The Islamic Family Law (IFL) amendments most unfortunately continue to cause a completely unjustified uproar, and have resulted in incorrect statements from various individuals and organisations, some of whom are clearly ignorant about the true intention of the amendments and their accurate and authenticated foundations in Islamic law.

Gender issues and women's rights are of critical importance to us all, but they do tend to generate highly charged emotions. A good and complete understanding of the IFL amendments requires much more serious scrutiny than many are seemingly unwilling to give. The minister in question should be lauded for her integrity in standing firmly behind the correct interpretation of the complex legal and religious principles involved upon expert advice by authorities of the law.

As Muslims we cannot reject the spiritual guidance of God, therefore becoming our own authority, and establishing our own worldly standards. It is completely unacceptable that views on any matter related to Islam be represented by anyone applying only their human opinion and standards. How arrogant and unbecoming for anyone to think Muslim women need saving from the clutches of Islam!

Of course, comments on Islam are always welcome but must be based on authenticated sources of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), not just someone's arbitrary opinion. Those who desire to comment on, or even question Islam, must first study and truly understand Islam and all that Islam stands for.