Maldives police have said they are seeking the deportation of a foreigner who allegedly sought to spread Christianity on the island of Kinbidhoo in Thaa Atoll.
Missionary activities are illegal under Maldivian law, as is the possession of non-Islamic religious materials beyond those ascribed for ‘personal use’.
Police sergeant Ahmed Shiyam said while no charges had yet been laid, it was normal practice “to send a person suspected of this to their country of origin while the case is under investigation.”
Shiyam declined to reveal specific details of the allegations “as the case is still under investigation”, but noted that “the whole community is very concerned about this.”
Kinbidhoo islanders identified the man as David Balk, and said he had been living on the island for the past several years with his wife and three children, aged 10-13 years old.
“They all speak fluent Dhivehi and generally keep to themselves, but are very helpful and involved in social activities like beach cleaning,” said Island Councillor Mohamed Naseem, adding that media reports describing the man as English “are wrong because he has an American passport.”
Naseem said the islanders believed he was the managing director of a travel agency in Male, and that “whatever they were doing must have been secret because nobody here has complained about him [spreading religion].”
He added that the police investigation had been going on for some time “and only now have the media picked it up.”
Another resident of the island, Ahmed Rasheed, said Balk’s neighbours had seen inside his house and claimed he had never spoken to them about religion. “I’ve mostly seen him out fishing,” Rasheed said. “He always helps out islanders and at times has even given financial help to people.”
Rasheed said he doubted many of the Kinbidhoo islanders “would even know what a bible looks like.”
“The day the police came David’s wife went to the neighbours house to ask them to take care of a plant. She told them police were there ‘saying we are spreading Christianity’, and that while they had a bible, it was for their personal use,” he said.
“The islanders’ attitude is that while [the Balks] never talked to them about religion, they are suspicious of why the family have lived on island for a couple of years without an ulterior motive. But they say the feeling is not enough reason to throw somebody off the island.”
Abdullah bin Mohamed Ibrahim, president of Islamic NGO Salaf Jamiyya, told Minivan News “we have been watching these people for a long time. We have known of them since 2003.”
He said Salaf’s investigation was still ongoing, but that the NGO was “certain” Balk was a missionary.
The missionary group has a “rotating membership” that comes to the country and settles, he said.
“They are working under a long-term plan. They have given their children Dhivehi names and some even have tattoos in Dhivehi.”
Ibrahim said Salaf was aware of missionary activity in the Maldives, and of missionaries approaching people to proselytise.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Islamic Affairs, Mohamed Didi, said that so far there had been no involvement in the case by the Ministry and “officially we don’t know anything.”
“If anyone complains we would ask the police to investigate,” he said, and if suspicions were confirmed, “basically the foreigner would be deported.”
Minivan News tried to contact Balk but was only able to speak to him briefly, as he said he was “going to spend time with my kids.”
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This is the easiest way to target foreigners now. Wat hapend t innocent until proven guilty?
These self proclaimd spokesmen-of-god stil think they r in 7th century arabia. n to think they want t keep ppl on the 'siratul mustageem' wen god itself chastised our belovd prophet tht he can't turn anyone t islam.
Why won't salaf investigate ppl who proselytize jihad in maldives? Deport them too.. One maldivian youth (himself a 'scholar' of this cult) alredy blew himself up.several in pak jails or on 'jihad'
It is injustice to a foreign family without any basis. We are party to all the International Conventions and law. We talk about protection of human rights of Maldivians only but we don’t consider the rights of foreigners under our jurisdiction. It sounds like the whole story is based on lots of suspicions. The foreigners have their rights and cannot be deported without proper investigation. It seems they were not promoting any religion and the family kept to themselves. Such loners could be writers or just innocent people. They should be charged guilty only after conviction and media should not disclose their information. They need privacy from media as the foreigners have minors who need protection and privacy. Maldives seems be creating a culture of ‘suspicious’ and doubting about everything when it comes to Islam. They are people who exploit this psychological problem of the larger Maldivian population for their own gain like Salaf. We should build a culture of trust and peace in the Maldives, which is in Islam!
it seems somebody just can not stand another human to live peacfully, helping society and keeping things that need to keep to themselves. it seems salaf just need to voice on something, otherwise we might think they are a waste.. well guess what, they are a waste, immature, uneducated, dumb. unenlightened self interest does not impress me.
Although I do agree with all the liberal arguments above, I am not naive enough to think that these people are just living here to enjoy fishing. Anyone's who read African literature about colonising Africa (Achebe etc) will have a sense of de ja vu when you read the above story.
The truth is, missionaries do operate in Maldives under the guise of being friendly tourists and they are very well trained in concealing their real mission and integrating into society as harmless friendly families that volunteer to clean up the beach.
I Just cant believe the comments brought forward by the readers.Where is Human rights when thousands of muslims was burnt,killed and raped in Gujurat,Chechniya,Palestine,Iraq,Afghanisthan,Libiya,Somalia,Vietnam.Where is Amnesty International when hundreds of muslims are day to day basis tortured in Abu Guraib and Guatnamo.Where is democracy when people of Gaza democratically choosed Hamas as their leaders.Just because they choosed Hamas they were bombed to an Abbys.Every country has ethics,cultures and religions if a foreigner doesnt respect our culture,ethics and religion he is not fit to live in a foreign country.If you go any where in the world you will see this.In Vatican if start praying like we muslims do what will happen.If you go to universities in France wearing head scarf what will happen.So please dont comment just looking at the one side of the story.United we stand divide we fall.If we bring any other religion into Maldives it will start a bloodshed and thats what the hypocrites want.
While we should uphold our constitution, actions such as the above, i think, is doing more harm than good to our religion. We need to understand that as a country we are very much intertwined with the wider world.
Both Islam and Christianity are missionary religions. Hence, we will find missions from each on other society. The only difference between the two is creativity of one over the other.
What muslim missionaries should do is to strengthen the faith of its people the way that prophet has practiced and should promote Islam to non-believers in more creative ways so that the word of the GOD prevails in the world.
while u r at it y not censor the whole internet?
when did being a muslime become being a brain dead moron
if ur faith is that easy to be swayed away then u dont deserve to be a muslim
the government aint doing this for religious reasons or for the benefit of the people they do this to maintain the outside image of the perfect "100%" muslims
it is really pathetic its like a whore defending her virginity
for shame this is an insult to islam
Content from a 'missionary' website on the internet about Maldivian people:
"What are their beliefs?
Islam is the official religion of Maldives, and virtually all of the Maldivian are Shafiite Muslims. Islamic law is the law of the land. No one may legally marry a non-Muslim, and all children are given Arab names."
"Ironically, however, the Islamic religion is really only a ritualistic tradition that most people follow. Children are taught to pronounce Arabic so that they can recite the words of the Koran; however, they do not know the meanings of most of the words. A majority of the people do not understand the diversity and depth of Muslim philosophy. They just blindly go through the rituals that are supposed to bring them salvation. While fasting, the people will not only abstain from food, but also drink. They may even try not to swallow their own saliva. To satisfy their spiritual hunger, many Maldivian consult fanditas ("learned people") who conduct rituals for healing, solving problems, and becoming successful. The fanditas make their occupations valid by using Islamic terms and chanting Arabic-sounding chants."
Isn't this the sad reality? Shouldn't we be trying to learn more about the underlying logic and beauty of Islam in order to enable us to strengthen our faith and practice it as more than just a 'ritualistic tradition'? There will always be missionaries of other faiths attempting to spread their own belief systems all over the world and Maldives has never been and will not be an exception to this. As long as we as individuals continue to give only lip service to our own 'faith', it is only natural that other belief systems will have the opportunity to gain ground in this country, as elsewhere.
If it is an imam it is homosexuality activity (not alleged), but when it comes to Christianity it is alleged missionary activity (not missionary activity). See how biased Minivan News when reporting on Islam.
So the international community & UN failed to act in many instances to protect the rights of people in other countries. The reader who mentioned the violations of human rights committed in other countries should be reminded that much such bloodshed of Muslim brothers and sisters have been stopped as well. If you go through the history of the recent bombings, killings etc., these are Muslims going for jihad and killing innocent non-Muslims. The point of the discussion needs to be focused on what’s best for the citizens of the whole population of Maldives and not to cater to a specific group promoting their hidden agendas. I think we need to concentrate to live in a globalised world that protects the rights of human rights of our Maldivians and the foreigners who come to our land. It’s interesting at the level of suspicion on non-Muslims but we claim that we travel we are treated badly. Isn’t this what Muslims complaint all over the world and we are giving a taste of it to a foreigner who may have enjoyed the simple life of living in an Island or just loved island life? Who knows until an investigation is carried out. Look at the way how we treat foreigners because we are suspicious of them which are baseless. Unless and until an investigation has been conducted the foreigner’s family is innocent. Didn’t Allah say that suspicion is one hateful behaviour. Just because we were hurt by one person, it doesn’t mean that everybody will act in a similar way.
So what?
There is a healthy, foreign family, is friendly, helpful. But they have their own convictions and do not follow the way of Salaf Jamiyya. What a threat to some island people, their religion (which by the way?). Is being nice and helpful now considered an “illegal missionary activity”.
Imagine this would happen to polite and helpful Maldivians in KL, Mysore, Bangalore, Colombo or London?
Imagine that they have a Qur’an or some other books?
Imagine that they talk to their neighbors about religion. Sure they have a double agenda! Or their government?
What would the Prophet, pbuh, have done?
1400 years ago he praised the Christians for their belief in Allah and good works, (2:62, 5:69)
He respected their books as Allah’s books, (but spoke out strongly about some of their wrong interpretations, (www.abdullahsaeed.org/article/charge-distortion-jewish-and-christian-scriptures)
He respected all their prophets, the clear signs of Allah, (6:126, 10:94-95).
He praised their leader as the Word of Allah, a Mercy of Allah, a sign for the whole world, the most high friend who is in the presence of Allah now and comes again for judgment.
He himself did not bring a new religion (46:9) but established the one from the beginning. It is called Islam or Submission. Some define it as the religion of peace.
100% Muslims? I guess that this family was more true Muslim than all the Salafis and Wahabis in the country together. Now they are out.
Yes, Salaf Jamiyya, you saved the country – from peace.
But drugs, alcohol, fights, divorce and religious disunity remains.
muslims or christian it is only name of ideology and way of manipulation.in Irak during war many local muslims die but in american army many soldiers are muslims too and they shooting to irak people because it is job and duty and $ hehehe so where is the true?God forgot about earth long time ago and peoples become just like a robots and beleve to any bullshit story. religion and real God is different.christians and muslim during many centuries killing each other in the name of God but it is dirty game of politics, war for territory nothing else.so mullah or pope just create zomby from poor people and those religios workers need only dollar or gold nothing else they are dirty dogs..that is why many of them phedofill,or lesbians,homosexualists,drug lords or hevy crime leaders who organise all therrorist act. where is God ?only in imam or pope speech?so no different .real God is love without religios madness.if you follow your traditional religion it is good and may real God bless you, pray from all your heart but never be a dummy or marionette in mullah or pope hands.dont worry about who is right, crhistians or muslims,Real God is love for all earth ,but worry about clearness and love light in your heart.
If they weren't doing any missionary work, are are they being demonized, is this xenophobia.
This is how the Maldivians treat the foreigner, what a sad lot of people.
This is how we attract foreign investment and goodwill by kicking out people, while Maldivians are themselves in fear of loosing the homeland with global sea level rise.
Ban the Salaf for portraying Maldivians as xenophobic morons who daren't breathe freely in case a foreigner might have a Bible!
Do they seriously have nothing better to do?
Excuse me for not equating "certain"ity with concrete proof! In case, any foreigners had any doubts about Maldivians' mental capacity, Salaf kindly obliges by proving that we are imbeciles!
I live among many Christians and I am ashamed by this behavior of Maldivians and their government. As Maldivian student in Australia I find this attitude of intolerance towards people of other faiths very cruel and ignorant.
Although I do not fear any violence towards me and I am confident that the government of Australia will protect me and my rights, I wish Maldivians and their Government will give the same rights and protections to foreigners in Maldives.
Maldivians are losing the goodwill of foreigners.
“As you sow so shall you reap”
Asalaam Alaikum F.Afiya,
I dont see any incident or atrocities
mentioned in my comment stopped or dealt fairly according to the Human rights or Democracy the western cultures proclaim.Name one and i will take back what i said.Like i said you need to look into the both side of the story.
Thank you.
@ Salams Rilwan
You pointed out where is the talk of human rights talks when atrocities in countries like Palestine, Somalia etc. happens??? I think it’s good to have an intelligent debate representing two sides. But when the case under discussion is built on suspicion, uncertainty, the innocent proclaimed guilty before a trail. Don’t you think that’s really unfair & sounds like injustice? How would I feel if I had been alleged of same when I lived in Thailand or in UK when I studied? I would be devastated. Would the person be able to recover the dishonor, shame, anger and injustice for the rest of his life? I think Government is doing a great injustice by deporting anybody before investigation; they need to change this policy. If he is found guilty after a court case then I have no problem in labeling him. I rest my case:)
The United States should cut all diplomatic ties with this barbaric intolerant government of ours...also deport and ban maldivians from US soil. tolerance of intolerance is cowardice.
Too "ring on Mon, 14th Dec 2009 7:58 PM" Ring, your comment was beautiful... thankyou
As far that I know: Is more likely that a Cristian become a Muslim that a Muslim pas to Cristian
Wa Alaikumu Salaam,
Dear Afiya,
Yes,you are very correct if the government deport an innocent person than it is a matter we need to bring into light.Do you think that this government will do such a thing.If they do deport an innocent person you are right and Iam wrong.
There are hundreds of foreigners working here just because i say that this man from this country is spreading Christianity will the government arrest and deport him.This is not the government of Gayoom.
I had teachers who had small idols to worship.Where they deported.The answer is no.So i cant believe that he is innocent and there are few witnesses to this.
Thank you.
Thank you.
moyameehaa,
Maldivians should immediately deport all non-Muslims. Stop tourism and replace coconuts with date palms. A Muslim economy of date palms and beekeeping can provide halal employment and economic opportunities for Maldivians.
There is absolutely no reason for any Maldivian to interact with a non-Muslim. WE can prove to the world that the saying no man is an island is not true. Our islands will show that to the world.
Qur'an 49:12
O ye who believe! avoid suspicion as much (as possible):
for suspicion in some cases is a sin:
and spy not on each other nor speak ill of each other behind their backs.
Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?... See More
Nay ye would abhor it...but fear Allah:
for Allah is Oft-Returning Most Merciful..
There are hundreds of foreigners, working as low skilled people because we need them. Teachers will be deported if we could, but we aren’t self-reliant, but study the number of times, the innocent have been accused without any evidence. Also most of these foreign labours are blacks and not whites (WESTERNERS – these are the people that Salaf & Adalath party dread most will influence Maldivians and its sacred Islam religion). The truth in this civilised and globalised world of economy is that we are dependent on foreigners and foreign countries. The date palm trees or the vegetables or rice will not grow in our salty white beaches, the fish has depleted as well so we can’t go hungry. We are connected to the world as Allah intended. Who are fighting against Allah’s principles are wrongdoers. Yes, the Government is known to make mistakes and I heard on news that the policy is to send the foreigners under investigation for alleged cases, whether innocent or guilty. My whole argument is built on framing innocent foreigners and non-Muslims. My last words on the case for now:)
Certainly if the foreigners are deported for spreading other religious beliefs, then the use of alcohol and consumption of pork should be stopped on the resort islands. How can the country accept the these non Muslim practices? Why not work to keep the Maldives a pure Muslum society.
Asalaam Alaikum Afiya,
The verse is not relevant to a foreigner who was captured with proof spreading christianity in a 100% muslim country.As far as i know its all over the media.The community of kinbidhoo is witness to the fact he was trying to spread christianity.
Regarding muslims killing each other.Go check the statistics of casualties in world war1,2.In world war one 16 million.In world war 2 over 60 million people died.Are these due Islamic jihad's or Islamic suicide bombers.
The Australian Aborigines and the American Red Indians were wiped out by whom.Who had invaded Iraq,Palestine,Chechnya,Afghanistan,somalia,vietnam,south africa and more.Iam afraid they were westerners.So there is every reason to be cautious and afraid of them.
Yes the world is very open.But that doesn't me that we turn our shops into bars and our mosques into churches.Yes we are economically dependent on foreign countries.But we should never forget that the foreign countries and we are dependent on Allah(SWA).
One of the hot topic on the G8 summit held this year due to economical crisis was bank interests.They all agreed that they should reduce the interest rates the banks were taking.Fourteen hundred years ago Allah(SWA)had warned us about interest.So foreign or local if we leave the boundaries set by Allah(SWA)we will perish.
Thank you.
Personally, I think we should banish the Salaf, the Adhaalath; and heck, even the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Stuff them all in a shipping container and ship it Saudi Arabia. "From Maldives, with love."
Among their characteristics of hypocrites is mockery of Allaah, His Messenger and His religion. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“If you ask them (about this), they declare: ‘We were only talking idly and joking.’ Say: ‘Was it at Allaah, and His Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger that you were mocking?’
another characteristics of hipocrytes is that they spread corruption on earth, with disbelief, hypocrisy and sins. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And when it is said to them: ‘Make not mischief on the earth,’ they say: ‘We are only peacemakers.’
Verily, they are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not”[al-Baqarah 2:11-12]
“Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them[al-Nisaa’ 4:145]
Dear AFIYA, we dont depend on any country or anybody for food n shelter etc..we only depend on everything onto ALLAH (SWT)...ok, we r not slave of other countries or anybody as u r...we r only slaves of ALLAH...!! pls remind that n be ready to answer ALLAH (SWT)on judgment day watever u sayin hr n doin watever...HELL is the destination for hypocrite like u
@MSLUQMAN
Do you think that rest of the people commenting here are also 2yr olds?
Dear Adam,
I think you guys are worse than a two year old.Even a two year old will do things according to the intelligence level or mental capacity at that age.But you guys having the mental capacity,intelligence,knowledge and resources to find the truth are denying important aspects of Islam without using them.You cannot judge a book by its cover nor you can judge aspects of a religion without having done a research or study.
Thank you.
@MSLUQMAN & others.
This is the problem with some of you. You need to fully believe in Allah, you cannot interpret things the way it pleases you. You should be able to follow conversations intelligently. I fear only Allah and I am free to express my opinions here. Yes Allah made Maldivians very dependent on outside world and the resources, we can’t deny it. Those who deny the rulings of Allah are hypocrites. Allah knows who are the wrong doers and judge us. None of you human beings have the capacity to do that or say it here. Allah says not to accuse others of things you don’t know. This is how most Muslims use religion for their hidden agenda or purposes. They want anybody who has different views or a questionable mind to destroy the or squash them. Shame on some of you here who twist things the way you see without any evidence or logical discussions. Allah is all knowing and the greatest above all.
Dear Afiya,
Its amazing to see you singing a different song.Yes, I fully agree with the comment you just posted.But MSLUQMAN have not translated a verse of Quran or Hadeeth in his comment.
Thank you.
@ Rilwan, most of the guys here are not able to follow my view. I quoted the verse in relation to suscipion as the verse say so. I think most readers here sings like larks without the flow of logical or analytical thoughts. lol.
Dear Afiya,
We can follow your views.It was the issue of the the deportation of the American which actually sparked the comments.I was repeatedly saying he was caught with evidence.You been claiming that you love Islam.If you really love Islam you wont be just writing anything which comes to your mind even if if contradicts basic principles of Islam.You need see into the Quran and the Hadheeth.
There is misconception now through out the world that Hadheeths in Islam are too old and are not reliable.Yes there are corrupt Hadheeths in Islam.But scholars had joined together to clarify the authenticity of the Hadheeths and to clarify the weak and corrupt Hadheeths.There is no way that Islam is completed only upon the Quran.But together with Hadeeths and Quran it is completed.
Thank you.
Many claim to know Islam, Quran and hadeeth, if so justify your arguments based on logical analytical thinking based on Islam. Don't you think your ideology could be wrong and Allah is all knowing. My reference is from Quran about being 'suspicion' of others. The interpretation is clear; we should not accuse others unjustly or harbour suspicion. I am a Muslim and I would not allow anybody to overpower me or exploit my Islamic beliefs. I am writing my beliefs and how some of the Muslims, who try to exploit our beautiful religion. How can anyone accuse another without a trial or investigation? I think that’s going against principles of Islam. Are you saying that the Government passed a sentence saying the American is guilty? These are principles that I can’t accept in the name of Allah or religion. I am 100% Islam has no place for treating badly anybody, not even an animal like a dog. Please stop twisting my word to suit your means and ends even if anybody does not understand what I write. Thank you. Also I think it’s wrong how the so called Islamic Scholars try to influence their own Islam ideology that they have adopted from Saudi, Pakistan or other countries and try to exploit the Maldivian Islamic culture.
Dear Afiya....if u r 100% muslim r u following it 100%..b4 speaking treating others well, hav u paid full respect to beloved prophet (pbuh) and his sunnah n Quran? r u dressed according to islam? hav u studied wat Quran says...do u know how to clarify weak n authentic hadiths? do u pray 5 times? if not jus shut u mouth of speaking abt being muslim...hav u studied wat islam says abt human rights, women rights, animal rights n so on...first pls obey the religion n study it first...speaking abt scholars, how did judge them that they r jus so called scholars...wat is ur proof first? dont jus accuse them without proof as u say so...do u think that our culture is not contradicting wat islam says... n finally if u 100% Muslim, first treat ur parents, neighbors n other muslims evrywhere in the world well..after dat u spk abt non muslims...ok n pls study wat is Zionist, secularism n democracy too..then u might open ur eyes.
Salaam Rilu, may Allah bless u for ur work....Jazakallah Khair
So for those who claim to know about Arabic culture, and Islamic culture, please enlighten us. What’s the difference? I go by logical reasoning and science as the Maldivian Islamic scholars only confuses me. Did not our forefathers have a Muslim culture that we inherited? Please enlighten us in holy Quran, which verse says we have to wear Niqab as one reader commented. Why has Allah not demanded to cover our faces while performing Hajj? This is one reason why I believe Niqab or black gowns is not a requirement in Islam and is a part of Arab culture. Just because it comes from an Arab culture, we cannot state that it is Islamic culture unless it’s proven. Didn’t Azhar University, the world leader on Islamic thoughts announce a fatwa to this effect? Where does in Islam it says that girl-children should not be sent to school or women should not work etc. Also please tell us why there are pressure groups from so called Islamic scholars to influence Maldivian Islamic culture with the ideology that we should adopt the life of Saudi people or the Taliban’s. It’s really sorry state that we cannot engage in a meaningful discussion as some people uses personal attacks in the name of Islam to squash the moderate believers who have inquisitive minds like us. That’s not Islamic behaviour either. I have my rights to express my views on Islam scholars and nobody can stop me. The comments here further strengthen my belief that it’s hard to engage with Maldivian Islamic scholars. I have talked to numerous Islamic scholars abroad. I am studying human rights and peace at the doctorate level so I think I have studied what are the entitled rights in Islam as well. At same time I believe that we learn till we die. So whoever questions the Islamic scholars is ignorant, stupid and cursed to hell. Do you think Maldivian Islamic scholars are aliens who cannot do any wrong? To gain the trust and respect of the society, I call upon Maldivian Islamic scholars to organise yourselves, do some good to save the social evils of our society, stand united together to teach us and impart knowledge. Don’t transform our life to adopt the Taliban, Saudi or Pakistani culture, I will respect each and every one of you than. Most Maldivian Islamic scholars these days instil fear and confusion in people instead of trying to explain things. They would go saying you are Kafir, learn Islamic principles before speaking or say you are cursed to hell and so on. Isn’t that something only Allah can decide? I fear Allah only and I don’t have to prove my religion to anybody.
Asalaam Alaikum Afiya,
Regarding your last comment.We are not just making something up and just expressing our own views regarding any of the articles.We are not making any personal attack on anyone who had commented about any of the article.
But we are bit confused cause at one point you are saying you follow logical reasons and scientific facts .For some who believes scientific facts it is very possible that you will have to change or correct your self from time to time.
Asalaam Alaikum Afiya
Because science itself is a hypothesis.Plus if we make judgment on religious matters using logical reason Iam sure you will end up putting forward your own needs and what you desire rather than the truth.So we rather should follow Quran and Hadeeth .That will give you a firm foundation.Next i wanna ask you is what sheiks we should follow to really understand Islam.
About the nigab scholars had differed in opinion.So you need to fully study their opinions before you make a judgment.Islam doesn't support any women to be kept in house arrest.The women are given the right of education and to work.But only within the scope of Islamic law.
Thank you.
@ Rilwan. I am sorry you don’t understand what I say. I never change my views. It’s steadfast and same. You are wrong that science is a hypothesis, but that’s a subject I am not going to venture, that’s not my expertise. However, I believe in science for it’s based on evidence and Allah has proved it. I believe Allah without any questions. Again all the comments here of those believe who say that they are defending Islam shows how little they know about Islam. They are not able to give justifications or explanations patiently. They are full of personal attacks, biased, self-opinionated without making any sense. The lack of Islam is what the danger I feel is what some of you use. These people try to change our ways in the name of Islam to overpower them. This is what I fear for Maldives populace. These so called Islamic scholars are trying to instil fear in people to control them in the name of Islam and Allah.
afiya...as u have said dat we dont hav knowledge of islam...r u ready to go for a debate.....INSHA ALLAH WE WILL WIN
Dear Afiya
It seems u r trying to defend this American David guy while u accuse our scholars.. in my opinion our scholars are doing a gr8 work.. proof is the increase of Islam awareness in the Maldives and increase of people who r going to mosque n other religious events. don't be suspicious against our brothers while u say not to b suspicious against non Muslims..
it seems u hate Talibans too if so your studies haven't done any good to u..if u do some good research (not CNN BBC O FOX NEWS)then u will know that Talibans r our brothers trying hard to bring Islam law in Afghanistan n Americans r trying against not to by killing them)
it seems u believe in human rights while u forget about the rights which have been given by Islam for all beings n everything..
think once again do u really love Islam..
by the way this is not a personal attack just my view
When it comes to westerners and secularists it is always 'alleged' or 'suspicious'. Why can't the Minivan News be fair in reporting.
@ MSLUQMAN & nishan
I am ready to debate if you are able to have an intelligent discussion in a civilised manner which I doubt. You say you don’t attack personally. Read your comments and it’s full of venom, biased, judgemental. I don’t believe that’s Islamic behaviour either, Allah says to protect our religion but not with venom. Only others and Allah will see deeply inside you or us right? This is why I say you guys are not able to follow my trend in the discussion. The comments of those who claim to know Islam if you ask me is unjustifiable, lacking conviction of Islam, lack rationalization and so on. Most seems to use general knowledge rather than leanings from Islam which is obvious from the writings. I could look up internet, verify sources and paste things up here, but does it make me a learned person of Islam. I respect Islamic scholars who are able to answer questions patiently. I believe that is how Islamic scholars should be protecting Islam, by educating, teaching about Islam, rather than forcing Islam down on us.
dear Afiya
dont u think its wat exactly the scholars are doing. if quran says u shud wear hijab then i think its the responsibility of the scholars to define us the hijab from the sunna n from the view of great scholars. n many great scholars like sheikh uthaymeen imam shafi have come to the conclusion that it is an obligation to cover the face. they didnt adopt the idea from afganistan but from the quran n sunna.
pls let me know any other thing in your view the scholars r preaching for their own benefits or adopted from afganistan that r not mentioned as an obligation in the quran n sunna.
may Allah guide us all.
Allah knows best.
@ nishan & others. You keep repeating same discussion points without going through my main concerns raised earlier. I am sorry to say this, but look at your arguments points, it’s without justification. The main problem, I agree with Jenny, its interpretation. Some scholars interpret Quran saying women have to wear hijab while others say Niqab. Isn’t that too much. It’s incorrect to pass stringent Islamic laws, such as requirement to wear Niqab. Azhar has passed a fatwa against Niqab, so isn’t it contradictory. It’s one of the prestigious Islamic Universities, in the world that passes fatwas on contradictory Islamic issues. Islamic scholars interpret Quran wrongly for their own purpose, it’s all political as I see it. It’s not to say that all Islamic scholars like that but the majority of them seems to have an agenda. You say Niqab is not Arabic culture such as in Afghanistan. Niqab is very much is part of an Arabic culture. Go back and surf for information. I agree with your last point, May Allah guide us in the right path and not dictated by extremist scholars.