Religous authorities break up families (Rvsd)

NECF Malaysia "For Your Intercession" No. 66 – 2007-05-04  www.necf.org.my

Religious authorities break up families

Suresh Verrappan had not counted the cost when he married Revathi for love in 2004. Their marriage was solemnized in a Hindu ceremony.[1] In January, his wife and his daughter were forcibly taken away from him.

Discovering that Revathi was born to an Indian Muslim family, the Islamic authorities in Melaka sent her to an Islamic religious rehabilitation centre in Ulu Yam. Her baby was then handed over to her Muslim mother.  A happy united family was thus being broken up in the name of a religion.

In April, Marimuthu’s peaceful life came to a drastic halt when his wife of 21 years and six of their children were taken away by the Selangor Religious Department. Although it was recently reported that the custody of the children was given to Marimuthu, the wife was not allowed to return (NST, 4 May, p6). This is because a marriage between a Muslim and a non-Muslim simply does not exist in Islam, so claim the religious authorities. Here, a woman was “dissuaded” from raising up her own children and was compelled to leave her husband of 21 years. It was however reported that Raimah Bibi would have unrestricted access to her children at all times.

Regardless the clear expression of the freedom of conscience in the Federal Constitution (Article 11), Muslim apostasy continues to be a contentious issue in the country. Many, however, would agree with Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi’s statement that, “The guarantee of Article 11(1) applies to all persons including the Muslims” (The Star, 3 May, pN51).

While the focus of these two tragic episodes centred on the fundamental rights of Revathi and Raimah Bibi, the act of depriving the children of their mothers is inconceivably inhumane. It is utterly cruel and unjust to break up families in the name of a religion which is claimed by its many adherents as the religion of peace and tolerance.

“In the matters of religion, the naked, criminal power of the state should not be employed” (Dr. Shad Faruqi, The Star, 3 May, pN51).

Pray

1. Religious authorities: compassionate, sensible and value family unity.
2. Government to intervene with boldness to address the plight of these two Hindu families.
3. Strength, courage and wisdom for Suresh in battling to unite his family.
4. Strength, courage and wisdom for Marimuthu in raising up his children without his wife.
5. The right persons to come alongside these two families for all necessary supports.
6. God’s abundant blessings on the children who have been deprived of their mothers. 
7. Government, religious authorities and public to respect the Constitution and uphold religious freedom for all.