Comparing Sharia Law to American Law

Submitted by Leah (United States), Aug 29, 2006 at 16:21

Islamic law seems barbaric, but so does American law. In truth, any legal system has its flaws---even tragic ones. However, unless one has seriously studied both American and Shariah law, and is familiar with the various technicalities, loopholes, procedures and laws of each tradition, it is impossible to say that one is more humane than the other. The punishment of flogging, for instance, might at first seem evil----until one finds out that it can be done with the tip of a garment or other very light material.

With regard to women---well, we are both messed up on that point. In America, the concept of modesty as it used to be respected by Christianity and Judaism is basically lost. The female body is exploited and broadcasted across TV and magazines, simply for the purpose of making companies richer. Occasionally, there is a genuine artistic reason to expose nudity (for instance, the film "Monster's Ball"), but more often it is simply to make money. Miniskirts and tight tops may even be worn in some liberal churches and synagogues. Additionally, while we do not practice polygamy (which, by the way, is only debatably condoned by the Koran), we do have multiple marriages and divorces---the only difference is that they are consecutive rather than simultaneous.

In many Muslim societies, women are oppressed and considered inferior.

So you see, we are both rather messed up.

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