The statement by a scholar of Islamic faith in a Qatari magazine lifts the lid on the issue in the Muslim world.

Doha (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In an interview with the Qatari newspaper Al-Dana, the cleric Shaikh Isam Talimah stated that "Sharia law does not provide for the stoning to death for the crime of adultery." According to the scholar of Islamic scripture, the Koranic verse which addresses the issue of zina, or extra-marital relationships, in fact provides for a punishment of one hundred lashes to be imposed on both men and women. "Stoning - Talimah explained - was a custom of the Jewish tradition, Muslims took it up only at a later stage." He added: "The resort by some people to stoning was to reinforce the punishment, especially when there are high immoral risks, such as the proliferation of the cases of rape, pedophile or incest".

The practice of stoning is widespread in most countries of the Islamic world. History shows stoning was also common in Greek and Jewish culture, linked to the crime of adultery or prostitution. In Muslim countries, the 'sinner' is tied up, wrapped in a white shroud and partly buried. According to tradition, if the victim is able to escape and flee they should be granted a pardon. While only the legs of men are immobilized, women are buried up to shoulder height.

The Koran does not explicitly addresses the issue of stoning, but some spheres of the Islamic world find traces referring to it among the sayings of the prophet. The issue is a matter of debate and disagreement. Mohammad Bin Abdullah, editor of the Al-Dana, aware of the wave of reactions that the statement would have produced, invited readers to post comments in response promising to publish them.