\u201cThe constitution is the backbone of any nation,\u201d Judge Mohamed Abdelaziz Ibrahim profoundly stated at KARAMAH on the evening of December 10th. Because constitutions define a nation\u2019s core principles, KARAMAH invited the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for a joint briefing with Judge Ibrahim, a Justice in the Egyptian Judiciary, Judiciary Affairs Officer and Shariah expert at the United Nations. USCIRF\u2019s Deputy Director for Policy and Research Elizabeth Cassidy Esq. and Director of Policy and Research Knox Thames, Esq. presented USCIRF\u2019s recently released report \u201cThe Religion-State Relationship and the Right to Freedom of Religion or Belief: A Comparative Textual Analysis of the Constitutions of Majority Muslim Countries and Other OIC Members.\u201d USCIRF came to KARAMAH to introduce this new study on the constitutions of Muslim-majority countries. KARAMAH broadened the discussion by highlighting an expert\u2019s opinion on Shari\u2019ah and constitutional law in Egypt through Judge Ibrahim\u2019s comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judge Ibrahim\u2019s statement summarized a key theme of the briefing\u2013 understanding constitutional texts in their entirety in order to identify threats to religious freedom in given countries. Mr. Thames and Ms. Cassidy noted nuanced explanations of the report\u2019s methods and a synopsis of its purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe study is both descriptive and analytical,\u201d Ms. Cassidy said. \u201cThis group was chosen because these countries constitutions were very likely to be influential when other OIC- member states are drafting or revising their constitutions. The study then analyzes how these provisions (constitutional) compare to international human rights standards.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The goal, as Mr. Thames mentioned, was to investigate the relationship between constitutional texts of OIC nations. In doing so, the Commission could better evaluate the status of religious freedom, specifically for minorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReligion matters, and it matters a whole lot,\u201d Mr. Thames said. \u201cFrom worship to prayer, births to funerals, weddings to holy days\u2026for billions of people around the world, religion remains the inescapable source of identity, motivation and meaning. And because religion matters, so does religious freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judge Ibrahim offered a comprehensive critique of the report. Among other points, the judge called for investigation of non-OIC nation constitutional texts as well. Violations of religious freedom and problematic constitutional texts and laws, he reminded the audience, manifest themselves across the globe. Additionally, Judge Ibrahim emphasized the importance of analyzing the text of constitutions in their language\u2014much of the meaning is lost in translation. Judge Ibrahim emphasized studying too the morals and values driving the creation of constitutional texts. The text alone, he explained, is not sufficient for analysis by itself. Lastly, he offered a point about \u201cjustice relativism.\u201d Perceptions of justice, fairness and equality differ greatly depending on one\u2019s background. Drawing conclusions about what is and what is not \u201cjust\u201d can be problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An open question and answer session followed panelists\u2019 statements. Many posed questions about specific OIC nations with new constitutions, such as Egypt. Additionally, many asked basic questions about nuances of Islamic law and the rights of religious minorities in Muslim-majority countries. While these questions directed focus away from the subject of constitutional texts, discussions revealed the interest of the audience in a broader discussion involving the nuances of constitutional law generally and Shari\u2019ah law particularly. KARAMAH continues to address such issues and looks forward to hosting another briefing with USCIRF following completion of their annual report in 2013.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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