Is there any other kind?

I don't know what the proper punishment is for adultery in different Moslem countries -- I have read that in some places the penalty is stoning to death -- and that is what I would like to discuss.

The object of a law is to eliminate a crime -- not to punish it. In Moslem countries, I was told as a boy in California, theives are punished by cutting off their hands -- how horrible I say -- but consider this, came the answer, there is practically no crime where the law is enforced.

The purpose of a law against adultery is to eliminate adultery -- not to punish adulterers. The death penalty for adultery eliminates it -- and how many thousands (millions) of children in the United States wish that there was such a punishment for divorce -- not so that mother and father would die, but so that mother and father would not even think of doing such a thing.

I don't know what Allah wills or what Mohammed thought -- but I see the good of society in this law -- and the intention that adultery never happen and the punishment which accomplishes this great good need never be applied.

And one must also note the great lengths that Islam takes to make sure that adultery will not be a temptation -- the wearing of the veil for women -- what a reasonable thing when you think of the good that it is intended to accomplish -- what equality and comfort for ugly women -- what an opportunity for human interaction without the intrusion of sexual attraction where it is most counter-productive.

Cultural practices have their costs and benefits -- and someone looking in from another culture may see only the cost and not the benefit.

After living in Jew culture -- more than half the families in the US are single parent families -- I say be thankful for the cultural practices you have that keep you from the immoral hell of my country -- where divorce and lives centered around bars and drugs are so common.

By the way:

What's the penalty for pornographers?

What's the penalty for druglords?

What's the penalty for child molesters?

What is the penalty for mass-murderers who blow up buildings killing thousands to start wars?

I will address both issues of the cutting of the hands for stealing and death for adultery as follows:

1. Sharia Law enforces amputating the hand for stealing

This is what is commonly understood by most Westerners about Sharia. Questions about whether or not Sharia law permits the amputating of someone’s hand as a result of stealing pieces of bread due to hunger, etc. are not even asked or considered. All the average person knows is that Sharia amputates thieves’ hands.

It is important to understand what Sharia teaches in full regarding stealing. Many will be surprised to know that Sharia law states that if someone is caught stealing -- as a result of hunger, poverty or necessity -- their hand should not be amputated. Instead, a thorough investigation must be done as to the circumstances of the theft that caused the individual to steal. If it is found that the individual stole as a result of necessity, then instead of amputation, Sharia law dictates that well-to-do members of the community provide support for the individual. That provision could be in the form of financial support, employment, education and charity that will prevent the person from becoming destitute and having to steal again.

At the same time Sharia Law is firm regarding punishment for those found guilty of stealing as a result of greed and other selfish motives. Sharia enforces justice, with punishment meted out according to the crime. The punishment must also serve as a deterrent to prevent others from committing crimes. It is done publicly for all to witness. Unlike most western countries where the rights of the criminal often come before the rights of victims, Sharia is very serious about dealing with law breakers who feel that they have a right to commit crimes against innocent people. It does not glorify criminals; rather it protects the innocent and law abiding against criminals who would harm them. It takes a no nonsense attitude dealing with criminals justly and publicly. As a result of this serious approach towards dealing with crime, Islamic counties today have the lowest crime rates in the world.

2. Does the Qur'an really teach death for adultery as punishment?

This matter is rather simple. Let’s take a look at what the Old Testament, New Testament and the Quran says about the punishment for adultery. Without interpretation or interpolation let’s just look at what each book prescribes. Then after doing so let’s ask the question which religious book truly endorses death for adultery?

The Old Testament says:

Quote: Leviticus 20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with [another] man's wife, [even he] that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. The New Testament says:

Quote:

John 8:3
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

John 8:4
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

John 8:5
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

John 8: 6
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not].

John 8:7
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

John 8:8
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

John 8:9
And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

John 8:10
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

John 8:11
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
The Quran says:

Quote:
The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication, - flog each of them with a hundred stripes: Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by God, if ye believe in God and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment.

Let no man guilty of adultery or fornication marry and but a woman similarly guilty, or an Unbeliever: nor let any but such a man or an Unbeliever marry such a woman: to the Believers such a thing is forbidden.

Surah 24 verses 2 & 3

Of the three religions the only one prescribing death for adultery is Judaism from the Old Testament. The Quran even permits the adulterers and fornicators to marry each other. Common sense tells us that they can’t do that if they were put to death for adultery. Now, now isn’t it horrible how some so-called Muslims have twisted the teachings in the Quran to follow Judaism?

"Strive as in a race to achieve the goal of excellence in all that you do."

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Regards,
Nashid
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