Muslim Group Seeks to Ban Sharia Law in America
- Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:11am by
Billy Hallowell
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The debate over Sharia law in America is taking some interesting twists and turns.
In Oklahoma, courts are debating whether citizens have the right to ban Sharia law. And in Michigan, a group of Muslims have actually come out in strong opposition to Islamic law in America.
In the case of Oklahoma, a 2010 ballot initiative put a stop to considerations of Islamic laws in making state court decisions. The measure, which passed by a 70 percent margin, was challenged by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The group claimed that the initiative was a direct violation of the Constitution’s Establishment Clause. ABC News has more:
Now, a panel of judges from the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals will decide whether a lower court was right to block the ballot initiative. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) joined CAIR in challenging this anti-Sharia measure.
In a separate debate, the American Islamic Leadership Conference (AILC) recently announced support for a Michigan bill (HB 4679) that would prevent state judges from utilizing foreign laws. This, to the surprise of some, would include Sharia law. This group, comprised of Muslim adherents, is opposed do any state court decisions that would conflict with American law. In an official release, the group writes:
As American Muslims, we believe that the law should treat people of all faiths equally, while protecting Muslims and non-Muslims alike from extremist attempts to use the legal instrument of shari‘ah (also known as Islamic jurisprudence, or fiqh) to incubate, within the West, a highly politicized and dangerous understanding of Islam that is generally known as “Islamism,” or “radical Islam.”
In the statement, the group also claims that it sees no problem with the law and that it will not, as some would likely charge, hamper the rights of Muslims. Additionally, the AILC opposes the “fear mongering” it claims more radical groups are undertaking here in America, writing:
As American Muslims we are conscious of the fact that Muslim Brotherhood legacy groups and other Islamists and their surrogates in the U.S. are trying their best to portray any opposition to manifestations of shari‘ah law as “racism” and “discrimination against Muslims.”
According to the Huffington Post, Manda Ervin, who signed on to the release and who heads the Maryland-based Alliance of Iranian Women, explained why she’s opposed to Sharia law here in America:
“Many of us fled the Muslim world to escape Shariah law…We do not wish these laws to follow us here.”
But not all Muslims agree with state laws that would officially forbid Sharia compliance. Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im, a law professor at Emory University in Atlanta, has the following to say about initiatives like the ones currently being debated in Oklahoma and Michigan:
“It‘s fearmongering and it’s reckless. It’s ridiculous that state legislatures are wasting time on a law that tells judges to do what they are already constitutionally bound to do anyway.”
Michigan and Oklahoma are not alone. More than 20 states are examining laws that would ban Sharia in courtrooms. It is important, however, to understand that each of these laws have a different focus. While some explicitly point out Islamic law and solely target its tenets, other proposals — like the one in Michigan — more broadly target foreign laws. The AILC has come out in support for latter but not the former.
So, still wondering what Sharia is? Below, watch a FORA.tv discussion about the many elements in the contemporary debate surrounding Islamic law:
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Comments (159)
the58thstate
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:24amthis has been decided a few hundred years ago in that little thing called the constitution. there is treason in our courts just to take this case.
Report Post »One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:21amHow I’d love to send a heat seeking missile into that first picture up there….freaking Muhammads.
NES
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 11:13amHe’s a Soros troll pretending to be a Tea Partier. The progs can’t find any evidence of racism in the Tea Party, so they have to manufacture it by pretending to be racist Tea Partiers. It‘s one of Saul Alinsky’s rules for radicals to discredit the opposition. Most of their IP addresses are from Media Matters and The “Huffing Glue” Post.
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 1:30pmStalin? is that you?
Report Post »scrapadapolis
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:20amAnyone who commits a crime in another country is bound by their laws.You cannot have a country with two sets of rules.I kill my wife as an American and face the death penalty,Then convert to muslim and claim my wife dishonored me and by shreria law be set free.
Report Post »quiltgal
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 10:02amIn her essay, “The Nature of Governments,” Ayn Rand deals with your very good point: That having 2 sets of laws in the same geographical area is absurd. She calls it the theory of “competing governments.“ She says the proponents of this theory declare that ”since competition is so beneficial to business, it should also be applied to government…and there should be a number of different governments in the same geographical area, competing for the allegiance of individual citizens, with every citizen free to ‘shop’ and to patronize whatever government he chooses.” She then gives an example of its implementation and makes it easy to see that in practice this theory is completely unworkable and would lead to anarchy.
You are right: American law and Sharia law are not the same and cannot co-exist within the same government.
Report Post »4XGrace
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 11:32amThe American Constitution already stands against Sharia law doesn’t it? The separation of church and state. Sharia Law and Islam are both, Church and State; Religion and Law.
I think it is very telling that they come over here to get away from Sharia Law.
If those groups, the UN, ACLU and CAIR ever formed a coalition it would be very UNCLAIR for the laws of America — muddy the waters so to speak. ;-)
Report Post »GKS
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 11:49amUntil relatively recently the majority of Americans were pathetically ignorant of Islam and just assumed it was another religion which had its “fanatics” like all religions blah blah blah. The fact of the matter is that Islam purports to have received direct, specific and final commands from God which are non negotiable. It is very simple. Muslims unquestioningly believe this. Protestants have Bibles where sections are printed in red to indicate divine utterances. Well the Koran is ALL in red. Consequently the following of Sharia is the historic ideal of Muslims. You can not oppose God after all. Only “bad” Muslims would be opposed to it and Islam does not deal with sinners gently.
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 12:08pm@4×4 Grace,
Report Post »The Constitution does not say anything about seperating church and state. But more to the point, it does say that every person has the right to a trial by a jury of their peers. Sharia law takes away this right and leaves the judgement of a person unto their religious leader or the head of their household. The problem is that if a person agrees to be held to sharia law and is then sentenced to death, they will then appeal to the regular court system because we do not dole out the death penalty for cheating or owning a Bible. These two systems of law cannot co-exist.
lel2007
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:13amOne Country. One People. One Law for All. Make perfect sense to me. Anyone in need of Sharia Law should go to Sharia Land.
Report Post »Wiseone1w
Posted on September 15, 2011 at 5:20pmSimple and concise. I like it. If you oppose the Constitution of the United States of America, LEAVE.
Report Post »randy
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:58amThe American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) joined CAIR in challenging this anti-Sharia measure.
These 2 groups waging war on the US are your enemies……
Oh yeah, and don’t forget the UN….
The UN, ACLU and CAIR
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on September 14, 2011 at 9:31amHey Randy lets not forget our DOJ and AG. Throw in our President for a bonus. He sai the pretttiest sound he knew was the Islamic morning prayers when he was attending an Islamic school where he lived with one of his mothers minority husbands.
Pray for our President – Psalm 109:8
Report Post »AnAmerican111
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:57amSharia Law-
Another fine example of how peaceful the pathetic excuse for a religion islam is!
Take it back to the desert!
Wiseone1w
Posted on September 15, 2011 at 5:33pmLets think about what happens if Islam and Sharia takes over the U.S. Muslims hate homosexuals and believe they should be killed. San Francisco’s population? Exterminated. Massachussetts and New York, mass slaughters. They hate people who have sex outside of marriage and think they should be killed. Virtually all non-religious Americans, and half of the religious ones, dead. They hate educated women and think they should be stoned. Half of the remaining U.S. population, dead. They hate Christians and believe they should be given three choices, convert, become a slave (dhimmi), or die. All truly committed Christians, dead or enslaved. All fair weather Christians, converted. They hate all people who leave Islam to change their faith and believe they should be killed. Result, no one ever leaves Islam and all fair weather converted Christians have children raised as committed muslims. They fear and suppress education because it is difficult to control an educated population. All future generations of Americans raised as uneducated zealots, resulting in economic collapse, famine, poverty, disease and death. (More or less like the middle east.) Final result? Most of America dead, the small remaining population barbaric tribesman who think women are cattle and all people who are different should be killed.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:56amWonderful news, it is good to see that there are, as many of us know, Muslums who are citizens of the US and who reject the Sharia law and the message of the extremists of that faith.
Those of the Extremist Islamist movement are the true core danger in this particular matter, those who are activists and the Imam’s who preach hate, violence, religious intolerance and superiority are on a moral level as those who preached enslavement of African-Americans during the darkness of the Ameican Slave era.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:53amWonderful news indeed, the people of Islam making a stand for the rights and freedom of American laws, against the oppression of Sharia and the radicals of Islam.
The greater majority of Muslums in America, who are US citizens, love the nation and freedoms of the Constitution and do not want a Sharian law influence on tne nations courts. It is the handful of true radical extremists and radical Imams who preach the hatered and enslavement of Sharia that is the real dangers, underminding the law to enforce their will on free people who want nothing to do with it, even in the same faith.
Mind youj, I speak directly as a Christian convert from a predominatly Muslum family, with one who is a true radical and advocate for Sharia.
Report Post »Shellback
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:29amThisi is great and very courageous. They have made themselves a target. Now if the lame stream media would cover it as well.
Report Post »Tusker
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 11:06amI couldn’t agree more Snowleopard and Shellback!
Report Post »JohnGalt
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:48amThis is what we need, we can stand united on this and we need to as American’s! I am glad to hear there are some Muslims who will make the stand, but I understand the fear they must have when standing up against murderous people who won’t take anyone who even slightly apposes the Muslim faith.
Report Post »pscully17
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:56amHow does a court overturn a ballot initiative to ban shari law, which passed with 70 percent consensus? We have become a nation of idiots catering to the whim of a small minority group, at the peril of the whole. What do WE THE PEOPLE stand for? apparently, NOTHING. we no longer have any idea what Americanism is!! One Nation, Under God, … A democratic Republic, as established by the CONSTITUTION alloowed for the Majority to govern itself in the best way they see fit. making laws to accomodate individuals, who wish not to conform to the majority sentiment, is a very perilous situation. hence, we have sharia laws implemented separate from the lwas that govern the rest of us. WHO ALLOWS THAT? The reason we have established laws through Congress, through Constitutional process, is to guarentee the results will be in the best interest, and established by and for everyone that lives within our borders!! deviating from this consensus is going to destroy our whole system… its already happening. Goodbye America!
Report Post »Lloyd Drako
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:39amEntirely sensible from every point of view.
Since Muslims themselves do not agree on the extent and interpretation of Sharia law, a measure such as this has the effect of refusing to privilege any of them in state courts, while leaving private disputes to be adjudicated according to differing versions. Within that limited sphere, it‘s the equivalent of the Constitution’s prohibition of an established church.
You frequently hear the question, “WhereTF are the moderate Muslims?” Apparently they do exist, at least in Michigan.
Report Post »Beckett
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:39amFinally, a sighting of the more- elusive -than-big-foot “Moderate Muslim.”
Report Post »Slayer
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:53amAgreed! And how will CAIR spin themselves into a pretzel to label these Muslims as… anti-Muslim racist hatemongers?
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 4:28pmThey already have a name for them. Apostates.
Report Post »Shenandoahvalleypatriot
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:38amIf only the Muslims that disagree with the extremist would come forward and help us fight, they would be greeted as fellow Americans.
Report Post »NuffSaid
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:38amMight be good news, but I understand that the eleventh koranic commandment is,
“Thou shalt lie to all non islammics whenever you can make them look stupid or weaken their resolve.” Is there one thing I should believe that comes out of a Muslim mouth? Just one thing? For a muslim, the religion always comes first, this is how they were raised. They couldn’t care less if a million Americans die. They might as well be the Islamic branch of the Black Caucus.
Let’s see what happens. Where’s an Islamic Tea Party? Where’s one Muslim sob willing to speak in public– You weak ass**, Try this-we did!
Give me liberty or give me death! Stick that in your koran.
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 3:18pmTotally agree couldnt have said it better
Report Post »yiska8
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 5:03pmExactly. They will lie to your face and curse you under their breath because you are less.You are not Muslim, so you do not count. Moderate Muslims? They’re like urban legends!! I’m sure they exist, but how do I know they’re not being supported by CAIR, or Muslim society who does anti-American protests too? They do not wish us well. It’s about 10 years too late. The commercial jets became missles 10 years ago “moderate” Muslims! Where the hell have you people been to take back your religion? You have to fight for everything that is precious. Nothing is free! The war should have been between “moderate” Muslims and zealots for the foundation of their religion and sharia.Instead Americans are sent far from home upholding their duty and spilling their blood to protect us, democratize rogue nations and people, and fight an enemy that will not stop their crusade for one world under Islamic and sharia rule. Moderate Muslims? I wish I could believe it, but I just don’t.
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:30amNo Comment
Report Post »bobora
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:28amMuslim group seeks to ban sharia law? What, all five of them?
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:28ammmm hmmm.. sure. whatever you say.. Never trust a muslim..
Report Post »Speak without Fear
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:04amHmmmmmmm. Need more convincing. Just sayin.
Report Post »tvr54
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:06amThat’s strange, My mom told me when i was very young you can’t trust those liaring ba****d, the muslims are taught to liar. she’s 96 and still says the same .
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:27amI guess maybe this is the ONLY way anyone will listen, when the Muslims themselves try to tell you how BAD it is!!
Report Post »Hickory
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:34amThey are now branded as apostates. The Muslim religion is not tolerate of apostates and will give them one chance to come back into the fold. If they don’t it is the duty of their Imam to kill them preferably by beheading. Don’t take my word for it, read the Koran.
Report Post »mikem1969
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:34amIf that is what they are after then yes, I support it. But let’s remember they are told to lie to their enemy and falsely befriend him to get to their goals of islam everywhere. Watch what the left hand is doing.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:10am@ Hickory I have read some of the Koran and what you say is true,their Koran commands Muslims to kill apostates and infidels and also spread their religion globally.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:26amGood for those muslims.. They’ll have my backing!
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 3:22pmThey will have your head next …………carefull who you believe
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:24amIt’s about time that American Muslims started speaking out! Where have they been? I can tell you: In hiding because they know that speaking out about sharia can spell death for them. Why are we even discussing the possibility of allowing foreign “laws” in our country? If you haven‘t listened to Oskar Freisynger’s speech, DO IT NOW!!!
Report Post »NJTMATO
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:34amThey’ve been here….see “ACT for America”…(can‘t remember if it’s org or com) but take a look, lots of great information there.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:23amIt’s good to see some muslim groups opposing shariah law here in the states.It’s ludicrous that we even have to talk about shariah law here though,we have a constitution that‘s served us well when presidents aren’t constantly violating it that is.
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:21amGlad to see that Muslims are finally waking up and standing against Shria law and wanting a better life. But the ones that want it here, then I have only one thing to say. LEAVE THIS COUNTRY NOW.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:20amOf course the ACLU would side with CAIR. They’re not Christian…..
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:22am“Manda Ervin, who signed on to the release and who heads the Maryland-based Alliance of Iranian Women, explained why she’s opposed to Sharia law here in America:
“Many of us fled the Muslim world to escape Shariah law…We do not wish these laws to follow us here.””
And the ACLU also ignores the pleas of people like this who know first hand what damage sharia would do to society.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:20am.
Report Post »Well while ya’ll are at it, go ahead and ban the Whole Damn Thing…………
capitalismrocks
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:19amSee – now THIS is exactly what I’m talking about. I can stand behind and support Muslims who speak out AGAINST the barbaric 1,000 year old way of thinking of the Sharia Law mindset…
THESE are the types of Muslims that understand what it means to come to America to get AWAY from the things going on in their original countries, the same as others came to America to get away from the ways their old countries were.
This is also a turning point, when all Muslims in America denounce terrorism, denounce Sharia and stand up and say “We are NOT Muslims living in America…. we are Americans”
Welcome to the Great American Melting Pot…
Report Post »anthony0713
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:21amI agree completely, and I couldn’t have said it better.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:25amAgreed 100 %
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:26amAmen!
Report Post »mom_in_WI
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:27amagreed!!! well put!
Report Post »J4Y
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:07amAs good as this story sounds, i have a problem with all muslims as they ALL practice Salat and this must be done five times a day. The part of the prayer that praises Mohammad is like condoning the hatred taught in not just the Koran but a lot of the books of the Hadith towards Jews and Infidels. People before you go patting anyone on the back , please remember “Takiyya” which means “caution, fear, or disguise.”
Takiyya permits the suspension, as the need arises, of almost any or all religious requirements including a total denial of faith when fearing threat, injury or compulsion of any kind in a non-Muslim society, or even in a Muslim society.
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 4:26pmAlthough CAPITALISMROCKS lays out a very touching and Christian like approach I lean on the side of caution and suspension as J4Y highlights.
Sharia Law is not within the Koran it’s a man made string of laws that are based from the Koran.
All this lovey dovey stuff about those who are against Sharia or the “radical fringe” hold no weight for me. They still worship a murdering pedophile who slaughtered tens of thousands and beheaded hundreds by his own hands.They openly accept and promote lying to further enhance their objectives, subject non believers to slavery , professed Islam as the only faith to be practiced in all the world and directed his followers to enforce this by forced conversion, enslavement or death.
So before we all start holding hands and singing goom-ba-ya….Lets get a clear picture of just who these people are and yes there may be a few who don‘t subscribe to all of Allah’s teachings but are we then to conclude these are Muslims? Or are those who do follow all of Muhammad’s teachings along with the use of abrogation as Islamic scholars and Imams adhere to are the true Muslims and the rest are simply apostates.
Very confusing especially when the media and our own politicians from both sides of the aisle tell us that Islam is a peaceful religion when all the signs and scriptures written point to a murderous and violent political ideology wrapped in a pagan ritualistic religion.
Report Post »KangarooJack
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:17amKeep it coming non-extreemist Muslims. It is good to see this. The statement regarding many Muslims fleeing/escaping Sharia Law and not wanting it to follow them, needs to be heard.
Report Post »B4B
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:37amIt’s the Muslim version of the crusades. Look to Europe for a glimpse into our future if we’re not vigilant.
Report Post »They immigrate to a country and do not assimilate to become part of the new community.
They use the new country’s laws as protection as they seek to eventually destroy and replace those laws with Sharia. It matters not if it takes hundreds of years. It happens incrementally.
Gonzo
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 11:25amTrust but verify.
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