasonable man, surely. Otherwise we should have seen him often on the media.
Well at least it’s good to know that somebody else noticed the problem besides me and my parents!
There are plenty others.
great post -
hope someone is listening to these sensible views
Thanks Raza.