A reporter just asked me if Dr. Ben Carson was correct to rule out a Muslim in the presidency. Below is my reply -- the short version. No caliphate, no jihad, even. First things first.
Is this the first time the media have focused directly on such a question regarding Islam? It feels that way, which, in itself, is an astonishment.
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Your question: Do I support Dr Carson’s comments on a Muslim in the presidency?
Yes, I do, and resoundingly so — as I assume anyone familiar just with the intractable differences between the U.S. Constitution and the tenets of Islam would agree.
Let’s look at just a couple of the basic contradictions.
1) We have freedom of religion under the Constitution.
Under Islamic law (sharia), there is no freedom of religion. Jews and Christians live as “dhimmi," without equal rights (and with many burdens which may include the “jizya” tax and other humiliations).
Also, renouncing or leaving Islam (“apostasy”) is a capital crime according to Islamic law (sharia).
2) We have freedom of speech under the Constitution.
Under Islamic law (sharia), there is no freedom of speech: indeed, criticizing Islam constitutes apostasy, which, again, is a capital crime in Islam.
To take another stunning example of the differences between Islamic and American law, women and non-Muslims {“dhimmi”) are not equal to Muslim men before Islamic law (sharia).
Thus, if by “Muslim” we mean someone who has not renounced Islamic teachings and laws (sharia), we are describing a person who would be unable to fulfill his presidential oath “to preserve, protect and defend" the U.S. Constitution without simultaneously betraying his faith.
And, more importantly for the country, vice versa. It’s a little like considering the qualifications of a committed pacifist as leader of the armed services; or a vegan as steak-taster. The creed and the mission are diametrically opposed.
Dr. Carson is correct because the teachings of Islam, which define being a Muslim, are not compatible with the presidential oath of office.
The simple fact is, Islam outlaws the very liberties the president is sworn to protect.