"The charter states that the principles of sharia, Islamic law, are the main source of legislation and that Islamic authorities will be consulted on sharia - a source of concern to the Christian minority and others.
Mursi's government, which has accused opponents of damaging the economy by prolonging the political upheaval, now faces the tough task of building a broad consensus as it prepares to impose hugely unpopular austerity measures." Daily Star
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Someone wrote here on SST that the provision in this constitution that gives the 'ulema of Al-Azhar a decisive voice in legislation to ensure that law conforms to their view of sharia is similar to the political influence of the Catholic Conference of Bishops in the US.
That is incorrect. The conference of bishops may have influence but they have no legal power at all.
Under this new Egyptian constitution, Islamic law will "color" everything that happens in the country. Egypt largely lives on tourism. What will Al-Azhar have to say about tourists drinking in the hotels and cruise boats? What will al-Azhar say about mixed sex bathing in hotel swimming pools as well as women's attire in public?
What will Al-Azhar have to say about current commercial law in Egypt? This law code is largely European and it allows for commercial finance that allows the use of contracts that pay interest. Such interest is considered usury in sharia law. Will Al-Azhar demand a revision of Egyptian commercial law? Saud Arabia has a non-Western commercial banking system, but the change would be a mghty "wrench" on the Egyptian economy.
This is all foolishness. pl
Al Azhar, until now, has been a voice of moderation in the Muslim world. This portion of the constitution almost ensures it will not remain moderate for long. The Brotherhood will now do its best to make sure that al Azhar shifts dramatically in a much more conservative direction.
Posted by: Abu Sinan | 27 December 2012 at 11:31 AM
You need to pose some more elementary questions such as:
"Is it permissible for women to ride bikes or a motor-bikes (by themselves)?"
Posted by: Babak Makkinejad | 27 December 2012 at 11:36 AM
Col. Lang, while I agree with the general thrust of your comment, I think your refernece to Islamic/Sharia banking as a potential "problem" is misplaced. Sharia banking has a lot going for it is a subject of considerable research. It is a fast growing segment of the finance industry. My (catholic) partner even has a car loan from the local Arab Bank - cheapest interest rates.
The prohibition of usury is gotten around by a variety of means.
As you can imagine, the prospect of any western financial systemm accomodation with Islamic banking practices or adoption of some of its principles sets Israeli hair on fire, so as usual, Wall Street will play no part in this matter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_banking
Posted by: walrus | 27 December 2012 at 03:29 PM
It is their business/religion/polity is it not?
Every fantasy that earns its day in power; deserves what it has earned.
Posted by: CK | 27 December 2012 at 04:16 PM
walrus
My experience in doing business in countries with a sharia driven legal system was that it was a lot more difficult than it needed to be. pl
Posted by: turcopolier | 27 December 2012 at 05:44 PM