The problem with this, of course, is that, not only does Islam permit deception (taqiyya), but Allah himself is described in the Koran as one of the “best deceivers” (3:54), though English translations are fond of euphemizing and translating m-k-r, which means “to deceive,” to “plotter” or “schemer.” More on this story, which was prompted by a sodomy case. “Invoking the name of Allah enough when swearing in Islam, says Indonesian Islamic scholars,” by Mohd Nasir Yusoff for Bernama, August 26:
It is sufficient to invoke the name of Allah when swearing in Islam to prove one is telling the truth when others are doubtful, according to several Islamic scholars in Indonesia.
They were of the opinion doing this was enough to cast aside any doubts people may have on the matter sworn.
“From then on, it is in Allah’s hands,” said Dr Abdul Fatah Wibisono, the vice secretary of Majlis Tarjih PP Muhammadiyah, a religious non-governmental organisation in Indonesia.
He said any person implicated in the swearing should do likewise to clear his or her name but it was not compulsory to do so.
He added that it was up to the people to form their own conclusions when swearing is done according to Islam.
“But in terms of justice and punishment according to Syariah laws, the person making an accusation must provide evidence and witnesses,” he said, adding that he hoped the sodomy issue involving Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could be resolved soon in order to protect the sanctity of Islam.
Not in order to mete out justice, or anything like that.
Anwar’s former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 23, on Aug 14 swore according Islam at the Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur that he was sodomised by the former deputy prime minister.
Anwar has since been charged in court with sodomising Saiful and the hearing is set for next month.