"LAWFUL" AND "PROHIBITED" FROM
THE WORLD'S SCRIPTURES - THE OLD TESTAMENT, THE NEW TESTAMENT, QURAN - THE
FINAL TESTAMENT, UPANISHADS, BUDDHISM, JAINISM, AND OTHERS.
In this day and age, "Morality" as such has a very loose meaning. There
are many shades of gray between right and wrong; what is right for one individual, may be
not right or moral for another. The scriptures are unanimous and unambiguous in
stating what is right, and what is wrong - it is black and white, and thus sets clear
distinctions with which to lead our lives by.
If we follow these moral laws of what is "Prohibited" and what is
"Lawful", as laid down by God in the Scriptures, we can be assured of individual
and communal prosperity, congruence, and happiness in this world, and indeed, in the next.
This is not a mere idealistic dream, it is the ultimate truth.
Since the Quran, the Final Testament, is the last revelation from God to the world, and
is preserved in the original language of its revelation, and also proven to be
mathematically composed, it carries clear-cut injunctions - laws and prohibitions - for
each and every creature in this world. God calls it the "Statute Book".
The same laws are to be found in the other scriptures.
If only the people of the scripture believe and lead a righteous
life, we will remit their sins, and admit them into gardens of bliss. (Quran, 5:65)
If only they uphold the Torah and the Gospel, and what is sent
down to them herein from their Lord, they would be showered with blessings from above them
and from beneath their feet. Some of them are righteous, but many of them are evildoers.
(Quran, 5:66)
Had the people of those communities believed and turned
righteous, we would have showered them with blessings from the heaven and the earth. Since
they decided to disbelieve, we punished them for what they earned. (Quran, 7:96)
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of
God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor
male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor
slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians, 6: 9-10)
Whoso in this world destroys life, tells lies, takes what is not
given, goes to others' wives, and is addicted to intoxicating drinks, such a one digs up
his own root in this world. (Buddhist Dhammapada, 246-47)
The plunderer of gold, the liquor drinker, the invader of a
teacher's bed, the murderer - These four sink doenward in the scale - And Fifth, he who
consorts with them. (Hindu Chandogya Upanishad, 5. 10. 9)
Let us now examine the words "Lawful" and "Prohibited" and
understand their various meanings. This will make it apparent, that by disobeying
these laws, we move toward sin and evil and unhappiness, and by obeying them, we move
closer to peace, happiness and contentment, as individuals, and communities.
As mentioned before, that since the Quran was the final scripture to be revealed, and
is preserved in its entirety in its original language, it deals with this subject very
comprehensively. Therefore, in the interest of gaining a complete understanding of what is
prohibited, and what is made lawful by God, it will be the primary source of quotation
used in this article.
The Arabic word Halal (lawful) is used in the Quran to mean : lawful, to make lawful,
to be lawful, to permit, to be permitted, permitted, holy, sacred, to hallow, to make
sacred. The following forms are used: 1. Halla; 2. Halaal; 3.
Hill; 4. Ahalla.
The word Haraam (prohibited, or forbidden) is used in the Quran to mean
prohibited, forbidden, to forbid, to prohibit. It is used in two forms: 1.
Haraam; 2. Harrama.
These two words are used together in several verses to carry the point across more
clearly as they have the exact opposite meaning. For example, in 2:275, God has
permitted trafficking (commerce), and forbidden usury.
DEFINITIONS OF THE WORDS "LAWFUL" AND "PROHIBITED" OR
"FORBIDDEN":
The dictionary definitions of "Law", and "lawful", are as
follows: ruling or governing principle, regulation, mandate, commandment, established
dictate, decree, legal form, edict, standing order, statute, ordinance, canon, bylaw.
Also: system of laws, collection of rules, rules of conduct, code, lawful
behaviour, confirmity to rules, orderliness, justice, legality, writ, fundamental, truth,
invariable, absolute, model.
"Unlawful"," not lawful", means: lawless, contrary to law,
anarchic, law breaking, illegal, illegitimate, defiant, disobedient, ungoverned, wanton,
licentious.
"Prohibited" or "forbidden", means: command not to,
proscribe, render impossible, banned, taboo.
1. PROHIBITED, FORBIDDEN (HARAAM)
We will now describe the laws that deal with what is "Forbidden,
"Prohibited", "Condemned" or "Haram"
Today's society is replete with powerful temptations. An alarming percentage of people,
and notably increasingly large numbers of young people, have decaying moral values.
Dishonesty, adultery, homosexuality, use of drugs, alcohol etc. are commonplace.
This has resulted in a moral breakdown that will cost the individual dearly throughout his
/ her life. The only law that rules the world is God's law, and flagrant violations
of God's law will only result in misery and unhappiness:
"As for the one who disregards My message, he will have a
miserable life, and we resurrect him, on the Day of resurrection, blind."
(Quran, 20:124)
Our ultimate happiness lies in obeying God's commandments. These commandments are
categorized hereunder for ease of study.
A. IDOLATORY:
The first prohibition, common to all of the World's great scriptures, is Idolatory.
This is an issue spoken of in the most unambiguous of terms, and elevated as the most
important of prohibitions:
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out
of the land of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before me.
"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or
on the earth beneath or in the waters below. (Exodus, 20:2-4)
You shall not set up any other god beside GOD, lest you end up
despised and disgraced. (Quran, 17:22)
The One who made the earth habitable for you, and the sky a
structure. He sends down from the sky water, to produce all kinds of fruits for your
sustenance. You shall not set up idols to rival GOD, now that you know. (Quran,
2:22)
Recall that Luqmaan said to his son, as he enlightened him,
"O my son, do not set up any idols beside GOD; idolatry is a gross injustice."
(Quran, 31:13)
Pagans indeed are those who say that God is the Messiah, son of
Mary. The messiah himself said, " O Children of Israel, you shall worship God; my
Lord and your Lord". Anyone who sets up any idol beside God, God has forbidden
(harrama) PARADISE for him, and his destiny is Hell. (Quran, 5:72)
GOD does not forgive idol worship, and He forgives lesser
offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who idolizes any idol beside GOD has strayed far
astray. (Quran, 4:116)
B. GENERAL PROHIBITIONS:
6:151-152 contains nine different commandments, itemised here for
ease of reading:
Come let me tell you what your Lord has really "harrama" for you:
1) You shall not set up idols besides Him.
2) You shall honor your parents.
3) You shall not kill your children from fear of poverty - we provide for you and
for them. (also re-iterated in 17:31)
4) You shall not commit gross sins (Fahisha), obvious or hidden. (17:32 - adultery; 7:80-81 - homosexuality; 4:15 - different acts of
sexual misconduct including, evidently, adultery and lesbianism; In 4:22 - marrying
your father's wife is called fahisha)
5) You shall not kill - God has made life sacred - except in the course of justice (see also 17:33)
6) You shall not touch the orphans' money except in the most righteous manner, until
they reach maturity.
7) You shall give full weight and full measure when you trade, equitably.
8) You shall be absolutely just when you bear witness, even against you relatives (see also 22:30)
9) You shall fulfill your covenants with God. (Quran, 6:151-152)
Sins and evil deeds are forbidden. This is a recurring
theme throughout the Scriptures:
Say, "My Lord prohibits (harrama) only evil deeds (fahisha),
be they obvious or hidden, and sins (ithma), and unjustifiable aggression, and to set up
beside GOD powerless idols, and to say about GOD what you do not know." (Quran,
7:33)
2:219 makes it clear that intoxicants and gambling are
forbidden. We must bear in mind that there are some intoxicants that have medicinal
value and are used as anaesthetics for doing surgery. There are other important uses
also, mainly to alleviate human pain and suffering. Thus, when used as a drug under
the direction of a health professional for the sole purpose treating disease, they are not
"harrama".
They ask you
about intoxicants and gambling: say, "In them there is a gross sin (ithman kabiran),
and some benefits for the people. But their sinfulness (ithmahuma akbaru) far outweighs
their benefit."... (Quran, 2:219)
O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a
little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you
backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You
certainly abhor this. You shall observe GOD. GOD is Redeemer, Most Merciful. (Quran,
49:12)
Those who charge usury (riba) are in the same position as those
controlled by the devil's influence. This is because they claim that usury is the same as
commerce. However, GOD permits commerce, and prohibits usury. Thus, whoever heeds
this commandment from his Lord, and refrains from usury, he may keep his past earnings,
and his judgment rests with GOD. As for those who persist in usury, they incur Hell,
wherein they abide forever. (Quran, 2:275)
Yet, here you are killing each other, and evicting some of you
from their homes, banding against them sinfully and maliciously. Even when they
surrendered, you demanded ransom from them. Evicting them was prohibited for you in the
first place. Do you believe in part of the scripture and disbelieve in part? What should
be the retribution for those among you who do this, except humiliation in this life, and a
far worse retribution on the Day of Resurrection? GOD is never unaware of anything you do.
(Quran, 2:85)
"follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom
they find written in their Torah and Gospel. He exhorts them to be righteous,
enjoins them from evil, allows (allaha) for them all good food, and prohibits (harama)
that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who
believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the
successful ones." (Quran, 7:157)
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live
long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. "You shall not murder.
"You shall not commit adultery. "You shall not steal. "You
shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. "You shall not covet your
neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or
maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
(Exodus, 2:12-17)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
(Romans, 12:9)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans, 12:21)
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for
there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist
have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is
rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on
themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do
wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and
he will commend you. (Romans, 13:1-3)
The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do
not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other
commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as
yourself." (Romans, 13:9)
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and
drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
(Romans, 13:13)
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after
that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their
hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Hebrews, 8:10)
C. PROHIBITION (HARRAMA) RELATING TO MARRIAGE, AND WOMEN:
INCEST IS FORBIDDEN:
Prohibited for you (in marriage) are your mothers, your
daughters, your sisters, the sisters of your fathers, the sisters of your mothers, the
daughters of your brother, the daughters of your sister, your nursing mothers, the girls
who nursed from the same woman as you, the mothers of your wives, the daughters of your
wives with whom you have consummated the marriage - if the marriage has not been
consummated, you may marry the daughter. Also prohibited for you are the women who were
married to your genetic sons. Also, you shall not be married to two sisters at the same
time - but do not break up existing marriages. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
(Quran, 4:23)
Do not marry the women who were previously married to your
fathers - existing marriages are exempted and shall not be broken - for it is a gross
offense (fahisha), and an abominable act. (Quran, 4:22)
Also prohibited are the women who are already married, unless
they flee their disbelieving husbands who are at war with you. These are GOD's
commandments to you. All other categories are permitted (halal) for you in marriage, so
long as you pay them their due dowries. You shall maintain your morality, by not
committing adultery. Thus, whoever you like among them, you shall pay them the dowry
decreed for them. You commit no error by mutually agreeing to any adjustments to the
dowry. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. (Quran, 4:24)
Please read 60:10.
ADULTERY AND OTHER SEXUAL IS MISCONDUCT FORBIDDEN:
The adulterer will end up marrying an adulteress or an idol
worshiper and the adulteress will end up marrying an adulterer or an idol worshiper. This
is prohibited for the believers. (Quran, 24:3)
Please remember that all sins are forgiveable if one repents and reforms, by God's
leave.
O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to inherit what the
women leave behind, against their will. You shall not force them to give up anything you
had given them, unless they commit a proven adultery. You shall treat them nicely. If you
dislike them, you may dislike something wherein GOD has placed a lot of good.
(Quran, 4:19)
24: 11-19 condemns the accusing of a married woman of adultery without proper proof.
It has this to say of those that to this:
Those who love to see immorality
spread among the believers have incurred a painful retribution in this life and in the
Hereafter. GOD knows, while you do not know. (Quran, 24:19)
Lot said to his people, "How could you commit such an
abomination, publicly, while you see? "You practice sex with the men,
lustfully, instead of the women. Indeed, you are ignorant people." (Quran,
27:54-55)
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy
person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of
God. (Ephesians, 5:5)
Immorality in the house is like a worm in the vegetables.
(Talmud , Sota 3b)
The philanderer lusting after numerous women does not give up
seeking in other's homes. What he does daily only brings regrets - in sorrow and greed he
is shrivelled up. (Adi Granth - Sikhism)
For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is
smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged
sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no
thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.
(Proverbs, 5:3-6)
D. PROHIBITION RELATING TO FOOD:
Say ," I do not find in the revelations given to me ANY food
that is prohibited for ANY eater except: a) carrion, b) running blood,c) the meat of pigs,
for it is contaminated, and d) the meat of animals blasphemously dedicated to other than
God." If one is forced (to eat these), without being deliberate or malicious, then
your Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful. (Quran, 6:145; 2:173; 16:115)
Prohibited for you are animals that die of themselves, blood, the
meat of pigs, and animals dedicated to other than GOD. (Animals that die of themselves
include those) strangled, struck with an object, fallen from a height, gored, attacked by
a wild animal - unless you save your animal before it dies - and animals sacrificed on
altars. Also prohibited is dividing the meat through a game of chance; this is an
abomination. Today, the disbelievers have given up concerning (the eradication of) your
religion; do not fear them and fear Me instead. Today, I have completed your religion,
perfected My blessing upon you, and I have decreed Submission as the religion for you. If
one is forced by famine (to eat prohibited food), without being deliberatel sinful, then
GOD is Forgiver, Merciful. (Quran, 5:3)
The Children of Israel, as the Jews are called in the Quran, were
the recepients of innumerable favors by God:
O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon
you, and that I blessed you more than any other people. (Quran, 2:122)
There are some verses in the Quran relating to the food prohibitions for the children
of Israel, which are interesting to note. These are placed in sequence:
All food used to be lawful (ahalla) for the Children of Israel,
until Israel imposed certain prohibitions (harrama) on themselves BEFORE THE TORAH was
sent down. Say, "Bring the Torah and read it, if you are truthful."
(Quran, 3:93)
Due to their transgressions, we prohibited (harrama) for the Jews
good foods that used to be lawful (ahalla) for them; also for consistently repelling from
the path of GOD. (Quran, 4:160)
For those who are Jewish we prohibited (harram) animals with
undivided hoofs; and of the cattle and sheep we prohibited (harrama) the fat, except that
which is carried on their backs, or in the viscera, or mixed with bones. That was a
retribution for their transgressions, and we are truthful. (Quran, 6:146)
(speaking of Jesus) "I confirm previous scripture -
the Torah - and I revoke certain prohibitions imposed upon you. I come to you with
sufficient proof from your Lord. Therefore, you shall observe GOD, and obey me.
(Quran, 3:50)
Many verses elaborate the same mistakes that were committed by the children of
Israel, being committed by other communities, for example, 6:143; 6:144.
2. HALAL, LAWFUL:
The Quran, and to a lesser extent the Old and the New Testament, deal extensively with
the rights of women. The Quran gives detailed instructions of what is lawful in
marriage and what is not. All aspects of a person's life are addressed and meticulous
instructions given. Broad general rules are outlined so communities can base their
governing and justice systems without ambiguity on a solid foundation based on the
scriptures. If we can implement this, then we will be creating a society that
upholds and maintains the highest standards of moral behaviour.
" Disasters have spread throughout the land and sea, because
of what the people have committed..." (Quran, 30:41)
Thus, a nation that upholds God's laws is guaranteed to be a great nation.
Many verses relating to "not lawful" or "unlawful", have already
been introduced. However, since a different word for lawful, "Ahalla", is
used in these verses, they are presented under this subheading:
A. "LAWFUL"- RELATING TO WOMEN / MARRIAGE / FAMILY / DIVORCE:
... Also not lawful (ahalla) for you are the women who were
married to your genetic sons. ... (Quran, 4:23)
The divorced women shall wait three menstruations (before
marrying another man). It is not lawful (ahalla) for them to conceal what GOD creates in
their wombs, if they believe in GOD and the Last Day. (In case of pregnancy,) the
husband's wishes shall supersede the wife's wishes, if he wants to remarry her. The women
have rights, as well as obligations, equitably. Thus, the man's wishes prevail (in case of
pregnancy). GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. (Quran, 2:228)
Divorce may be retracted twice. The divorced woman shall be
allowed to live in the same home amicably, or leave it amicably. It is not lawful (ahalla)
for the husband to take back anything he had given her. However, the couple may fear that
they may transgress GOD's law. If there is fear that they may transgress GOD's law, they
commit no error if the wife willingly gives back whatever she chooses. These are GOD's
laws; do not transgress them. Those who transgress GOD's laws are the unjust.
(Quran, 2:229)
If he divorces her (for the third time), it is unlawful (ahalla)
for him to remarry her, unless she marries another man, then he divorces her. The first
husband can then remarry her, so long as they observe GOD's laws. These are GOD's laws; He
explains them for people who know. (Quran, 2:230)
O you who believe, it is not lawful (ahalla) for you to inherit
what the women leave behind, against their will. You shall not force them to give up.....
(Quran, 4:19)
Also prohibited (ahalla) are the women who are already married,
unless they flee their disbelieving husbands who are at war with you.... (Quran, 4:24)
O you who believe, when believing women (abandon the enemy and)
ask for asylum with you, you shall test them. GOD is fully aware of their belief. Once you
establish that they are believers, you shall not return them to the disbelievers. They are
not lawful (ahalla) to remain married to them, nor shall the disbelievers be allowed to
marry them. Give back the dowries that the disbelievers have paid. You commit no
error by marrying them, so long as you pay them their due dowries. Do not keep
disbelieving wives (if they wish to join the enemy). You may ask them for the dowry you
had paid, and they may ask for what they paid. This is GOD's rule; He rules among you. GOD
is Omniscient, Most Wise. (Quran, 60:10)
Permitted (ahalla) for you is sexual intercourse with your wives
during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the
keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed
you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what
GOD has permitted for you... (Quran, 2:187)
O prophet, we made lawful for you your wives to whom you have
paid their due dowry, or what you already have, as granted to you by GOD. Also lawful for
you in marriage are the daughters of your father's brothers, the daughters of your
father's sisters, the daughters of your mother's brothers, the daughters of your mother's
sisters, who have emigrated with you.... (Quran, 33:50)
B. "LAWFUL" RELATING TO FOOD / GENERAL:
WE ARE COMMANDED TO PRONOUNCE GOD'S NAME BEFORE EATING. Since all provisions come
from God, we must pronounce God's name before eating it:
You shall eat from that upon which GOD's name has been
pronounced, if you truly believe in His revelations. Why should you not eat from that upon
which GOD's name has been mentioned? He has detailed for you what is prohibited for you,
unless you are forced. Indeed, many people mislead others with their personal opinions,
without knowledge. Your Lord is fully aware of the transgressors.You shall avoid obvious
sins, as well as the hidden ones. Those who have earned sins will surely pay for their
transgressions. Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned,
for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey
them, you will be idol worshipers. (Quran, 6:118-121)
All food is lawful except those specifically mentioned as prohibited:
O people, eat from the earth's products all that is lawful
(ahalla) and good, and do not follow the steps of Satan; he is your most ardent enemy.
(Quran, 2:168)
O you who believe, do not prohibit (harrama) good things that are
made lawful (ahalla) by GOD, and do not aggress; GOD dislikes the aggressors.
(Quran, 5:87)
And eat from the good and lawful (ahalla) things that GOD has
provided for you. You shall reverence GOD, in whom you are believers. (Quran, 5:88)
Therefore, eat from the spoils (gains of war) you have earned,
that which is lawful (ahalla) and good, and observe GOD. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
(Quran, 8:69)
Therefore, you shall eat from GOD's provisions everything that is
lawful (ahalla) and good, and be appreciative of GOD's blessings, if you do worship Him
alone. (Quran, 16:114)
O you who believe, you shall fulfill your covenants. Permitted
(ahalla) for you to eat are the livestock, except those specifically prohibited (harrama)
herein. You shall not permit hunting throughout Hajj pilgrimage. GOD decrees whatever He
wills. (Quran, 5:1)
(See also 22:30)
They consult you concerning what is lawful (ahalla) for them;
say, "Lawful (ahalla) for you are all good things, including what trained dogs and
falcons catch for you." You train them according to GOD's teachings. You may eat what
they catch for you, and mention GOD's name thereupon. You shall observe GOD. GOD is most
efficient in reckoning. (Quran, 5:4)
Today, all good food is made lawful (ahalla) for you. The food of
the people of the scripture is lawful (ahalla) for you. Also, you may marry the chaste
women among the believers, as well as the chaste women among the followers of previous
scripture, provided you pay them their due dowries. You shall maintain chastity, not
committing adultery, nor taking secret lovers. Anyone who rejects faith, all his work will
be in vain, and in the Hereafter he will be with the losers. (Quran, 5:5)
All fish of the sea are made lawful for you to eat. During
pilgrimage, this may provide for you during your journey. You shall not hunt throughout
the pilgrimage. You shall reverence GOD, before whom you will be summoned. (Quran,
5:96)
Ususry is not lawful, but commerce is:
Those who charge usury (riba) are in the same position as those
controlled by the devil's influence. This is because they claim that usury is the same as
commerce. However, GOD permits (ahalla) commerce, and prohibits (harrama) usury. Thus,
whoever heeds this commandment from his Lord, and refrains from usury, he may keep his
past earnings, and his judgment rests with GOD. As for those who persist in usury, they
incur Hell, wherein they abide forever. (Quran, 2:275)
Both words 'Halal' and 'Haraam' are mentioned together in the following verses in the
Quran: 2:275; 4:160; 5:1; 5:87; 5:96; 7:157; 10:59; 16:116; 22:30.
Say, " Did you note how God sends down to you all
kinds of provisions, then you render some of them unlawful ( harrama) and some of them
lawful (ahalla)? "Say, "Did God give you permission to do this? Or, do you
fabricate lies and attribute them to God?." (Quran, 10:59)
You shall not utter lies with your own tongues stating:
"This is lawful, (ahalla) and this is unlawful," (harrama) to fabricate lies and
attribute them to God.Surely, those who fabricate lies and attribute them to God will
never succeed. (Quran, 16:116)
It is clear from reading the above passages that there are very comprehensive laws put
into place by God in His scriptures, especially in His Final scripture. The belief
in the One Universal God is becoming a reality around the world. God is the Absolute
truth. Creating a society that obeys God's laws will guarantee peace and prosperity to
those individuals and to that nation.
GOVERNMENT BY DIVINE LAW:
According to the scriptures, a government must be founded upon laws that conform with
divine laws. Modern Western constitutional governments are founded on the Judeo-christian
laws found in the Torah and the Bible. In ancient Israel, the Law of Moses (the Ten
Commandments) stood above the state and formed the basis of prophetic critiques of
misrule. In Islamic nations, government is expected to enforce ordinances of the
Shariah (law). The constituition of the United States Of America contain articles
which declare that certain human rights are inalienable and God-given. We must work toward
a government based completely on the laws in the divine scriptures. Since the Final
Testament is the only scripture still existing in its original entirety, is complete and
fully detailed, and supersedes previous scriptures, we must make it the backbone of any
country's constitution.
We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and
light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and
the priests, as dictated to them in GOD's scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore,
do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My
revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations
are the disbelievers. And we decreed for them in it that: the life for the life, the
eye for the eye, the nose for the nose, the ear for the ear, the tooth for the tooth, and
an equivalent injury for any injury. If one forfeits what is due to him as a charity, it
will atone for his sins. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are
the unjust. Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the
previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and
confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and
to enlighten the righteous. The people of the Gospel shall rule in accordance with
GOD's revelations therein. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are
the wicked. Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous
scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's
revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to
you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could
have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations
He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny
- all of you - then He will inform you of everything you had disputed. You shall
rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations to you Do not follow their wishes,
and beware lest they divert you from some of GOD's revelations to you. If they turn away,
then know that GOD wills to punish them for some of their sins. Indeed, many people are
wicked. Is it the law of the days of ignorance that they seek to uphold? Whose law
is better than GOD's for those who have attained certainty? (Quran, 5:44-50)
It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his
life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of
this law and these decrees (Deuteronomy, 17:19)
Step beyond what is human, elect for the Divine Word, and
establish your leadership, along with all the friends you have. (Athara Veda)
If your kingdom exists for the Doctrine, And not for fame or
desire, Then it will be extremely fruitful. If not, its fruit will be misfortune.
(Buddhism)
The soul and Him who created it. Then showed it what is
evil and what is good (Quran, 91:7-8)
We created the human being to work hard (to redeem
himself). Does he think that no one will ever call him to account? (Quran, 90:4-5)
