Islam is not responsible for human rights violation in undemocratic states, it’s the men, says Shireen Ebadi, the Nobel peace prize holder (2003) and an Iranian advocate. She preferred to overlook the fact that most of the Islamic countries do not adhere to democracy and if some of them profess to be democratic, apparently, it’s a sham in those countries.

However, it is heartening when voices are raised within Islam about the needs for reinterpretation of Islamic tenets, as there is no room for reform in Islam. Regarding inferior status to women by Islamist clerics, she urges, “Don’t let people masquerading as clerics claim monopoly on understanding Islam. Allah created us as equal.”

She adds that many Islamic laws, like stoning to death, are not even there in Koran. By another law, a rape victim has to produce four witnesses. This was to ensure no one would bring false testimonials. Today, the medical profession is such that it needs a single drop of blood to establish paternity. Surely, it can serve in place of four witnesses.

Don’t fear Islam, fear the dictators who hide behind the flag. In the name of Shariat people justify rape, forced marriage, unlawful talaq (divorce). But, Islam has different interpretations in different countries. In Saudi Arabia, a woman can’t even drive, let alone enter a political formation, while in Bangladesh and Pakistan women have become prime ministers. Again, stoning to death is permitted in Iran and Saudi Arabia but banned in Indonesia, Malaysia, Tunisia, Algeria.

However, she regretted that fighting terrorism has become an excuse to infringe on human rights. On the pretext of ‘national interest’, governments around the world are increasing their powers and controls. But, this has not led to a decrease in terrorism. In fact, it seems as if it’s on the rise.

Via: The Times of India