Programme 2: Questions of lifestyle
The
second episode of Channel 4’s Shariah TV looks at the
lifestyle of Muslims in Britain and what Shariah law
says about leisure, health, sport and finance.
A trip to the local?
The panel discuss how Muslims can negotiate life in a society which places a huge emphasis on alcohol – banned in the Qur’an.
The scholars agree that it’s acceptable to go to a pub or social club if it’s for work purposes and is unavoidable, but Muslims should never drink alcohol. They advise people to talk to their employers to try and find a way to avoid such situations. Where leisure is concerned, though, going to nightclubs is frowned upon by all the experts and they say that Bollywood movies are not acceptable as they show suggestive dancing and semi-naked women.
Avoiding interest on loans
There is a great deal of discussion about finance and whether it’s possible to avoid paying riba or interest. The panel can’t agree on whether it is haram to pay interest on mortgages. Moulana Imam Muhammad Shahid Raza says that, in Britain, necessity makes it acceptable to take out a mortgage. Mohammed Paracha, an adviser to the Bank of England, says that special Islamic mortgages are the answer. Shaykh Imam Ibrahim Mogra believes that it’s better to live in a council house than pay interest.
However the entire panel agree that student loans are acceptable if they are necessary to fund an education. One of the basic tenets of Shariah law is the acquiring of education, so that should take precedence over the prohibition on paying interest.
Health and medicine
The discussion moves on to medical ethics, a hugely complicated subject that can cause Muslim medical staff and patients great concern. While contraception used before sex, such as the Pill or the coil, are acceptable, the scholars feel that the Morning After Pill is not.
The panel agree that Muslims may – and should be encouraged to – carry organ donor cards and volunteer to give bone marrow to help other people. But cosmetic surgery, purely to improve a person’s looks, is not acceptable. However, some cosmetic surgery would be allowed if facial disfigurement is causing great psychological distress.
Hinda, an audience member, asks if it’s ok for young women to participate in sport. The panel agree that it is not only allowed but should be encouraged, since according to Shariah law, people should be as fit and healthy as possible.
Poll results
Is it OK for a Muslim to go to the pub if they don't drink? 51% say yes. 49% say no.