Amherst talk seeks to address the myths and truth of Sharia law

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain fears that Sharia law could permeate the U.S Court system “if we allow it.”

In Oklahoma, the 10th Circuit court is examining the constitutionality of a 2010 law banning Oklahoma courts from citing, or using, Sharia law.

But Sharia law, law based on Islam and its central religious text the Quran, could not be imposed in this country, says Dr. Mohammad Ali Hazratji.

Hazratji is hoping to address some of the “disinformation” he sees out there about the law Wednesday at the South Congregational Church as part of the Hampshire Mosque lecture series “Understanding Islam.” The title of the neurologist’s talk is “Sharia: Law for living. Facts and fiction.” The talk is free and begins at 6:30 p.m.

“If Muslims enter a country (legally) they accept the laws of that country,” said Hazratji, president of the Hampshire Mosque. So the law would not become part of this country’s legal system, he said.

He said, “The U.S. Constitution has most of the tenets of Sharia. The values of the Sharia are imbedded in the Constitution.”

And even where Sharia is still used, such as in Saudi Arabia, there is some latitude. A judge will apply the maximum penalty, such as an amputation or stoning, only “in extreme situations,” Hazratji said.

But that’s often what gets reported or shown in news clips. The law also applies only to Muslims. The law, Hazratji said, is imbued “with an overwhelming balance of mercy and forgiveness.”

He thinks the talking and fear that the law would be imposed in this country is part of the larger Islamophobia that exists. He said even in the media “who bring in so-called experts, it’s agenda driven,” when it comes to answering questions.

Hazratji, who has been practicing medicine in Holyoke for three decades, said he hopes to provide some education and facts about the law so people can educate others so they are not afraid.

“Knowledge empowers people to make the right judgments,” Hazratji said.
“Islam and extremism are completely opposite.” He said there are a few who feel they have been oppressed and “go to extremes.” They can find “passages (in the Quran) to support your positions.”

But, he said, in “Islam you have to be patient. God will change your situation.”

Hazratji, the former president of the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts in West Springfield, said people who attend his talk will have time to ask questions.

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