Don't Sweat Shari'a ~ Worry About Those who Interpret Shari'a And Their Enforcers

You will find Born Again Christian Bigots in every religion and faith. You can also find Saints

The Life and Times Of Brian Waddington

Being the moral majority of one may be somewhat daunting

First I'll give you the quote. Later I'll tell you who back in the day may have said it.

“Ward off the hudud from the Muslims as much as you all can, and if you find a way out for the person, then let them go. For it is better for the authority to err in mercy than to err in punishment.”

For those who aren't up on Islamic Law 'hudud' is the name given to the worst crimes in Shari'a Law. Naturally the worst crimes carry the worst punishments. Punishments right up there with Christian Old Testament Laws or the ancient Laws of the Jews. 

But hudud also comes with the above teaching that places Mercy above Justice. Which is not to say that those found guilty are not punished. But the punishment will not be all that Shari'a allows. Rather it will be all that Mercy demands.

Sadly in some countries where Shari'a is the law the encouragement to ward off the hudud is ignored by the givers of Islamic Justice just the way Born Again Christian Bigots (to coin a phrase) concentrate on God's Justice and ignore Her Mercy.

That's a pity because it was The Prophet (may he be blessed) who apparently made the suggestion to ward off the hudud.

Brian