Forced apology to Muslims in Krasnodar contradicts Sharia law

In connection with the public apology voiced by a young woman in Krasnodar, experts have noted that the Islamic norms do not provide for any forceful influence on non-Muslims if they offend religious feelings. An apology is sought on the basis of Caucasian adats (local customary practices observed by a Muslim community, – note of the “Caucasian Knot”), points out Akhmad Makarov, an employee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) of the European part of Russia.

When commenting on another video of apology, this time for insulting religious feelings, Islamic expert Leonid Syukiyainen has noted that putting pressure on a person to get an apology contradicts the Islamic tradition.

Such practice is “an act of hooliganism that has nothing in common with religion,” says political analyst Aleksei Malashenko.

The Sharia law does not provide for the use of force to get non-Muslims apologizing if their statements are offensive to believers, notes leading Caucasian expert Dmitry Mikulsky. “The Prophet Muhammad told his followers: ‘Argue, but do not use force: by doing this you belittle the faith,” the scientist emphasized.

On October 18, a video entitled as “Apologized for insulting the religion of Islam” was posted in the Instagram public account “ChP.Chechnya”.

“The young woman from Krasnodar <...> sent us voice messages about Allah. She insulted us <...> Now she wants to apologize. Yes? You’re sorry, huh?” says the man behind the scenes. “Yes, I am sorry that I have offended your feelings, your faith. And I sincerely apologize for that,” the young woman replies.

Followers of the Instagram public account expressed their mistrust of the young woman’s words. “You can’t tell by her face that she is sincerely apologizing,” user aslan__grozny_95 pointed out.