Before You Say “No to Sharia”, Learn What It Actually Is.

But let me make something clear. The overwhelming majority of South African Muslims are not campaigning to replace South Africa’s Constitution with Sharia law. We already live by our faith in our own lives. We apply Islamic teachings in our own homes, our marriages, our businesses, our worship and our personal conduct.

Just like Christians live according to the Bible without expecting every South African to become Christian, Muslims live according to Islamic teachings without expecting every South African to become Muslim. So let’s stop pretending that every Muslim is trying to “take over” South Africa. Now let’s talk about the image that keeps circulating online. It lists several claims about Sharia and presents them as if they are simple, undisputed facts. Many of those claims are either false, misleading, oversimplified, taken out of context, or represent only particular interpretations rather than Islamic law as understood and applied by all Muslims. If you genuinely want to understand Sharia, don’t learn it from a Facebook meme. Learn it from qualified Islamic scholars, from the Qur’an, and from authentic sources.

Now ask yourself… If Sharia is so evil… Why does it prohibit alcohol? Why does it prohibit drug abuse? Why does it prohibit pornography? Why does it prohibit gambling? Why does it prohibit corruption? Why does it prohibit bribery? Why does it prohibit theft? Why does it prohibit fraud? Why does it prohibit rape? Why does it prohibit murder? Why does it prohibit oppression? Why does it command charity? Why does it command justice? Why does it command honesty? Why does it command respect for parents? Why does it command looking after orphans, widows and the poor?

Look around South Africa today. Alcohol abuse destroys families. Drug addiction destroys communities. Pornography destroys marriages and relationships. Corruption steals from the poor. Crime leaves people living in fear. These are some of the very problems that Islamic teachings seek to prevent. You don’t have to become Muslim. You don’t even have to agree with Islam. But at least understand what Sharia actually is before you reject it. Don’t let fear replace knowledge. Don’t let propaganda replace facts.

And don’t judge 2 billion Muslims by a viral image on social media. Learn first. Judge afterwards.