Relationship between Religion and Politics in Islam — Page vii
Foreword In today’s world, Shariah law frequently takes the forefront of international headlines as a symbol of Islamic oppression and ter- rorism. The sensitivities surrounding this issue have divided pop- ulations with a polarizing effect. Some Western nations and states have even gone to the extent of passing legislation against Shariah law. However, the fact of the matter is that these extremes are fue- led by fear and misunderstanding, much of which Muslims are directly responsible for. In his speech addressing IRIS (Inter-Religious Council in Suriname) entitled The Relationship between Religion & Politics in Islam , Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad rta analyzes the complexities of implementing Shariah law from various angles. His assessment is refreshingly accommodating to modern structures of governance in pluralistic societies. Nevertheless, he bases all of his conclusions directly from the Holy Quran, Hadith and Sunnah. He also calls out the hypocrisy so rampantly witnessed in Muslim countries. He rightfully admonishes Muslims to first reform themselves before oppressively imposing their