FLOGGING PUBLICLY - IS NOT IN THE QUR'AN By Bashir Abid It is very unfortunate that in spite of repeated cautions in the Qur'an, people do not reflect in it and ultimately take wrong meanings of its otherwise very clear laws and principles. Recently, a young girl was flogged publicly for adultery in Swat. This has raised many questions regarding human rights and the Qur'an. Flogging in public is considered against human dignity and honor. This punishment is mentioned in verse: 24:2 which says: "The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication, flog each of them with hundred stripes; let not compassion move you in conducting the affairs of 'Deen' - (System of the Islamic State), if you believe in God and the Last Day: And let a PARTY OF THE BELIEVERS witness their punishment." Here the Qur'an says: "A PARTY OF THE BELIEVERS" - not the public in general. The Arabic word translated in this verse as: A PARTY is 'Taifatun' which has got several meanings. It is used for Security-Guards, Patrol-Boats, Physically Strong Persons, and A Section of People Working Together for Common Cause etc. In view of the depth and vastness of meanings, the best meaning of 'taifatun' could be the State Authority who executes the punishment. This punishment, like any other punishment, must be carried out in the presences of State Authority. It may consist of a Judge, a Doctor, Police and Prison Authorities. Also, it may include the family members of the victim. FROM WHERE DOES COME THE CONCEPT OF FLOGGING IN PUBLIC? Now, you can confidently say, NOT FROM THE QUR'AN!
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