By: Alex Bensky

Alex Bensky — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 11:15:17 +0000

I especially like the term “religious counseling.” To Americans it evokes an image of a fatherly pastor, perhaps in a cardigan, quietly conversing with a congregant, perhaps praying together. I have a sneaking suspicion that the actuality in this case is a bit different.

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:07:04 +0000

Under Islamic law, Revathi is in mortal danger. The general rule under sharia is that she must be counseled (with torture if required) to return to Islam. By all the four main schools of Islamic jurisprudence, an apostate who has beyond a doubt left Islam, must be killed. The apostate is given 3 days to utter the shahada, otherwise the apostate is subject to be put to death. Under three of the main four schools, even in the case of a woman, she must be put to death. In the case of the Malikites, a nursing woman must be postponed until she is done nursing.

I have customers in Malaysia. The legal structure as described is correct. However, Malaysian tolerance is now a myth. There a now militant Islamic groups all over the country.

Culturally, there is an interesting dynamic there. Like a lot of countries that produce mostly oil, the native populace seems to live feet up and brain in neutral, since they get a share of the oil revenues via rebate from the government. Most of the actual workers in the country seem to be laborers from India and ethnic Chinese, who seem to staff most of the IT operations I deal with. The native Malay seem to resent the Chinese because they are educated and successful and because they are Christian. It reminds me of the resentment of Jews (except for the Christian part).

By: Rahel

Rahel — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:10:45 +0000

When I see the word “relaxed” above, I can’t help but think of its meaning during Inquisition times.

Comments on: AP notices there is compulsion under Islam

By: Alex Bensky

By: Greg

By: Rahel