Indonesia’s first Islamic court opens for business

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia — Indonesia’s first Islamic court opened in the troubled northwest province of Aceh March 3 as thousands celebrated. The Aceh legislature recently instituted sharia, the Islamic legal system based  on the teachings of the Quran. The new court can implement punishment for Muslims who propagate beliefs other than Islam, fail to attend Friday prayers three times in a row, or sell food, cigarettes or drinks in daylight hours during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Officials said the court will eventually handle murder, adultery and theft cases.

Led by two decorated elephants, about 5,000  people in the city of Banda Aceh marched, sang Muslim songs and chanted prayers to mark the inauguration of the court, which coincided with Islamic New Year celebrations.

The government of  Indonesia has tried to maintain religious neutrality. However, the country’s estimated population of 220 million is 8 percent Muslim, making it the world’s most populous Muslim nation.