‘State Islamic law’

This article is interesting because it states that “Couples who solemnise their marriages in Indonesia for reasons known to themselves only would comply with the religious requirements but not the law of the country and state Islamic law.” ‘Religious reguirements’ were recognised but state Islamic law was a completely different matter.

Publication on Islamic law

A book was published last year on Islamic law in Aceh and Kelantan. I haven’t read it, but it looks interesting.

Ahmadiyyah movement in Indonesia

Human Rights Watch recently sent a letter to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono requesting him to stop attacks on the Ahmadiyyah movement, amidst plans by members of the Indonesia government to ban the movement entirely. They argued that this ban would not only violate freedom of religion guaranteed in Articles 28 and 29 of the Indonesian Constitution but also, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Indonesia in 2006. More information on the Ahmadiyyah movement in Indonesia can be found here.

Islamic banking

Islamic finance continues to make the news. Here’s an article on women in the Islamic banking sector, popular brands amongst Muslims, expansion of Islamic finance into India and China, and interesting article about possible resistance to Islamic banking in the US simply because it’s Islamic.
I find the study of popular brands most fascinating because I do wonder if respondents actually cite sharia-related reasons for considering them favourable.

Delinquent, I have been. Will resume soon.

Halal cosmetics

Halal cosmetics, free of pork and alcohol ingredients, is apparently gaining a wider market worldwide, though a standard form of halal certification remains elusive.

Documentation in Islamic finance

The importance of documentation is addressed in this very recent article on Islamic finance. Documentation will aid in regulation of contracts according to Sharia law.

This blog has been on a long hiatus. It’ll be back shortly.

CUNY podcast on Secularism, Islam and Liberty of Conscience with Abdullahi Ahmed An-Naim

Author of Islam and the Secular State Abdullahi Ahmed An-Naim talks about how tIt is equally important to separate religion from the state as to acknowledge, regulate, and organize the connectedness of religion and politics. Podcast here.

Ban on book on women and Islam lifted

The ban on the book Muslim Women and the Challenges of Islamic Extremism published by Sisters in Islam in Malaysia has been lifted. The Malaysian government had earlier banned the book upon discovering that 7 pages in the 215-page book could confuse the Muslim community and cause public disorder.