The Islamic Family Law Amendments
by Azra Banu Mohd. Sidek
The Islamic Family Law Amendments (IFLA) most unfortunately continue to cause a completely unjustified uproar, and have resulted in wildly incorrect and inflammatory statements from various individuals and organizations, some of whom are clearly ignorant about the true intention of the amendments and their accurate and authenticated foundations in Islamic Law. These letters have recently taken on an abrasive and offensive tone. Gender issues and women’s rights are of critical importance to us all, but they do tend to generate highly charged emotions. It is evident from recent publicized communications that reason and rationality are being discarded in dealing with gender issues, particularly in the case of the IFLA.
A good and complete understanding of the IFLA requires much more serious scrutiny than many are seemingly willing to give. This is evident from the many letters being circulated which are still repetitively trumpeting the same objections that had originally been raised in a very emotional and hasty manner, even though these objections had already been satisfactorily and accurately answered by competent authorities. Now the attacks have taken a malicious and abusive personal slant against a respected government minister who finds herself caught in the middle of this issue. To make this type of criticism is indeed reprehensible and tells a lot about those who would stoop to such devious and distasteful antics. The minister in question should be lauded for her integrity in standing firmly behind the correct interpretation of the complex legal and religious principles involved upon expert advise by authorities of the law.
As Muslims, our first allegiance is to our Creator whose infinite wisdom we do not question. Any study of the IFLA must take the specifics and intentions of Allah’s revelation into primary consideration and the authenticated traditions of His prophet. Anyone wishing to support or oppose these amendments must do the same. As Muslims we cannot reject the spiritual guidance of God, therefore becoming our own authority, and establishing our own worldly standards. It is completely unacceptable that views on any matter related to Islam be represented by anyone applying only their human opinion and standards. How arrogant and unbecoming for anyone to think Muslim women need saving from the clutches of Islam! For non-Muslims to demand that Islamic Family Law be based on godless and secular principles of so-called justice and equality is absolutely ridiculous and grossly insulting. If it ever becomes necessary to propose new legislations then that new law must also be based on the established, correctly interpreted principles of Islamic justice.
Of course comments on Islam are always welcome but must be based on authenticated sources of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), not just someone’s arbitrary opinion. Those who desire to comment on, or even question Islam must first study and truly understand Islam and all that Islam stands for.
Non-Muslims have to understand that Islam is the governing principle in every aspect of a Muslim’s life to a degree seldom seen in the believers and practitioners of other religions. Islam is not just a matter of rituals and worship; Islam is a total way of life. For those who cannot or will not accept the crucial importance of this most important reality in the life of all Muslims I can only say, hopefully without insult, please stay out of our business. As Muslims we have no difficulty accepting non-Muslims have different beliefs and live their lives differently than we do. Please show us the same courtesy.
Azra Banu Mohd. Sidek
Founding Member
Muslim Professionals Forum
Suite 1810, 18th Floor, Plaza Permata,
Jalan Kampar,
Kuala Lumpur 50400
Tel : 03-40427139
azrabanu@gmail.com