Approaching the West — Page 69
A pproaching the West—69 5 Religious Law and Terrorism To start with, let me say a few words about “Religious Law” in general. Then I would like to submit a few historical events concerning some attempts in recent history to impose religious law, specifically with reference to the Isl ā mic religious law (known as Shar ī ‘ah) in Pakistan, pointing out the encountered difficulties in its implementation and its connection with terrorism in that country. Towards the end, I would like to share the good news that the future is not in the hands of those who believe in and practice violence, hatred and terrorism. The future is in the hands of those who are working for the establishment of human rights, freedom of religion, justice, peace and mutual love and respect. Religious Law is considered by its followers as decreed either by a Higher Spiritual Power or promulgated by men of God under the Divine inspiration and authority. Whether it is the Hindu Manu Smriti, or Judaism’s Halakhah, or the Christian Divine Canon, or the Shar ī ‘ah of Isl ā m–Religious Law always claims to have rules and regulations comprehensive enough to govern a broad spectrum of human life. It includes codes of ethics and morality. It shapes rituals and customs. It tries to cover almost all aspects of