Australia's first Muslim frontbencher abused for taking oath on Koran

[the_bob_delusion]

I am shock and disgusted with the negative reaction. I doubt there would be any reaction if he swore on the bible instead. 

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/shame-shame-shame-australias-first-muslim-frontbench...

I think it's a great thing to have a muslim member of the parliament. I hope he is the reasonable voice of Islam. 

[lakeland27]

not all Christians interpret it that way, Lake 🙂

what are mr morrison's beliefs?

he's a pentecostal, in my experience they are taught not to swear by anything but you know who. but, they are flexible when it comes to self advancement or financial gain so its possibly no longer the case.

[lakeland27]

I have taken an oath on more than one occasion.  Judge me if you must. 🙂

catholic interpretation is somewhat less literal. hopefully that will be the same in the future.

[cherples]

What's it normally done on?

It's an oath based on what ever belief the person has.

Christians would swear on the bible. Others swear on nothing, just take the oath to serve the country.

[**meep**]

Not sure what that is about Lake but in such cases, an affirmation would be an option.

[the_great_she_elephant]

If you ask me it's all a bit pointless anyway. I doubt if those plotting treason would feel constrained by an oath. I'm sure they would rationalise their lying by telling themselves oaths 'don't count' when made to the 'enemy.'

[lakeland27]

its tradition more than anything else She-ele.  as christians who swear on the bible can simply break the oath and repent afterward. i think a Mafia or Outlaw biker oath is probably more binding due to the fear factor.

[**meep**]

If you ask me it's all a bit pointless anyway. I doubt if those plotting treason would feel constrained by an oath. I'm sure they would rationalise their lying by telling themselves oaths 'don't count' when made to the 'enemy.'

Not sure about that She ele.

Islamic theology takes the fulfillment of oaths extremely seriously. So much so that one of the sayings of the Muslim prophet Mohammad, commonly referred to as ahadith (singular hadith) instructs Muslims to "Make oaths only on Allah almighty, the Master of all beings, and protect them more than your lives"

[**meep**]

And Christians equally take it very seriously.

[just_me_karen]

I watched the swearing in yesterday and most of them took their own bibles. Some took nothing. One took the Koran. They were beautiful books, nearly all of them looked like they'd been in the family a long, long time. The GG commented on one that it was almost time for restoration 🙂

[vampire-teddy]

i think it is fine that he be allowed to use the koran if that is his religious belief.  We are a country of diversity it is about time society in general accepted that not everyone has to have the same belief system.  i also don't believe in ridiculing anyone's beliefs.