Coming to a Neighborhood Near You: Islamic Executions
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In recent years, Western countries have faced a surge in immigration from regions plagued by conflict and extremist ideologies. While the humanitarian imperative to offer refuge is strong, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences of importing individuals whose beliefs and practices starkly contrast with the principles of human rights and equality that underpin Western societies. The following case from Syria in 2015 starkly illustrates the severe risks involved.
In a harrowing video from 2015, a member of Al-Nusra Front, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda, publicly executed a woman in the street for allegedly violating Sharia (Islamic Law). The woman, accused of committing adultery, was denied her final request to see her children before being shot to death. The executioner, fulfilling what he perceives as his Islamic duty, makes it clear that the act is carried out in the name of Allah and for the cause of Islam and Islamic Law.
The executioner recited phrases steeped in Islamic tradition: “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful” and “Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds,” phrases that open many chapters of the Qur’an. He further invokes traditional Islamic prayers, emphasizing that his actions align with his religious convictions. This juxtaposition of religious invocation and brutal punishment calls attention to the ideological rigidity and violence that characterize the teachings of Islam.
The executioner cited Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:33) from the Qur’an to justify the punishment, stating, “The reward of those who fight Allah and His Messenger and strive to cause corruption on earth is to be slain.” This verse, interpreted literally by Islamists, calls for severe penalties for those deemed to oppose Islamic principles. The executioner also framed the punishment as a form of atonement for the woman, suggesting that her death serves to purify her sins in the eyes of God.
This incident exemplifies the brutal enforcement of Sharia law by extremist groups such as Al-Nusra Front. Such groups impose their interpretation of Islamic law through violence and coercion, often targeting women and other vulnerable groups. The execution is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses and gender-based violence prevalent in territories controlled by followers of Islam.
The principles of Sharia law, derived from the Quran and Hadith, pose a direct challenge to the values of freedom, equality, and human rights that are foundational to Western societies. The enforcement of Sharia is not a matter of personal choice but a prescribed duty for believers, as emphasized by the Quran (5:48) and reinforced by historical narrations.
Sharia law is based on the Sunnah—Muhammad’s way of life as recorded in the Hadith. It is an organized body of rules derived from various Quranic verses and historical narrations, which are not optional but prescribed for believers. According to the Quran (33:36), it is not fitting for a believer to choose for themselves or disregard any matter already decided by Allah. This rigid adherence to divine command underscores the non-negotiable nature of Sharia for devout Muslims.
Moreover, a government that limits or opposes God’s Law is considered an enemy of Allah and must be fought. The establishment of Sharia is a fundamental objective of every Islamic terror group and many devout Muslims. Once an Islamic state is established, the Quran (9:29) and Sharia law (o9.8) mandate that Muslims fight Jews and Christians who refuse to convert or accept inferior (Dhimmi) status.
Proponents of Sharia in the West often portray it as a benign set of personal rules focusing on prayer and hygiene, masking the more severe aspects of Islamic law. This selective presentation aims to discredit those with legitimate concerns, branding them as religious bigots intolerant of different beliefs. However, this portrayal fails to address the harsh realities of Sharia, which fundamentally opposes religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and the free exchange of ideas.
Sharia law is inherently violent, bigoted towards non-Muslims, discriminatory, and unflinchingly sexist. It encompasses practices that are antithetical to the core values of Western societies. For instance, large sections of Sharia law deal with the practice of slavery, which stands in stark opposition to the universal principles of human rights and equality upheld in the West. Labeling critics as having a “phobia” does not change the oppressive nature of Sharia law.
The ultimate goal of Jihadis, whether in the Middle East or the West, is to establish an Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law. This goal is not hidden; rather, it is openly declared by followers of Islam who march through the streets of Western cities. Recent events in Germany, where large groups of Muslims have rallied, clearly demonstrate this intent. These rallies are not isolated incidents but part of a broader movement to implement Sharia in Western societies.
Despite the clear warnings, Western media and governments often dismiss these movements as the actions of a few extremists. This narrative overlooks the fact that many of these individuals are devout Muslims who see the implementation of Sharia as their religious duty. By ignoring their words and actions, Western societies are failing to recognize the real and present threat to their values and way of life.
The enforcement of Sharia law in any society would lead to a dramatic shift in legal and social norms. Sharia law’s prescribed punishments, such as amputation for theft and stoning for adultery, are brutal and incompatible with Western legal principles. Its treatment of women as second-class citizens and its discrimination against non-Muslims would erode the foundations of equality and justice that Western societies are built upon.
The implications of importing such ideologies into Western countries are profound. Sharia law, when enforced, fundamentally contradicts the principles of democracy, human rights, and individual freedom. It imposes a legal system that discriminates against women, non-Muslims, and those who do not adhere to its strict codes. The brutal enforcement methods, such as public executions for perceived moral transgressions, highlight the severity of this legal system.
