Islamic Group Calls for Use of Koran to Take Oath

CSN News ^ | June 21, 2005 | Melanie Hunter

[BMC1]

An Islamic civil rights and advocacy group is calling on North Carolina judges to allow people to use the Koran when taking an oath, saying the use of the Bible exclusively represents "an inappropriate state endorsement of religion."

The request by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) comes after Guilford County judges said they would not allow use of Korans in their courtrooms.

"An oath of the Quran is not a lawful oath under our law," said W. Douglas Albright, Guilford's senior resident Superior Court judge. According to state law, swearing an oath constitutes putting one's hand on the "Holy Scriptures."

Those who do not wish to take an oath using the Bible may make an "affirmation."

"By stating that only one book qualifies as 'Holy Scriptures,' the court may be making an inappropriate endorsement of a single set of religious beliefs," said CAIR Legal Director Arsalan Iftikhar.

"Eliminating the opportunity to swear an oath on one's own holy text may also have the effect of diminishing the credibility of that person's testimony," Iftikhar added.

North Carolina's Administrative Office of the Courts last week issued a preliminary opinion saying that state law allows people to be sworn in using a Koran rather than a Bible, CAIR noted.

According to Iftikhar, CAIR will offer a free copy of the Koran to any judge in North Carolina or nationwide for use in oaths or "for personal awareness of the holy text."

[Peach]

Had you heard about this drive to have the Koran used in N.C. for swearing in Muslims?

[Mr. Mojo]

....just the beginning.

[SittinYonder]

CAIR won't be satisfied until Sharia is the law of the land and we're all either Islamists or dead. IMO.

[Howlin]

FGS.

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[CurlyBill]

....just the beginning.

Here come the fruits of our liberal immigration policies. Many of us knew all along that this was coming... I think they're starting to wake up in Malmo, Sweden, but for them it might now be too late.

[SouthernFreebird]

Why won't they just go back to the desert...the whole F'ing world would be a better place.

[tet68]

It's like they are not missing a trick, wonder WHO could be advising them on these tried and true tactics, which we have seen all too often over the last thirty years.

[konaice]

Ah, scuze mem but that dirty book contains an explicit permission to lie to non-believers, so any oath taken on it would be pointless.

[Modernman]

I kind of agree. If you can use the Bible, you should be allowed to use whatever holy book you desire.

[Peach]

They're winning the propoganda war.

Thanks to our very own Democrats.

[andyk]

Those who do not wish to take an oath using the Bible may make an "affirmation."

Move along, pipsqueaks.

[lady lawyer]

There is another possible outcome. We are dhimmi, paying special taxes to the government for the privilege of being non-Muslim. Otherwise, I think you are right about CAIR.

[Casekirchen]

Isn't sort of 'amusing' that a book that orders its followers to lie in order to deceive unbelievers, is supposed to be used as proof that people using it are telling the truth?

[Americanexpat]

Does that mean the bailiffs will have to wear gloves and use both hands?

What about the part that says they can lie if it furthers the aims of Islam. (not exactly in those words, but means the same)

[Gunrunner2]

The whole idea of swearing with the hand on the Bible was to affirm you are telling the truth to God. People understood people can (and do) lie to each other, but when you swear to God to tell the truth, God would know if you are lying and thereby your immortal soul would be at risk.

One would think the 'slime would understand the importance of not lying to God.

Of course, we should let them use their toliet-wrap when they allow Christians to use the Bible in 'slime countries.

Fair is fair.

[Humal]

"Had you heard about this drive to have the Koran used in N.C. for swearing in Muslims?"

Yes, but not the out come of the decision. If they don't use the Koran, they aren't obligated to tell the truth? So, what do those of the Jewish faith use? Buddhas? Shintos? and so forth? Do we supply a special book for each and every different religion, or are Muslims special?

[NYer]

B - asic
I - nstructions
B - efore
L - eaving
E - arth

Catholic Ping
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[OB1kNOb]

As the frog in the pot said to the man, " I'm beginning to think this water may be getting warmer....nah, it's just my imagination. Nevermind."

Ever so slowly, inch by inch, degree by degree, minute by minute........