I think the worst part of the frankly scary amount of rape apology going on based on nothing but vibes and political leaning, is just how many people now feel comfortable and empowered enough to voice it publicly. Even if just for money, ragebait or whatever.
World is fucked.
Evidence Russell Brand is a rapist who sexually assaulted women:
-Six women gave evidence against him in his criminal trial.
-Independent accounts from women who did not know one another.
-Testimony from more than 100 witnesses gathered during the police investigation.
-More than 400 witness statements taken.
-Witness testimony corroborating aspects of the womenโs accounts, including contemporaneous disclosures.
-Text messages, medical records and other documentary evidence reported in the original journalistic investigation.
-Evidence of his own behaviour and admissions about exploiting his fame to facilitate sexual access to women.
Evidence Russell Brand was the victim of a politically orchestrated conspiracy to destroy him:
-Nothing.
A question for Muslims who think wishing Hindus โHappy Diwaliโ is fine because you don't believe in it yourself and are just being nice.
If you saw a non-Muslim drinking alcohol, would you say, โHave a good one, mateโ? If you saw someone entering a betting shop, would you say, โHope you win bigโ?
Of course not. Because alcohol and gambling are haram, and we don't encourage people to engage in haram.
Yet anyone who has read the Qur'an knows that shirk is a far greater sin than drinking alcohol or gambling. Indeed, it is the one sin Allah says He will not forgive if someone dies without repenting from it.
Call me a killjoy if you like, but this is simply about taking Islamic teachings seriously.
If you're not bothered about those teachings, then go ahead and wish people Happy Diwali, Merry Christmas or whatever else.
But if you genuinely care about following Islam, then surely the appropriate course of action is obvious.
I'm not preaching from some position of perfection. I'm far from perfect myself, and I don't expect perfection from other Muslims.
But surely, as Muslims, we should at least make an effort to understand the rulings of our religion and reflect them in our public conduct.
May Allah guide us all, insha Allah.
To all those men jeering #RussellBrand just a little reminder that there is nothing to prevent this happening to YOU in the future.
You don't need to rape a woman for her to accuse you of rape.
She can accuse you decades after she says it happened without time limitation when those offering you an alibi may be dead.
Your accuser can stay anonymous whilst your name will be publicised. No evidence is required other than her testimony and that of her nearest and dearest to send you to jail for a very long time.
Your barrister may soon be unable to cross-examine your accuser in any meaningful way so she 'doesn't feel put on trial'. The accuser may be referred to as 'the victim' long before the trial has finished.
The process can take years. You may lose your job, income and your family willl suffer even if you're eventually found innocent.
And you think it's a joke?!
We have entered dystopian territory.