Congratulations to the people of Oklahoma, the rule of law prevails.

Congratulations to the people of Oklahoma that the rule of law has prevailed over bigotry in their state.  We applaud the court in Denver for upholding U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange’s order blocking implementation of the amendment shortly after it was approved by 70 percent of Oklahoma voters in November 2010.

It is unfortunate that the Oklahomans were misled by the politicians to believe that Muslims were demanding Sharia law and that it was dangerous and must be gutted; they trusted their representatives and passed the referendum to ban Oklahoma courts from considering Islamic law to resolve personal matters between individuals.

 When a conflict arises between family members, before you sue each other, you seek guidance from other family members, friends, church and the counselors, if you don’t find a solution; you go to the court as a last resort.  The court may appoint a mediator if the parties are willing to abide by the decisions or simply take it up with the bench or the jury. 

Those who opt for a mediator may agree to common guidelines and one of them is available from your religious sources. In case of Muslims, if the couple is willing to seek Sharia to guide them to serve justice equitably to both and willing to abide by, the mediator will get that agreement approved by the judge.  The Christians may seek Pastoral counseling as Jews may seek guidance from the Halaqa, their family laws.

Who would not want a resolution to their conflict, be it through friends or religious laws? Isn’t it between them? If a couple chooses to settle their dispute about child custody, divorce or inheritance they should seek all resources including Sharia, which is designed to serve equitable justice to people. It is unfortunate that people have come to associate Sharia with injustices, indeed abuse of law is prevalent in every nation and society where the innocent is nailed, just as we have administered lethal injection to innocent men and women in Texas.

It is a victory for justice and a victory for all Americans. We cannot a let a few short-sighted men and women deny others their rights guaranteed in constitution. 

Mike Ghouse is committed to build a cohesive America, where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other. He is a speaker, thinker and writer offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. 

……………