Can one respect state law even if in Contradiction to Sharia?

[Sophie29]

As a Revert living in a western Country this is particularily relevant for me.

The theory of multiculturalism is that we should respect each others beliefs and culture. We do not need to agree with each other but we should respect each other's differences and agree to differ. This we are told is necessary for peaceful co-existence and to avoid conflict.

But I want to know whether others feel that this is possible?. Is it possible to respect people whose lifestyle and a state whose law, clearly contradicts Islamic doctrine in a lot of ways.

Some state's allow Homosexuals to marry. Most western state's prohibit polygamy. Judicial systems are inevitable very different. So many event's are of Christian origin, such as Christmas, Easter and the May Bank Holiday is a Socialist celebration. National News is preceeded by a Christian prayer 'the Angelus'.

I don't want to live in state of conflict with my environment, but now that I've reverted I struggle with some of the above.

I'd appreciate others views.

Hope all are well

S

 

[ShyHijabi]

Salaam,

I believe the Christians have a bible verse that states, "Be in the world, but not of the world." Furthermore we have ayas in the Qu'ran that state not to treasure things of the dunya. Just because there are states that allow homosexuals to marry does not mean it is legitimate in the eyes of God. For instance, I can go to parts of Europe that actually allow me to marry my brother but this does not mean it is halaal or legitimate...I could marry a lamp post but it wouldn't matter in the end.

There is a difference between respect and tolerance. While we live in a society where Muslims are the minority we must tolerate that they (non Muslims)will live and practice differently than ourselves. This does not mean we need to approve or give respect to their way of life. Just know that they will be judged by Allah swt in the afterlife as we will as well.

All of the US had outlawed polygamy but that only means marriage to more than one spouse through the state. Many Muslims are married via the state though to one woman and have nikah with others. This does not violate the laws of the state and therefore there is no contradiction against Shariah which permits more than one wife. A man can sleep with dozens of women at one time :astag: and there is no law against it in the US. He just can''t have a marriage (state decreed) with dozens of women at one time....silly, isn't it?

We do not live in a Muslim controlled community and therefore we must live according to our laws but not try and force others to our way of life. Allah guides whom he pleases. Hope this eases your mind, inshallah.

Wasalaam

~Sarah

 

[Aboo00]

Respecting and abiding by the law means those laws that do not conflict with the Sharee'ah or no clear text from the Sharee'ah exists to refute it. If no clear text exists then that would be a law you would have to obey. An example of this traffic signals. No clear text in the Sharee'ah states that a Muslim should not abide by this rule and thus we must if that is the law.

Now as it relates to things that clearly oppose the Sharee'ah then our stance is that we love what Allaah loves and hate what Allaah hates. This does not mean we bash the people over the head with our beliefs and terrorize them. What it means is you do not have to agree with or tolerate homosexual acts for example. We can use these as opportunities to teach the people about what our Lord says regarding these acts.

Don't forget that as an American, by law you have the right to agree or disagree