The Law And Believers: Behavior And Faith

Islamic Law guides the behaviour of Muslims, with the goal of fostering love and closeness between believers. It lays down guidelines for proper behaviour and also delineates forbidden aspects that must be avoided, such as gambling, fraud, and deception. Muslims are expected to be model citizens and contribute positively to the societies they live in, while also refraining from engaging in acts that are forbidden in Islam, even if they are legal in their country of residence. The Prophet Muhammad also outlined specific acts of courtesy that Muslims should perform for one another, such as offering greetings, accepting invitations, and providing sincere counsel.

Islamic Law and gender relations

Islamic law, or Sharia, is based on the

Marriage and divorce

Christian Views on Marriage and Divorce:

Christian perspectives on marriage and divorce are informed by biblical sources and the teachings of early Church Fathers. Jesus emphasised the permanence and integrity of marriage, quoting Genesis: "So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate" (Matthew 19:6). However, he also acknowledged the reality of divorce, stating that Moses permitted it due to the "hardness of hearts" (Matthew 19:8).

The New Testament provides some guidance on divorce and remarriage. For instance, 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 states: "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife."

The Apostle Paul, while concurring with Jesus' teachings, introduced an exception known as the "Pauline privilege." This interpretation states that if one spouse in a non-Christian couple converts to Christianity, they are allowed to dissolve the marriage if the non-Christian spouse departs.

Different Christian denominations have varying stances on divorce. The Catholic Church, for example, does not prohibit civil divorce but requires annulment (a declaration that the marriage was not canonically valid) for remarriage. The Eastern Orthodox Church permits divorce and remarriage in church under certain circumstances. Most Protestant churches discourage divorce, with denominations like the Mennonite Christian Fellowship forbidding it except in cases of fornication.

Other Religious Perspectives:

Other religious traditions, such as Islam and Dharmic religions, also allow divorce under specific conditions. In Islam, divorce is generally discouraged but can be initiated by either spouse. Dharmic religions, which include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, permit divorce, with specific laws and procedures varying by tradition.

Grounds for Divorce:

While the grounds for divorce vary across different religious and legal traditions, here are some commonly recognised reasons:

• Adultery or sexual immorality: This is recognised in various religious texts, including the Bible (Matthew 5:32, 19:9; Mark 10) and the Quran.
• Abuse: This includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, which is considered a violation of the marriage covenant.
• Abandonment: When one spouse, usually the non-believing partner, chooses to leave the marriage.
• Irretrievable breakdown: Some traditions recognise that a marriage has broken down beyond repair, though the specific criteria may differ.
• Incompatibility: In some jurisdictions, divorce can be granted based on irreconcilable differences or incompatibility.

Impact of Divorce:

Divorce can have significant emotional, social, and financial consequences for all involved, especially children. It can lead to feelings of hurt, loneliness, anxiety, and financial instability. Additionally, divorce may impact future relationships and the well-being of children, potentially resulting in academic, behavioural, and psychological issues.

Remarriage after Divorce:

The topic of remarriage after divorce is complex and varies across religious traditions. Some traditions, like the Catholic Church, may require annulment or specific permissions for remarriage. Other traditions may place conditions on remarriage, such as requiring a waiting period or only permitting a certain number of divorces.

Parenting and family

The Law and Parenting

Parenting is a complex and challenging task, and religious beliefs can add another layer of difficulty. Different religions have varying views on parenting, and even within a single religion, there may be diverse opinions. For example, in Islam, a comprehensive religion that touches on all aspects of life, believers are expected to worship and serve Allah in every aspect of their lives. This includes their behaviour, manners, ethics, and practices, which must reflect their belief in Allah.

In Christianity, the law and the Gospel play a significant role in parenting. While the law can drive children to seek a saviour and make them thankful for Christ's perfection, it cannot transform their hearts. Instead, it can breed pride or despair. Therefore, while parents should give the law to their children, they should also give them the Gospel, focusing on Christ's accomplishments and not assuming that children understand or believe it.

Christian parents are encouraged to parent with the Gospel, relying on the Holy Spirit and prayer rather than forcing religious practices. They are also advised to model confession of their own sins, such as anger, self-righteousness, and pride, to help children understand grace.

Religious Diversity in Parenting

In families with religious diversity, such as agnostic or atheist parents with believing relatives, navigating parenting can be challenging. Some suggest presenting religion as a personal choice, on par with supporting a particular sports team, without elevating it or judging other beliefs. Exposing children to different beliefs and allowing them to decide for themselves when they are older is another approach.

Others recommend teaching children to question everything and form their own opinions, critically evaluating all information. This includes religious beliefs, where children can be taught that different people have different opinions and beliefs, and no one choice is inherently correct.

In families with religious differences, it is essential to respect each other's beliefs and maintain open communication. Parents can explain their own beliefs and why they hold them while also exposing children to other viewpoints, allowing them to make informed decisions when they are older.

Legal Considerations in Parenting

In the United States, laws outline the rights and responsibilities of parents and children, varying across states, counties, and cities. Parents are legally responsible for providing for their children's basic needs, including food, clothing, housing, education, and physical and mental healthcare.

Both parents are required to support their children, regardless of marital status, and may be mandated to provide child support payments in cases of divorce or separation.

Parents also have a legal responsibility to supervise their children and ensure their safety. Leaving young children unsupervised is considered neglect in many states, and it is the parent's duty to consider the child's needs, age, physical health, and emotional well-being when making decisions.

Additionally, all states have laws protecting children from four main types of maltreatment: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Parents with substance abuse issues or those who expose children to illegal drug activity may be charged with child abuse and neglect.

Religious Education and Instruction

Religious instruction and education are essential aspects of parenting for believers. In Islam, for instance, believers are expected to teach their children the tenets of their faith. Similarly, in Christianity, parents are responsible for ensuring their children receive religious instruction and are encouraged to model and teach Christian values and behaviour.

However, it is important to note that religious instruction should not be forced or used as a means of control or punishment, as this can lead to negative associations with religion and may cause children to rebel or develop a distorted view of faith.

Lawful vs forbidden

Islamic Law, or Sharia, provides a comprehensive framework for Muslims, guiding their daily lives and fostering community. While Muslims are expected to be law-abiding citizens, there are instances where a country's legal system may permit actions that are forbidden, or "haram", in Islam. These lawful but forbidden actions create a complex dynamic for Muslims, who must navigate their religious beliefs within a broader societal context.

Muslims are encouraged to be model citizens, contributing positively to the societies in which they live. This includes adhering to Islamic Law's guidelines on social interactions and behaviours. For example, the Prophet outlined six obligatory acts of courtesy that Muslims should perform for one another, such as offering greetings, accepting invitations, and providing sincere counsel. These practices promote brotherhood, love, and closeness among believers.

Islamic Law also delineates specific forbidden behaviours that Muslims must avoid. These include unstated terms, speculative conditions, interest, gambling, and fraud. Muslims are expected to be vigilant about these forbidden characteristics to ensure their actions and sources of income remain pure and permissible according to Islamic teachings.

The concept of "halal", which means permissible or lawful, is central to Islamic Law. While Muslims strive to follow these principles, they also face challenges when their religious beliefs conflict with the laws of the country in which they reside. In such cases, Muslims are advised to assert their legal rights and avoid engaging in behaviours that are forbidden in Islam, even if they are legal in their country. This delicate balance between adhering to Islamic teachings and respecting the laws of their nation can be a complex and ongoing negotiation for Muslims.

In conclusion, the relationship between lawful and forbidden behaviours in Islam is complex and deeply interconnected with an individual's spiritual beliefs, societal norms, and legal frameworks. Muslims strive to be exemplary citizens while also upholding their religious values and practices, as guided by Islamic Law. This dynamic highlights the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultural and religious perspectives within a broader societal context.

Social interaction and courtesy

In addition to legal guidelines, Islamic Law also promotes social interaction and courtesy among believers. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has outlined six obligatory acts of courtesy that Muslims are expected to perform for one another. These include greeting each other, accepting invitations to feasts, offering sincere counsel when asked, responding to sneezes with "May Allah show mercy to you", visiting the ill, and following the funeral bier of the deceased. These acts foster love and closeness between believers, which is an important goal of Islamic Law.

Beyond these six practices, there are other guidelines that Muslims are expected to follow in their social interactions. For example, when interacting with their children, Muslims are reminded that having children is both a blessing and a responsibility. They are instructed to guard themselves and their families from Hellfire, as mentioned in the Quranic verse, "Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas Allah—with Him is a great reward (Paradise)" (64:15). This verse underscores the importance of Muslims fulfilling their duties as guardians and shepherds of their families, as reiterated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Overall, while Muslims are expected to be law-abiding citizens, Islamic Law also emphasises the importance of social interaction and courtesy. By following the guidelines set forth by Islamic Law, Muslims can foster love and closeness with their fellow believers and contribute positively to the societies in which they live.

Frequently asked questions