Question
My question is regarding the current incidence happened in Gujranwala Pakistan 1. Is it obligatory to enforce certain things (like stopping marathon of girls) by force? Some people thing that it is necessary to do that. 2. Is any individual or group of individual are allowed to have law in their hand to implement what they thought is shariah? One short question is: Is it recommended for parents to beat their children if they do not offer their prayers? (I think it is suggested in some Hadees)
Regards
Answer
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It is obligatory that an Islamic state implement the moral codes of Islam accordingly. However the codes are to be correctly interpreted and the state has to actually follow the Shria’ah (Islamic Law). This means bands of people cannot simply enforce what they believe to be right or wrong.
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Only the state can enforce laws, not individuals or mobs. This actually creates an atmosphere of disorder and lawlessness. This in fact is against Islam.
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Children are to be treated with respect and taught in the best of ways that the parents are able to. If physical punishment is resorted to it should be done with the utmost care. However, instilling good values and the spirit of worship in a child are not best achieved through such force. Parents need to develop a willingness and a sense of appreciation for prayer in a child without having to make them do it. If beatings are given for such a reason the child may psychologically connect pain with prayer and totally turn the child away from it. Sure a parent sometimes has to push the child a little because as humans we all get lazy, but this “push” should not work its way into punishment. Parents can come up with some pretty creative ways to get their kids to do things, this should not be an exception. Remember that prayer should carry with it the emotion of joy and fulfillment rather than suffering. This a parent can achieve based on their skill to teach.
I hope I have clarified the issue.
God knows best.