We ordained for the Children of Israel ....
This quote is from the Talmud, and applies only to Jews. He also leaves out
…unless it be (as punishment) for murder or for spreading mischief in the land.
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So it does not apply to punishment for "spreading mischief" anyway. The Koran goes on to describe the punishment for such things, including hacking the victim's body to pieces:
The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter; Except for those who repent before they fall into your power: in that case, know that Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. Qur'an5:33-34
Mr Sali said he wanted to represent "genuine and sincere" Muslims, and it was the radicals who were "trying to trash the name of Islam". We can sympathise with him, as the "religion of peace" is a hard sell, and no doubt most Muslims feel that the behaviour of the Islamic State is an embarrassment. But to try to save face by misrepresenting what the Koran actually says, and what authoritative Muslim sources contend, is not a tactic that is ultimately going to succeed. People can see through this deception.
Islamists like Doureihi, who reject democracy and universal human rights, have views that are objectionable, but at least they are trying to be honest. What we really need to do is to progress these discussions, from quibbling about nuances of Islamic beliefs, to a more substantive level, where we can debate issues about the nature of religious beliefs, their desirability, and most critically, their authenticity.
Unless and until we can start to consider the benefits of reason, rationality, and secularism, especially in relation to Islam, we will continue in a downward spiral of disharmony and conflict that will ultimately threaten civilisation itself.
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