by Labeeb Ahmed

An incredible amount of controversy and interest has been generated regarding the refusal of two Muslim students in Therwil, Switzerland to shake hands with their female teacher, and the subsequent threat of a 5,000 dollar fine by Swiss authorities to the parents of students who withhold this greeting. Many would like to point to an element of backwardness or sexual inequality in Islam, while others find this incident to be a rejection of a fundamental component of Swiss culture, and thus a denial of integration by the Muslims in the country.

Firstly, this is a gross injustice to Clause 3, Article 27 of the Switzerland Constitution, which states: “It shall be possible for the adherents of all religious beliefs to attend public schools without being affected in any way in their freedom of belief or conscience.” I do not wish to purport that a state must allow adherents of a faith to follow any and every rule they so desire. For example, if a rule is allowed that threatens the peace and common well-being of the members of society, then such freedom of religion is deeply flawed and counter-productive. Also, the integration of Muslims in western countries is a process that has been unnecessarily retarded by egotism from both sides. As long as the rules and laws of the country do not violate their rights to practice their religion, all Muslims should take special heed to follow all laws and respect the cultures of their new countries.

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