The Qur’an sanctions sex with captive and slave women: “And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you” (4:24). Al-Shabaab is acting barbarically, but as far as they are concerned, they are acting within their rights and not forbidding what […]
Moderation! Iran may hang, not stone woman convicted of adultery
After all, the only thing the label of “moderate” guarantees is that one is somehow less “extreme” than the next guy. Still, according to this report, even this decision is a logistical one. The prison lacks the facilities to carry out the stoning, they say, though perhaps that claim aims to mollify those who would […]
Turkish court accepts “blasphemy” lawsuit citing Euro court precedent and “the right to respect for one’s religious feelings”
It is ironic, but perhaps not unforseeable, that societies which are increasingly obsessed with “feelings,” both as an inviolable matter of respect and as a motivation to act or believe, have at the same time become increasingly brutish and crass. Perhaps it is because everything is a bigger deal and in need of a reaction. […]
Maldives considering complete ban of pork and alcohol under Sharia, following protesters’ demands
The practice of any faith other than Sunni Islam is already illegal there, which only supports the drive to legislate accordingly. Indeed, the gradual implementation of stricter and stricter Sharia reaches a tipping point as one rule leads to another: if we are enforcing this rule, why not that? And that, and that? Hence the […]
Pakistan: Interior minister acknowledges that assassinated Christian minority affairs minister was killed by Muslim “terrorists”
This is a major U-turn on prior attempts to re-write the official account of Shahbaz Bhatti’s death to make him the victim of a random crime, or even a dispute between Christians, rather than the target for assassination for criticizing the blasphemy law. It is all the more exceptional considering the source, the interior minister, […]
Iranian authorities detain entire church at Christmas celebration, including Sunday school kids
After all, they can’t have any subversive macaroni art getting out on the streets. Incidents like this are shows of force, but they are not shows of strength. The regime’s paranoia betrays a sense of fragility. If this is what threatens them, that speaks volumes. “Iran Detains Sunday School Kids Celebrating Christmas,” by Anugrah Kumar […]
Egyptian court rules against “virginity tests” on female protesters
The “virginity tests” are a sexual assault carried out by the state, designed to intimidate women into staying home. Authorities can then use the supposed “results” of the tests as one way of writing off those who do show up to protest as women of ill repute, and therefore as bad Muslims acting contrary to […]
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood: Hamas is “role model”
Hamas’ own charter describes itself as “one of the wings of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine.” And Hamas is committed to the destruction of Israel. Some “role model” for the “moderate” and “largely secular” Ikhwan. Then again, the Muslim Brotherhood has already organized its own rally where participants shouted “One day we’ll kill all the […]
Saudi Arabia: Nigerian man’s hand amputated for theft
In accordance with Qur’an 5:38. The Saudis didn’t make that up themselves. “Nigerian man’s hand amputated for theft,” from the Saudi Press Agency, December 26 (thanks to The Religion of Peace): RIYADH “” The right hand of Abdulsamad Ismail Abdullah Hawsawe, a Nigerian national, was amputated here Friday after he was found guilty of the […]
Iran’s Thug-in-Chief calls for government-approved clothing for women
Surely there are things the Iranian government has decided it can’t afford, but it can find the time and money for a “fashion show.” Islamic morality policing is a cheap, lazy political tool with which to look pious and busy, while reminding the public who is boss. Meanwhile, if the women still run afoul of […]