Barbaric methods are not fit to be used now

BRITISH voters are largely united about their values, and think other people should share them.

But Taliban supporters are equally keen, especially those uneducated ones from tribal and rural areas of Afghanistan, who have no familiarity with recent changes elsewhere in the world, are equally keen on traditional Sharia law, which served to keep crime low in the past, just as some UK citizens still prefer capital punishment.

Many Afghans will explain that the punishments of cutting off a hand for theft, or flogging a criminal, are a tried method to deter the young from criminality, to become respectable citizens.

While they may possibly be correct that such methods have worked, that is no reason to cling to them, if they can find an effective and proud improvement for a better future. These punishments may suit many humans, but they do not enshrine the wishes of Allah, the All-Merciful, which should be a more important consideration for all Muslims. There is no sense for any person to pray to Allah if they are not prepared to be guided by His future hopes for all His people.

CN Westerman, by email