Part and parcel
The statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the UK is very positive and well thought out ("British archbishop defiant over Islamic law comments", Gulf News, February 9). British Muslims are now a part of Britain. For British Muslims, Britain as their country and Islam as their faith are equally important. Recognition of Muslims' personal law in Britain, as suggested, would be a landmark. The critiques of the Archbishop's proposal should be taken in a positive and logical manner, rather than attacking it from emotional standpoints. This concept is not entirely alien to British rule. In imperial India, communities were regulated by their own laws - in the case of the Muslims, the Sharia.
From Dr Mansour Malek
UAE
Treated with dignity
Britain is one of the most tolerant countries in the West. As an Arab, I'm still treated with dignity when visiting Britain. However, I'm not surprised at the reaction Archbishop Rowan Williams has got, simply because it's human nature to reject what is seemingly so radical. Nevertheless, I beg of the British to think it through in an open-minded manner.
From Mr Ammar Al Halabi
Dubai
Welcome
Most non-Muslims think that the Sharia law deals only with punishments and crimes. The Archbishop's comments should be welcomed on the basis that Sharia has many rules that every body can benefit from.
From Mr Abdul
Jebel Ali
Website comment
Adopt the good
Any aspect of Sharia law that the British think is good for their society should be adopted. Sharia laws should not be ignored just because it is Islamic. Good aspects need to be taken and adopted by not only Britain but all countries. There should be a committee set up to study the various aspects of Sharia. People or politicians should not comment on Sharia laws if they haven't read them.
From Mr Mask
Dubai
Website comment
Respecting faiths
The Archbishop is an educated person who respects different faiths and their beliefs. He has not committed any crime if he has expressed his opinion. The meaning of Islam is peace, which is not only a religion but a way of life for Muslims. No matter what faith the Archbishop may belong to, every unbiased person having fair knowledge of Sharia would agree that it's the best law and a best way of life.
From Mr Mohammad A. H. Mukarram
Dubai
Changing Britain?
As a Muslim I hope the Sharia is limited to British Muslims to allow them to resolve marital and financial disputes under the Islamic law rather than through British courts. I don't want to see Britain changing into an Islamic state.
From Mr Mohammad Al Rahbi
Muscat, Oman
Better system
None of the Muslims disagree that if the Sharia law is incorporated, it will benefit them. But if part of the law is incorporated into British law such as divorce, it will be better than the current system. I think this is what the Archbishop meant to say.
From Mr Mohammad B.
Dubai
Escape route
As quoted on one TV channel, the Sharia law is just a route for many who do not get proper justice or are not satisfied with the rigid British law.
From Ms Firozali Ali
Dubai
A global issue
Based on Gulf News's survey on global warming, I was surprised with the overall results ("You choose how will it end", Gulf News, February 7). Most people seem to blame industrialisation and development, but disregard that the fundamental motivation is demand. As consumers, every purchasing decision we make impacts global warming; choosing products that must travel long distances to reach a grocery shelf in the UAE is one such example. That people continue to ignore the impact each individual can have in this crisis is sad considering the severity of the situation. The fact is, global warming is global, no matter who caused it, and we will all be affected. We all must step up and do what we can, while we can.
From Ms Tracy Farrag
Sharjah
Privileged
Each morning I plan ways to avoid traffic on my way to work, just so I can read Gulf News before I start the day ("A life of despair and hopelessness", Gulf News, February 9). I usually read Sport or tabloid! first, in order to avoid upsetting myself with the hard news to follow. However, the recent report on child labour in Lebanon left me shocked. The fact that simple joys like going to school and being with friends could be taken away from a child reduced me to tears. At that point I realised how privileged we all are. This will definitely be one of those articles that I would share with my children.
From Ms Lenica Yazdjerdi
UAE
Relationship charge
I've had an account with a reputed bank for more than five years. Recently, the bank introduced a feature called relationship charges that cost me Dh25 per month, if a minimum balance of Dh10,000 is not maintained. I started the account on the pretext of a zero balance facility, for an unlimited period. While the salaries of low-income employees remain the same, the expenses increase as a result of such hidden costs.
From Ms Shibu S.
UAE
Full name withheld by request
