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Humans are inclined to use scripture to justify bias and ignorance

Jun 11, 2008 Letters

Dear Editor,
The recent letter published in the Guyana Chronicle, entitled “Islam and Homosexuality,” acknowledges the existence of Muslims and scholars in the religion who have evinced a more tolerant perspective on homosexuality.

Clearly, within mainstream, moderate Islam, there will be much dissent with the views expressed, as most Muslims are taught that homosexuality is completely at odds with Islamic doctrine.

However, it is perhaps most important to highlight the fact that Muslims are encouraged to be charitable in their deliberations of others’ shortcomings and differences.

Despite the current climate, which is permissive of harsh, vitriolic rhetoric directed at others of differing lifestyles and opinions, it is neither charitable nor compassionate to discriminate based solely upon theological principles or interpretations. As mentioned in the letter, “…piety is God’s prerogative to judge…”

All too often, we humans of varying religious persuasions use scripture to justify misogyny, murder, and institutionalised ignorance.

We are often inclined to assume the mantle of divinity, automatically conferring upon ourselves the ability to discern who has earned a place in the favoured gardens of our Creator.

It is both presumptuous and sacrilegious to even begin to imagine we know upon whom our Creator will bestow mercy.

Instead of focusing on judging others and their supposed “sinfulness”, we should perhaps look less further afield and contemplate whether or not our Creator considers us worthy to even glimpse the reflection of paradise.

Given that compassion is the defining quality of our Creator, perhaps there is some value to it.  

Scheherazade Ishoof-Khan 

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