secular maldives

Man tried in Criminal Court for Blasphemy and Apostasy.

2009-01-28T20:26:00.005+05:00

A man was prosecuted in the Maldives Criminal Court today for denying the existence of Allah and the prophethood of Mohamed. The case of disbelief and blasphemy was filed against Shub'hi Ismail (M.Glory, Male', Maldives) by the state, and was also accused of verbally abusing the prophet of Islam with foul language.

Judge Mohamed Moosa sentenced that the defendant was in a state of intoxication when he said those things and therefore he cannot be ordered to repent. This sentence was based on his father's testomony, who also accused his son still uses drugs of abuse.

Judge Mohamed Moosa said that during the trial Mr.Shub'hi has confessed that Allah exists and Mohamed is the prophet of Allah. After the sentence the Judge made Sub'hi recite the Shahadah (profession of the Islamic creed) and asked him to embrace it strongly. The Judge also warned him that apostasy is the gravest of all sins and Allah may punish a person instantly for it. He recommended that; since it is a matter related to creed, it would be better if such cases are sent to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs instead of the court.

Source: Haveeru Daily

Cross shape on Taza bottles was an accident - Island Beverages Maldives.

2008-11-15T16:36:00.004+05:00

Island Beverages Maldives Pvt.Ltd; the manufacturers of 'Taza' packaged drinking water assured in an interview to the local daily news paper that the cross shaped mark on their small size water bottles was not made on purpose but was due to a misfunction of the machinery used to produce the plastic bottles. According to Jazeera daily there was a line raised near the neck of the bottle and this verticle line cuts through the horizontal ridges on the bottle; forming the cross shape.

The assistant marketing manager of the company Hassan Mughnee said that only one batch of products went out like that and now they have ground the broken shaft (which was creating the shape) so that there wont be any cross shape in future products. "The machine cannot be repaired in Maldives. We are working on it" he said. Mr.Mughnee said that despite the grinding, of the part creating the cross; there would still be a mark on the bottle but assured it wont be in the shape of a cross.

Source: Jazeera Daily.

Immigration Officer involved in Sultan Park bombing pardoned.

2008-08-12T16:10:00.006+05:00

The Immigration Officer who received a one-year prison sentence for helping two of the plotters of the Sultan Park bombing escape the country was among the 69 people who were pardoned by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom last Wednesday (6 Aug 2008).

Warahumath Ahmed, 21, of M. Radium Kokaa, was sentenced on 21 February. The two Sultan Park bomb-plot suspects that Warahumath had allowed to escape the country are Abdul Latheef Ibrahim of Green Villa, Laamu atoll Kalhaidhoo, and Ali Shameem of Dhoores, Shaviyani atoll Komandoo. The two men were the people were among the first suspects that the Police had started hunting following the detonation of the home-made bomb in Sultan Park in September 2007. The Police are still looking for them and have even issued a Red Notice through Interpol to find them.

source: Haveeru Online.

Dr.Hassan Saeed's book on apostasy creates controversy.

2008-08-12T04:34:00.027+05:00

Islamic Council Bans the Book.

The Maldives Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has banned on freedom of religion and apostasy on the grounds that it "violates islamic principles". Freedom Of Religion, Apostasy and Islam, co-authored by the presidential candidate Dr.Hassan Saeed with his brother Abdullah Saeed was banned by a public notice issued by the supreme council.

It is the first time the Council has banned a specific title since a short-lived bar on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2005, which was retracted a week later.

The ban was requested by the Islamic Democratic Party (IDP), which has now called for Saeed to stand down as a presidential candidate – but denies its action was politically motivated.

read more on: minivannews.com
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The Saeeds' Denial and Umar's refutation.

Several attempts have been made by Hassan Saeed, his brother Abdulla Saeed (co-author of the book) and others who supported him to justify that they are indeed not against executing apostates of Islam.

Speaking at a talkshow hosted by the government media, Dr.Saeed denied the accusations and said that he have worked to ensure that there is no space for anything unislamic even in protecting human rights. He said that this and the general policy of the current government, that no religion other than will be allowed in the Maldives is shaped by himself and 'new Maldives' team of which he was a part. He accused that the ban is politically motivated and that the Islamic scholars at the supreme council does not have enough knowledge of english language to read and criticize the book. Dr. Hassan stressed the point that the legal reform minister Mohamed Nasheed's opinion that there is no way this book could be banned according to the current constitution and laws of Maldives.

Responding to the criticism from Umar and others who accuse him of straying from the limits of Islam, Hassan has reassured that he is with everyone else in the issue of religious freedom. In a press release (14 may 2008) he said that his book does not permit apostasy and he is against religious freedom.

"I have said before that I will not give any chance for a religion other than Islam in my government. And in my manifesto i have important policies like strengthening the islamic creed of Maldivians, reforming the islamic methodology and (academic) syllabus, improving the quality of the Islamic knowledge received by the people, empowering the religious scholars, and establishing an independent fatwa council to issue religious verdicts on religious issue regarding which there are disagreement among people. " Saeed's press release said.

Dr.Hassan Saeed has on another occassion said that he only wrote the Chapters relating to the way Islamic Shariah is implemented through Malaysian law and the parts relating to Islamic Shariah and religion were written by his brother Prof.Abdulla Saeed. Umar Naseer refuted this claim in a press conference saying that the introduction to the book was written by both the authours and in that the brothers have "challenged the religion of Islam". Umar read out parts of the introduction to the book in dhivehi to support his claim but refused to read the whole introduction fearing that "common Maldivians may turn towards other religion" after hearing it as the new conference was broadcasted live by DhiFM radio.

The Salafi report.

Jamiyyatul Salaf (a registered local wahhabi/salafi NGO) released a report/verdict on the matter; saying that the book contradicts the 'correct islamic view and principles of islam' in many ways.

In this report published on their website (PDF in dhivehi) the salafi scholars (most of them educated in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan) mentioned that even if Umar Naseer is not qualified to understand or criticize the book, their sholars are. The report criticized the brothers for describing the age old Islamic Shariah as "pre-modern Islamic law" throughout the book. They also marked that the book criticized Caliph AbuBakr's war against apostates saying that the actions of the prophet's companions are to be accepted as evidence that it is in fact the way in Islam. The Salafi NGO condemned the brothers for trying to spread secularism among muslims.

Maldives warned by US on freedom of religion.

2008-05-22T12:46:00.006+05:00

The US government has cautioned the Maldives over new wording in the constitution in progress which means non-Muslims could lose their Maldivian citizenship, US ambassador Robert Blake said at a Tuesday press conference.

“[The wording is] in conflict with some international obligations Maldives has already signed up for,” Blake said, in a probable reference to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, which enshrines freedom of religion.

The clause is one of 200 issues identified as potentially needing amendment, in a review by the attorney general’s office (AGO) prior to finalisation of the constitution.

A group from the US House Foreign Relations Committee who visited Maldives in February were also rumoured to have spoken to government on the issue, whilst a 2005 international religious freedom report by the committee said that “freedom of religion remains severely restricted” in Maldives.

“The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government as part of its overall policy to promote human rights,” the report added.

However as the new constitution was developed, the Special Majlis (constitutional assembly) voted to amend wording on citizenship from the current constitution, to add the words: “A non-Muslim may not become a citizen of the Maldives.”

Information minister Mohamed Nasheed said on his personal blog that this wording “will operate to take away the citizenship from citizens of Maldives who may have a faith different from Islam.”

The existing constitution stipulates individuals must be Muslim in order to vote in elections, but not in order to be a citizen.

Blake said on Tuesday the US had discussed the new wording with Maldivian ministers. “The government is aware of the inconsistency, and exploring how to resolve that,” he said, adding: “I would reiterate that we believe very strongly in freedom of religion.”

Of the 200 issues raised by the AGO, the citizenship wording is one of around ten “policy issues” over which “discussions are going on in government”.

Along with the other issues, these will be discussed by a reduced version of the constitutional drafting committee before suggestions for amendments are considered by the Special Majlis.

It is believed the wording, if retained, could affect children of Maldivians with non-Muslims as well as those who choose to change their religion.

But Nasheed said on his blog, “It will be very difficult for Maldives mentality to accept Maldives citizens may belong to a different faith. It will be seen as an offense to the state of Maldives and an insult to being Maldivian, thus demanding serious reprisal.”

Therefore, he added, “No Maldives leader would want to rock the boat” by advocating a change to the wording.

[a minivannews.com article]

Guraidhoo school library closed following the discovery of a 'christian' story book.

2008-05-05T02:47:00.035+05:00

K.Guraidhoo school library was closed following the discovery of a story book 'based on stories of christianity' ; jazeera daily reports. The local news paper reported that this story is about a child who was not accepted in to school and was educated in a church, and basically the story was about how great a religion christianity is.

The assistant headmaster of the school; Hussein Habeeb confirmed this saying that they discovered a story book with the symbol of christianity (cross) on it and the library was closed after that.

"We have now checked all the books in the library, but haven't found any other book like that" Jazeera quoted Habeeb as saying. He assured that the school management did not know about the book before this and they have acted as soon as they knew about it. He noted that the books in their library come from UNICEF and schools in the capital Male'.

Habib said it was reported to the school office that two of their students had the symbol of cross on their school bags and they have now erased those. Jazeera reported that some of the islanders claim this book have been frequently read by students of that school and some foreign teachers have been narrating 'stories of christianity' to them.

Jamiyyathul Salaf, a local Islamic NGO (of wahhabi school of thought) claims that it was not just one book but several books, and they were taken home and was read by the students.Theey also say the books had the school stamp on them ; hinting that there might be and involvement of the school management in this. The organisation which recently declared music to be illegal in Islam have now (on 3rd May 2008) sent an investigation team to the Island along with a journalist from Jazeera daily.

sources: Jazeera Daily , Jamiyyathul Salaf.

HRCM sheikh declares music illegal.

2008-03-19T01:53:00.056+05:00

Music is Haraam.
One of the five members of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives have publicly articulated that Music (listening, playing or getting involved with it ) is haraam (completely forbidden, and a sin deserving of punishment in hell fire).

HRCM member Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Kareem was among the 22 Islamic Scholars who was shown declaring music is haraam in a special video presentation at a Jamiyyath-uh-Salaf (a wahhabi islamic NGO) meeting. Several government employed sheikhs; including senior members of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, and the Centre for the Holy Qur’an were seen in this video. Among other notable people shown on this video were Adhaalath party president Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) religious council member Sheikh Adam Naseem.

[The jamiyyathusalaf video presentation]

The 'Human Rights' Sheikh.
Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Kareem is a fundamentalist who cannot write anything without turning it in to an Islamic sermon, be it a newspaper article on international politics or a human rights commission report.

His profile on HRCM official website says that he had his secondary and tertiary education at Jamaia Daarul Salaam, Umar Abad in South India. He obtained his First Degree from the Islamic University of al-Madinah al-Munawarah in Saudi Arabia.

He have always been very active in promoting fundamentalist ideas in Maldives through national Television, Radio and by other means. Since a long time ago he have been writing articles regularly for some local newspapers (Mainly for papers owned by president Gayoom's friends and family members; Miadhu and Aafathis dailies). In these articles he discuss religious and social matters along with international politics in the light of Islam. In his articles on international politics; he will usually be praising terrorists (calling them martyrs of Islam at times) and talking of how muslims have been victims of 'evil forces of America and Europe'. This will be evident if one go through his articles written during the times of Iraq and Afghan war or any article on the Middle East conflict.

According to the HRCM website: "He have also been a lecturer at Kuliyyathul Dhiraasath Al Islamaiyya and Faculty of Education, of Maldives College of Higher Education. He have written several books on Islamic education for students and teachers of primary and secondary schools. He have now started working on producing his own publications on Islamic issues and Islamic education".

It also stated that "Sheikh Ahmed have also been serving as an Imam in the mosques of Male’, and gives religious speeches in mosques through out the country. He have been the external examiner of Islamic Studies at the Department of Public Examinations since 2002. This includes setting and marking Islamic Studies Examination for secondary and higher secondary school leavers."

What does this mean?
This shows how much fundamentalism is rooted into maldives, especially in to the government and political parties. This shows why the recent HRCM annual report looked more like an Islamic sermon than a human rights report, and why it ignored human rights violations related to Islam. The fundamentalists are becoming more and more organised in Maldives while any opposition or any voice to counter their preaching are supressed, even if it is Islamic (Dr.Afrashim?) or not (Aaniyaa?).

Dr. Afrashim Ali who have completed his doctorate studies (in Islamic Fiqh and Usul al Fiqh) at the Islamic University of Malaysia was denied the license to preach publicly by the the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs. He have been accused of blasphemy and humiliating Islam by several fundamentalist scholars and was even attacked by an angry mob after a Friday prayer he did at a Wahhabi dominated mosque in Male'. Information minister Mohamed Nasheed who supports moderate Islamic views have been endorsing him for a long time and even defying the Islamic Council by allowing him to preach on national Radio and Television. But this sheikh have been criticised for this by islamists and general public and also by the media. Several articles against the minister and his 'Sufi' sheikh (who says Music is legal in Shariah) have appeared on Jazeera, Haveeru and other local daily papers.

With fundamentalists (who believe music is haraam, who believe Maldivian citizens who leave islam should have their citizenships revoked and beheaded, who believe muslim women must be covered from head to toe, who believe suicide bombers go directly to heaven, who believe wife beating is ok, who believes fornicators should be stoned to death,who believes criticism of Islam should be punished by death and other such things) in important positions of our country, we are now in great danger. With politicians, news people, human rights commission members , ministers, presidential candidates, law makers, judicial personnel, police and army personnel, teachers and most of the common people turning towards Islamic fundamentalism ; Maldives is now in greatwe danger than the that posed by the rise of sea level. Especially with no way to counter the great force of Islamic fundamentalism.

Maldives at this rate would soon be another Saudi Arabia if not a Talibanic state. Maldives' government, political parties, law makers, judiciary and the HRCM does not see, 'the right to freedom of religion and belief' as a right at all. They believe that, it is a violation of 'our' sacred Islamic right to remain Muslim forever. Now that everything which can be a human right must be legal in Islamic Shariah, one day listening to music might become a punishable crime in Maldives; if some people does not stand up against this madness. Believe it or not, agree with this or not, that is where we are headed now. By the way, did the Taliban government in Afghanistan have a 'human rights' commission? .

Source : [Official Website of HRCM, and Minivannews.com]

Islamic Rights Commision of Maldives Annual Report.

2008-02-28T23:31:00.001+05:00

"In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks is to Allah (Glorious and Exalted is he) who sanctified human beings.I pray to Allah that he may send his peace and blessings upon Mohamed (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), who have been exalted and consecrated above all in both worlds, the one who taught the importance of protecting the sanctity of human sanctity, and showed the beautiful example of establishing justice and equality among humans. And I include his family/household and companions in this prayer."

No, Im not quoting a Friday Sermon.That was the very first lines of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM)'s annual report.It is more like a khutba sermon than an annual report with references to the beauty of Islamic ethics and Islamic way of living, How Islamic Maldivians are, How Muslims should behave etc. Maybe that is merely cultural, maybe thats the way we write Dhivehi nowadays. Not a big deal maybe. But what follows is also a short paragraph from the introduction of the report.

"Human rights commission is a commission which works towards protecting,and promoting human rights in the Maldives; in accordance to Islamic Sharia, The Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, And regional and international human rights treaties Maldives have signed."

This paragraph is clearly explaining the mission of the commission. What comes first is; Not the constitution or human rights treaties but Islamic Sharia. After all we have a constitution based on the Islamic Sharia, and there is no need to specifically mention it other than to gain more sawaab (blessings) from Allah by doing so; which i believe is not an objective of the human rights commission's annual report.

The introduction of the report have also mentioned that Maldives is a 100% Muslim country , rejecting even the existence of non-muslim Maldivians. It seems they did not even notice the fact that several Maldivians have been deprived of the right to freedom of religion and belief for ages and in the year 2007 the Special Majlis have made an amendment in the constitution to revoke the citizenship of all non-muslim Maldivians , as soon as the new constitution comes to power this year. This human rights disaster seems to be a human right which conflicts the Islamic Sharia.The same Sharia which states that these Maldivians should not only have their citizenships revoked, but also killed for their sin of leaving Islam. However to our relief the human rights commission of Maldives have not yet condemned the infidels for insulting Islam and Muslims by leaving Islam or have said anything supportive of beheading them.

The commission's report also said that "respecting human rights is a very easy thing for any law abiding person who hold fast to the holy principles of Islam", as if it would be difficult for a non-muslim citizen.

After the introduction to the report, was a general overview of human rights in Maldives throughout the year 2007.In this section there were even more surprising things. It stated (page 8) that the commission is happy to mark that: "the basic freedoms and rights which are also included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are perfectly included in the second chapter of the new draft constitution."

But we all know what this new draft constitution is about, it is the draft constitution which revokes the citizenship of non-muslims.And even in that second chapter,freedom of religion and belief is not included. It seem to be a part of the declaration which the Maldivian authorities don't believe in. It was the main reason for the banning of the copies of this declaration (5th July 2005) in Maldives after a Fatwa issued by the Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs.The ban was later lifted following international pressure.

And then in the report there was a special mention of religious divisions in Maldives. I do understand that this is mainly regarding the Wahhabi extremist groups and the sultan park terrorist attack.But it is noteworthy that there is an 'Protection of Religious Unity of Maldivians Act' which is said to be protecting the Islamic unity of Maldives; under which a person can be imprisoned for anything considered unislamic also (ranging from wearing a crucifix, to speaking or writing anything which contradicts Islamic views). So, when they mention protecting Islamic unity and stopping religious divisions it means totally something else; it means fighting the presence of other religions and other versions of Islam (other than the state approved version introduced by President Gayoom 30 years back). It read (page9):

"Political divisions and political conflicts are problems which would be solved as the people become more aware of things. And political differences are issues which could be solved by dialog. But religious divisions and differences of opinion in matters of creed among people is very dangerous. The signs of danger and horror of this is now visible even in our Maldivian community. And we are now even experiencing the losses brought up by this. This is something which this commission have previously also expressed our concern for. Finding the reasons for these religious divisions in our tiny community and taking the necessary steps regarding this, in a responsible manner is of utmost importance. When the number of people who have thinking and orientations which contradict the beautiful Islamic principles are increasing,it is very important that the concerned government authorities bring out to the citizens the authentic information about religion (Islam) in a responsible manner. And (the commission) would also like to point out that, to save the society from religious divisions it is very important that the role played by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs be broadened."

So much for a human rights commission's annual report. The remedy for the spreading Islamic extremism and unislamic thoughts is more Islamic indoctrination and brainwashing they say.The commission seems to be so concerned about increase of freethinking citizens in Maldives. The Politicians and Parties, The Parliament and now even the Human Rights Commission have turned down the rights of the non-muslim and secular muslim Maldivians.

[ Original Report in Dhivehi from HRCM website -PDF.]

Secularism is not good for Maldives - Umar Naseer.

2008-02-15T00:06:00.004+05:00

Presidential Candidate and Islamic Democratic Party leader; Umar Naseer have described Secularism as something which is "not good" for Maldives.

“Secularism is not something for Maldives. Secularism is a pill. It is a medicine, very good for countries with multi-race, multi-religion, multi-culture. But if this pill is given to a wrong patient, like Maldives, where we have a single religion for the past 400 years, then this pill can cause irritation in your stomach. So this secularism is not good for Maldives." Umar said.

Speaking to Minivannews.com Umar said that being a 100% Muslim country; Maldives needs a 'special version of democracy' where secularism, pluralism, homosexuality, abortion and alcohol are all out.

Umar said that his Party's policy is a one religion, one race, and one language policy.
“I am sure all the political parties would agree with me on these points but the question is how committed are people when you have to really defend that" said Umar, who considers himself a moderate Muslim. He warned that religious extremism will become a serious problem for Maldives, and said that if he win the elections he would not be soft with the fundamentalists.

source:Minivannews.com

Islamic council mislead people with scientific hoax.

2008-01-26T22:50:00.000+05:00

The Maldives Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has used a scientific hoax (spread mainly through forwarding emails) which stated that the sun rose from the west in planet Mars. An article translated in to dhivehi (purportedly from an arabic language islamic magazine) by an anonymous person (with the nick 'abu osama') was put on the council's official noticeboard. It was also published on the Islamist Adhaalath Party's official website and Haveeru daily news paper (the paper with highest readership in country). Copies of this article -with the stamp of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs on it- was also distributed by religious people (see page 1, 2 & 3). The council have repeatedly confirmed this hoax to be true, when ever people inquired by phone or by visiting the council.

Quoting from the Quran, Hadiths and Islamic Scholars; it said that this (sun rising from the west) may as well happen to planet earth and it is among the signs of the end of days. Stating that according to Islam once the sun rise from the west (to earth), the doors of repentance will be closed forever; it called all muslims to "hasten to do good deeds", and invite non muslims and heedless muslims to Islam.

After a blogger responded to this (in english & dhivehi) by exposing the scientific inaccuracy in the article; Haveeru news and Adhaalath Party have agreed that there were 'some mistakes' in it. However, to this day the supreme council have never apologized nor professed they were wrong.

The council which operates under the office of the president is well know for notorious fatwas like the one which banned the animated cartoon film "The Prince of Egypt", or the one which banned (possession and/or distribution of) the universal declaration of human rights in Maldives; among many others.

Adhaalath comdemns allowing women to run for president as unIslamic.

2008-01-17T15:04:00.003+05:00

"On Monday (14 January), the Special Majlis (constitutional assembly) voted in favour of giving women the right to compete for President.Clause 34 of the current Maldives constitution, which lists the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates, states a person "shall be qualified to be elected" if "he is a male."Forty Special Majlis members voted against a constitutional amendment proposed by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Hussain Ibrahim to ban women from standing.Twenty-two members voted in favour of his amendment, while twenty-four abstained." - Minivannews.com

According to minivannews.com, Adhaalath Party condemned this move to remover the gender bar saying Prophet Mohamed have said that women should never rule a country, hence making it a move contradicting Islamic Shariah (which is also the base of Maldivian Law). While the Foreign minister described the amendment as "a vital step towards a modern Democracy", Adhaalath's president Mohamed Didi told minivannews.com that it was "another step away from Shariah".

"Anything forbidden by the creator is not an individual right" Didi was quoted as saying.

Adhaalath Party have condemned this on their website and have published a letter explaining how this is forbidden in Islamic Law, which was addressed to the president of Special Majlis Gasim Ibrahim.

Source: Minivannews.com

"No room for other religions" - President Gayoom.

2008-01-07T17:49:00.000+05:00

The current government of Maldives will not give place for any religion other than Islam; President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said today. Addressing a gathering at H.A Atoll Ihavandhoo island (on a campaign trip for the upcoming presidential elections), Gayoom said that some outsiders (governments, associations..etc) are not happy because Maldives is a hundred percent Muslim country, and these outsiders are working to get this place for other religions. "But there is no place for that (in Maldives)" said Gayoom.

He also said that the government attaches a very high priority to protect the Islamic unity in Maldives and that have been the very first and one of the most important tasks he began after coming to power (in 1978).

After Gayoom came to power the constitution of the Maldives have been amended to make president of Maldives "the supreme authority to propagate the tenets of Islam in the Maldives” (Article 38, Constitution). And also a “Protection of Religious Unity of Maldivians Act”, was introduced. Maldivians who convert to other religions,simply speak contrary to the government approved version of Islam, sometimes even for wearing a crucifix or simply carrying a bible are punished under this law.Gayoom is an Islamic Scholar who did his masters in Islamic Sharia and Civil Law, at Al Azhar University of Egypt.

[Source: Official Website of The President's Office]

MDP sheikh warns against freedom of religion.

2007-11-26T18:00:00.001+05:00

B.A Naseem, a member of islamic advisory council, the National Council and the congress of Maldivian Democratic Party, have given a fatwa saying it is haraam to build places of worship for other religions in Maldives and warned against freedom of religion, which he described as a violation of (God given) rights to muslims.

In an article that appeared as part of his column on Minivan (a dhivehi daily related to MDP), the famous wahhabi scholar said that 'there is no way, building a temple on Maldivian soil will be legal in Islamic Shariah'.Warning against the 'dangers' of freedom of religion he further said that according to some Islamic Scholars; 'after conquering a non muslim land; muslims are obligated to destroy the existing places of worship (except mosques)'. Below is a translation of the concluding lines of this article :

"Building places of worship for people of other religions, and letting them live in Maldives with freedom of religion guaranteed by law, will leave Maldives in religious conflicts and unthinkable chaos, from the way things are going on these days.In such a situation it is most likely that, with the aid of millions and millions of dollars and international conventions, and in the name of human rights; people of other religions will overpower muslims of Maldives in Maldives.May Allah save this country from such an abasing fate!Amen!It is important in this case to think deeply about the assaultive activities of non muslims against muslims in the name of human rights or other such names.

O people of intellect. Is depriving muslims of a right which have been given to them and giving that right to a people of some other religion in the name of human rights, acceptable to the sane mind? What glory is there being stuck in things, deceived by materialism."

[Note:According to the Principal Laws of MDP; the islamic advisory council's responsibilities are: creating islamic awareness, forbidding unislamic acts and calling for good deeds, give counsel to MDP on religious issues.]

[read the original article in dhivehi]

Politicians and Freedom of Religion.

2007-11-25T13:51:00.000+05:00

Freedom of religion, let alone a secular state is opposed by all the political parties in Maldives and almost all politicians as well .Ofcourse there are some who personally believes in secularism or that freedom of religion is a basic human right.Some of them oppose this as part of their religious beliefs.Others, fearing a loss of support from a society molded and maintained to believe that; Islam is the basis of the country's unity, freedom, and existence and this should never be taken away and freedom of religion is the worst that could happen to Maldives.

Although this is the reality, many a time does these politicians and parties try to portray them as the champions of freedom and democracy in Maldives.Some of them show a 'secular' face to the west/international community and a 'religious' face to the people. The truth is very obvious, and we can see it all the time.Take for example the recent amendment against freedom of religion.I shall now see their stand on this matter straight from their Manifesto's, Rules or official sources...

IDP
IDP claims to be an Islamic 'moderate' party.It is mentioned in the Islamic Democratic Party's Manifesto as one of the main aims of the party (3.1); " To retain Maldives as a 100% Islamic , independent and sovereign country".

and on the party website as the first objective of the party it is mentioned;

"Opposing the introduction of any religion other than Islam to Maldives and to retain Maldives as a 100% Islamic country forever."

Adaalat.
Perhaps Adalat is the most open in their views against freedom of religion, being a party fromed by Islamic Scholars vowed to bring about an 'Islamic Awakening' in Maldives.In the Adaalat Party Manifesto, under Aims and Objective it says:

(Haa): To establish an Islamic; political, social, economic, cultural and moral system in Maldives.

(Shaviyani): To retain the Islamic and Maldivian (cultural) qualities of Maldives.

(Vaavu): Striving to make Maldivians a people proud of their religion (Islam) and Obedient to the religious commands while saving Maldives from all nullified (Unislamic) creeds, and all irreligious currents.

and under permenant policies its says :

(Haa): In making any decision the party's first priority will be to find out what the stand of Islam on the matter is and act accordingly.It is only a secondary matter to look in to the situation and what it allows us to do.

DRP
President Gayoom's DhivehiRayyithunge'Party or DRP is a party which plays the two face game.Often accuses opposition MDP of spreading Christianity but also accuse MDP is linked to extremists, and terrorists. The first accusation is for Maldivian people, second for the international community.

In the DRP manifesto after the main introduction the first heading is "religion and nationalism", under this it is written:

"It is a must to strengthen the pillars (fundamental principals) of Islamic unity and Nationalism.From the ancestral times; what have played the most important role in protecting our unity and freedom is the holy religion of Islam.Foreign forces will always strive hard to introduce and spread religions other than Islam to Maldives.Protecting the Islamic unity among Maldivians is one of the most important primary principles of this party. This beloved nation must always remain in the perfect light of Islam. We will never give chance for any other religion on this land of ours, as long as there is pulse in our bodies.Therefore it is our most essential and important duty to strengthen the Islamic creed of Maldivians.To perfectly protect the opportunity to raise the Maldivian children upon the most beautiful ways of Islam is a principle of this party.

MDP
Maldivian Democratic Party or MDP is the leader in playing two face.They often accuse president Gayoom to be the destroyer of the 'Holy Islamic Religion' but at the same time accuse him to be an 'Azhar educated mullah, who is the father of religious extremism in Maldives". The party had one of the most dangerous extremist leaders in Maldivian history (Sheikh Fareed) preaching in their meetings.But they often tries to give this 'secular party' image to the international community.For example; the writer of this article thinks MDP is a secular party.And this paper quotes MDP draft menfesto which says that MDP will aim to create 'a secular democratic society' in Maldives.But unfortunately that Draft Manifesto continue to remain as the draft menifesto and I believe still MDP does not have a manifesto (I have contacted senior party members, contacted them through the official website requesting a copy of the Manifesto if there is one, but i they did not reply)... the 2002 draft Manifesto is here.

On the Maldivian Democratic Party's official website, in fundamental laws of the party it is mentioned that:

3.3 The party will work to:
(haa) Protect the blessed religion of Islam.And MDP will never give a chance to any religion other than Islam (to be practiced in Maldives).now i wonder whats with this press release. Ofcourse it is part of the two face game.

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So, to put is simply the politicians and political parties are leading Maldives into the darkness.The darkness of intolerance and Islamic extremism.Their only concern seems to be getting rid of the 30 year old dictatorship, even if it means to take away basic human rights of the citizens in the process.And it is for this reason that all people who believe in the separation of religion from the state have to stand up for their rights.Come out into the public and demand your rights, because our politicians don't care.

Nonmuslim Maldivians to lose citizenship.

2007-11-19T23:40:00.000+05:00

The special majlis (constitutional assembly) have passed an amendment stating "none, except Muslims can be Maldivian citizens". The amendment was proposed by H.Dh memeber Abdulla Naseer and backed by G.A member Ibrahim Khalil Abdulla.

The amended article is Article 9 - Citizens of Maldives of Chapter one - State, Sovereignty and Citizens.At the time of this amendment (just after an ammendment proposed by addu member Husnussuood was passed) the article was as follows :

(A) The following persons are citizens of the Maldives:

1-Citizens of the Maldives at the commencement of this constitution
2-Children born to a citizen of the Maldives; and
3-Foreigners who, in accordance to the law becomes citizens of the Maldives.

(B) The citizenship of Maldives cannot be taken away from a citizen of Maldives.

(C) Any person who wishes to renounce the citizenship, can do so in accordance with the law.

Abdulla Naseer's proposed amendment was adding an extra 'D' to this as follows:

(D) even if (A) of this article states so, none except a Muslim can become a citizen of Maldives.

From the 83 members (of the total 112) present at the time of vote; 78 members voted in favor, 2 members voted to remain neutral, but none of the members voted against this amendment.

A prominent lawyer and one of the members who voted to be neutral , Addu member Husnussuood says that he feared that a number of Maldivians may lose their right to be citizens of Maldives or even worse; become stateless.

"According to the current Constitution of Maldives, Children of every Maldivian mother and every Maldivian father are citizens of Maldives.Even I know of some Maldivians who are following religions other than Islam.Some of them are living in Australia, some even in Europe.They hold Maldivian passport.According to the current constitution the door to become a citizen of Maldives is open to people of all religions.That door is not closed.Things were like that but when this was passed today,once the new constitution is passed and comes into effect; some Maldivians will loose their right to remain as citizens of Maldives" said Husnussuood.He also said this amendment "will lead to many legal problems".

Another lawyer Raa member and vice president of the majlis, Shaheen Hameed said this amendment contradicts with the other points of this article.
"Now we will have to see who remains as Muslims at the time of adopting the new constitution, before we take them as citizens of Maldives".

Although the current constitution does not specifically mention this, any person found 'guilty' of following or preaching , or simply reading texts of other religions are punished till he or she returns to Islam. Religious thoughts that contradicts the state's version of Islam are also not tolerated and a person can even be punished for carrying a Buddha or wearing a cross.

[sources: haveeru, majlis website - pdf]

No 'unislamic' clothing inside courts.

2007-11-14T22:33:00.000+05:00

Ministry of Justice have released a new set of rules (a dress code) to be followed when entering the courts.Among these rules was one which states that the person entering a court"Must not wear; any clothing that typify unislamic expressions, or any of such ornaments on any part of the body".

Even before this, wearing of any such ornament or clothing in the public is not often tolerated.And one might have to face consequences of it.Many in the past have been summoned to police stations and even punished for such 'offenses'.

IDP propose to change country's official name to "Islamic Republic of Maldives".

2007-11-06T08:59:00.000+05:00

Islamic Democratic Party proposes to change Maldives' official name from "Republic of Maldives" to "Islamic Republic of Maldives".In an IDP newsletter published on its website , the party president and founder Umar Naseer asked for public opinion on this matter.He said changing the name and strengthening the bond between the religion of Maldivians (Islam) and Maldives would be a slap on the face of those people who wants a secular Maldives.He also said that a lot of plans and efforts to introduce christianity to maldives are underway.And according to Umar, foreign association are even bribing the Maldivian politicians to achieve this end.He have requested to SMS him (to 7866666) and comment on this matter.

[source]

drafting committee against freedom of religion.

2007-11-06T07:48:00.000+05:00

The Malaysian Professor Mohamed Hashim Kamali , currently in Maldives to advise the special majlis' constitutional drafting committee have said that the drafting committee were against allowing other religions to be practiced in the country.

He also said that the new draft constitution is 100% islamic.Despite this some members of the Majilis are demanding to make it more islamic it seems.I wonder if they are suggesting beheading of converts and stoning of adulterers.

“In my opinion it is not necessary to include the phrase ‘Islamic Shariah’ in every constitutional amendment. That is because the constitution says that Islam should be the (official) religion of the Maldives,” Professor Kamali said.

“Despite my recommendations, it is up to the drafting committee to decide what to include in the draft. The recommendations include how Islam deals with other religions and the problems that could arise in Maldives if other religions were allowed to be practiced” he said.

“Many Quranic verses say so. It recognizes Christianity and other religions. To close the door to them is a disservice to….Islam.” said Kamali. He also warned that Islam does not allow followers to renounce the faith but the 64,000 expatriates living in the Maldives, should be able to open schools for their children and practice their faith openly,” he urged. But the drafting committee and all the political parties are against freedom of religion even for the foreigners.

source: [haveeru] , [minivannews]

why a secular maldives?

2007-11-06T07:47:00.000+05:00

we will get a basic human right; freedom of religion.a huge barrier between us and freedom would comedown shattered!our judicial system would be much freer.we would be getting rid of an often manipulated,crazy method of social control.our children would no longer be injected with canonical doctrines created for the advantage of some very few people in the society.we would start thinking about problems (personal,national and at all levels) more seriously, in terms of what we should do for our benefit (rather than what we should do according to a certain religion), 'the opium of the people' could be turned in to something more useful or more creative (secularism doesn't have to be getting rid of religions-following a certain country or countries is not the point, we do it our way), and i believe we would be treated more equally ,no discrimination on the basis of religion or beliefs (lets hope so, atleast).well there goes some.guess that would do for now. what do you guys think? pour out what's on your mind.

[note this was a comment i made on ; 'secularmaldives']

Maldivians are free within the bounds of law...and shariah?

2007-11-06T07:46:00.000+05:00

Chapter 2 (The Maldivian Charter of rights and freedoms) article 4 (Freedom from restraint) of the new draft constitution says:

"A citizen is free to engage in any conduct or activity that is not expressly prohibited by law. No control or restraint maybe exercised against any person unless it is expressly authorized by law. "

now special majilis G.Dh memeber Abbas (brother in law of Gayom) wanted to ammend this to include ... "...not expressly prohibited by law and Shariah". why should shariah come there? i mean ... it is not a clearly defined thing. what is bad in shariah for me might be what is the best in shariah for him.what i am trying to say is shariah is not a very clearly defined thing and there is no agreement among islamic scholars on most of the matters.So, i can interpret shariah any way i want, because there is no list of people who can interpret shariah given in the holy texts.

if shariah is included here, it might be manipulated for political gains by the government.It would be something like 'ghairu qaanoonee'. None but the government only knows what the hell 'ghairu qaanoonee' is. but when someothing becomes 'ghairu qaanoonee' they could be punished severely (a ghairuqaanoonee loud speaker can be confiscated,star force can crack down on any ghariqaanoonee assembly....and so on).

and the good news is ... for what ever reason... this amendment was not passed from the special majilis.so it would remain as it is for now.and this was condemned by many people as an act against islam and a step towards secularism.Those who voted against this are Ibra,Xray Athif,Kaanal,Shihab (all Male' members) ,Gn Atoll memeber Modi and President's appointed member ahmed zahir.I think this is some thing good they did.what Maldives needs is a secular state.This hundred percent Islam myth have to be ended now.This is just single step... there is so much we need to do (only if any one there cares about this.)

:S

[news source]

2007-11-04T07:57:00.000+05:00