Whipping drinking woman?

I seldom venture to write about serious issues, but this one intrigued me.

" A Muslim woman who admitted to alcohol intake, has been sentenced to 'religious' whipping as punishment. The woman is not challenging the punishment meted out for her and is willing to undergo it. "

So now, what's the issue?

Suddenly, progressive Malaysia is confronted with this 'punishement' form that is normally heard of only in countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Even though Malaysia is a 'Islamic' country by name, by law, Islamic ruling only governs personal and family matters. This means, 'punishment' for a crime is not under 'Islamic' jurisdiction.

And so, now, there's chaos.

The public is stunned. There being no precendence and no history of such 'punishment' being meted out by the court before, the thought of a Muslim being whipped for drinking in modern Malaysia makes people's jaw drop. (Despite the fact that drinking is clearly stated as Haram in Islam, and specific punishment for drinking being outlined clearly in the Shariah).

The foreign press is having a gala time covering the story. Reading their version makes a person believe that overnight, Malaysia has turned from a friendly and welcoming 'truly Asian' nation to a frightening place- rigid and backward.

The politicians are now scrambling to do damage control. Right or wrong aside, bottom line is that 'modern' Malaysia surely cannot be seen internationally with such image. Those in power release daily statements. In their hastiness though, some have even released statements that are spurring even more controversy. (Remember, in the last general election, 5 states fell to the opposition, and one of the main members of the opposition coalition is an 'Islamic' party- with strong supporters). Certain public figures who have forgotten this, continues to say things that shouts of their Islamic ignorance and understanding of the faith.

The non-Muslims of Malaysia are also joining in the fray. Having never heard of such methods of 'punishment' and having no knowledge of the Shariah, they are now innocent bystanders of the whole fiasco. Of course, for those non-Muslims living in urban areas (try Bangsar for example), they must be even more shocked- what with more than half of club-goers being Malays and the sight of a Malay drinking being commonplace in the more 'posh' side of town.


.......


So, where do I stand?

Islam is complete, complete in its teachings and its laws. When you pick and choose which parts you want to follow, and limit its scope, you are trying to secularize something which in essence is a way of life. And so, it gets warped.
This situation is an ideal example.
There are so many things wrong with the way this whole thing was handled that I can't even begin.
My only hope is that it doesn't become an avenue for people to misunderstand Islam and its teachings.

Ramadhan Mubarak~