Understanding Shariah Can Counter Irrational Prejudice
by Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah and Muhammed Chaudhry
from Silicon Valley Mercury News
Silicon Valley is renowned for innovation in software, social media and biotechnology — all reasons why countless flock here to work and raise their families. But the Valley of Heart’s Delight also boasts the best of pluralism, multiculturalism and interreligious cooperation, which is fertile ground for a serious discussion about the latest national debate: What is Shariah, and can it peacefully exist within America’s legal system?
Critics increasingly question religious freedom rights for American Muslims. Many call Islam and America “wholly incompatible.” While few understand what exactly they are banning, more than 20 states have discussed or passed anti-Shariah legislation. Some politicians are demanding that Muslims serving in the military be discharged, baselessly alleging that Shariah commands that “Muslims kill Americans.” When influential politicians such as Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain demand that American Muslims take a loyalty oath or “repudiate Shariah” to receive equal rights, no one wins.
Muslims are now facing what American Jews, Catholics, Mormons, Italians, Irish, American Indians and African-Americans have suffered through: fear mongering and discrimination. This discrimination is real and directly affects our workplace. The New York Times reports that while Muslims make up only 2 percent of America’s workforce, they filed nearly 25 percent of religious discrimination claims in 2009. Silicon Valley leaders must lead the charge to change this un-American development.
The correct understanding of Shariah can ignite this change.
Shariah is a set of laws and principles about how Muslims should lead their lives. Muslims use Shariah in private matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, worship and personal morals. Shariah is like the Jewish law (Halacha) utilized in Beit Din (rabbinical courts). American Jews routinely use Halacha for property contracts, divorces and business disputes. American Muslims use Shariah for the exact same purposes.
A “Shariah takeover” is impossible because the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause ensures that the Constitution is always the undisputed sovereign law of the land. Likewise, true Islamic teachings promote a just, secular government with a separation of mosque and state. Far from a threat, Shariah actually champions the U.S. Constitution.
