Laws and practice of other religion in UAE...

Question

I saw some of the answers from lizzy_0987's question.

So it is against the law to ask a muslim to convert to a different religion. If that's the case:

1. What will happen to that person who enticed the muslim to convert?

2. What will happen to the muslim if he decides to be converted to a different religion?

3. What should/shouldn't one do in practicing their religion in the UAE? (considering they aren't Islam)

4. Would their be difference in the law for religion in the different emirates of UAE?

As always, I may add some more questions. Just curious.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi Jamie,

1. To know what will happen, please read: http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/05/...

The Barnabas Fund organization in 2004 also cites, that Dubai removed the right of appeal against deportation by expatriates accused of so called religious crimes, such as trying to convert a Muslim to another religion.

2. I do not know what would happen to any Emirati who would convert. Never heard about it. At least not in the UAE. For apostasy under Sharia court in some countries it means the death penalty. KSA, Iran, Afghanistan, Sudan etc.



3.In the UAE everybody can feel free practicing their religion free in their chruches, temples and private places. There is nothing what you should do or not do, beside preaching another religion than Islam in public and try to convert Muslims.

4. In case of...........in Sharjah the punishment will be harder. The Emirate of Sharjah is much more conservative and much stricter when it comes up to Sharia Laws. Sharia Law still remains the same, but it's up to the judge............

Regarding no. 2: I know about some Muslims who converted, but they left their home countries and relocated in some Western countries.

"The UAE Government prohibits Muslims from converting to other religions. Although non-Muslims in the country are free to practice their religion, they are subject to criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and deportation if found proselytizing or distributing religious literature to Muslims. There are no specific laws against missionary activities, and there were no reports of authorities revoking residence permits of persons suspected of such activities. Missionaries have performed humanitarian work since before the country's independence in 1971. There is no restriction on proselytizing non-Muslims."

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/200...

Hope that answered your question. Take care and thanks for asking.

Answer 2

Hi Jamie,

1. To know what will happen, please read: http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/05/...

The Barnabas Fund organization in 2004 also cites, that Dubai removed the right of appeal against deportation by expatriates accused of so called religious crimes, such as trying to convert a Muslim to another religion.

2. I do not know what would happen to any Emirati who would convert. Never heard about it. At least not in the UAE. For apostasy under Sharia court in some countries it means the death penalty. KSA, Iran, Afghanistan, Sudan etc.

3.In the UAE everybody can feel free practicing their religion free in their chruches, temples and private places. There is nothing what you should do or not do, beside preaching another religion than Islam in public and try to convert Muslims.

4. In case of...........in Sharjah the punishment will be harder. The Emirate of Sharjah is much more conservative and much stricter when it comes up to Sharia Laws. Sharia Law still remains the same, but it's up to the judge............

Regarding no. 2: I know about some Muslims who converted, but they left their home countries and relocated in some Western countries.

"The UAE Government prohibits Muslims from converting to other religions. Although non-Muslims in the country are free to practice their religion, they are subject to criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and deportation if found proselytizing or distributing religious literature to Muslims. There are no specific laws against missionary activities, and there were no reports of authorities revoking residence permits of persons suspected of such activities. Missionaries have performed humanitarian work since before the country's independence in 1971. There is no restriction on proselytizing non-Muslims."

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/200...

Hope that answered your question. Take care and thanks for asking.