tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16334070811646363172024-03-16T17:26:32.349-07:00Blasphemy LawsConferences on the topic should be carried on, I am proud of the debates in Pakistan, it gives me great hope that the discussions are carried on freely in the spirit of Islam. More articles and links will be posted as the time permits.Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-58220416123384574112022-02-24T14:10:00.002-08:002022-02-24T14:10:08.224-08:00Freedom of Expression and Blasphemy LawsOriginally published at <a href=" https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws">Islamicity </a><br /><div dir="ltr"><p align="center" style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Contents </b>[<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw0QgI1EKvWf03ll6kem7j4x" href="https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">hide</span></a>]<b></b></p><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/%23Quranic_Verses_for_Understanding_Blasphemy&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw0yRiZbkp0szhUgQJcg1yS2" href="https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/#Quranic_Verses_for_Understanding_Blasphemy" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">1 Quranic Verses for Understanding Blasphemy</span></a></li><li style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/%23Prophetic_Guidelines&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw1fyOm00cjm_MCDSxHp2ABa" href="https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/#Prophetic_Guidelines" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">2 Prophetic Guidelines</span></a></li><li style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/%23Unjust_Blasphemy_and_Reaction&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw1w9qp1V0hqj9ZyzO_3RZL7" href="https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/#Unjust_Blasphemy_and_Reaction" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">3 Unjust Blasphemy and Reaction</span></a></li><li style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/%23Freedom_of_Speechversus_Freedom_of_Religion_in_France&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw1PCZuzs1MvggqxUECBopUB" href="https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/#Freedom_of_Speechversus_Freedom_of_Religion_in_France" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">4 Freedom of Speech versus Freedom of Religion in France</span></a></li><li style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/%23The_Muslim_Need_to_Understand_Blasphemy&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw3-ehujCVNJ_AKOvTq3y0Wv" href="https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/#The_Muslim_Need_to_Understand_Blasphemy" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">5 The Muslim Need to Understand Blasphemy</span></a></li><li style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/%23Abuse_of_Blasphemy_Laws_in_Pakistan&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw3PrA_XZCDCBqTGF20lD14j" href="https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/#Abuse_of_Blasphemy_Laws_in_Pakistan" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">6 Abuse of Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan</span></a></li><li style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/%23Muslims_who_Condemn_Blasphemy_Laws&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw1abWjl56WpHCMIbQ9UBDxw" href="https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/#Muslims_who_Condemn_Blasphemy_Laws" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">7 Muslims who Condemn Blasphemy Laws</span></a></li><li style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); line-height: normal; margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/%23Appeal_Against_Blasphemy_Laws&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw3qxJiE1LIFQR4tNnBZTvVV" href="https://www.islamicity.org/79966/freedom-of-expression-and-blasphemy-laws/#Appeal_Against_Blasphemy_Laws" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">8 Appeal Against Blasphemy Laws</span></a></li></ul><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">In Islam, the concept of Blasphemy is related to the disrespect and overall insult to the last and final messenger, Muhammad ﷺ, and certain aspects of the divine. In recent years, there has been an uptick in blasphemous actions against Islam and violent retaliation against perceived blasphemy. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">In an environment of ignorance, hate, and anger there has been an abuse of the blasphemy laws in Muslim countries resulting in injustice against people of other faith at the hands of Muslims. This is in contradiction to the teachings of Islam.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">Quranic Verses for Understanding Blasphemy</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">“If you hear God’s revelations being mocked and ridiculed, don’t be with them unless they delve into another subject. Otherwise, you will be as guilty as they are. God will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers together in Hell” (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/?q%3D4%253A140&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw2J0mvXipXuvCsgd0XUS4oG" href="https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/?q=4%3A140" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">4:140</span></a>) </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">“… do not befriend to those among the recipients of previous scripture who mock and ridicule your religion, nor befriend the disbelievers.” (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q%3D5%253A57&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw3evLNZf9oD3LQGkpay0w0e" href="https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q=5%3A57" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">5:57</span></a>)</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">“... but indeed, they uttered blasphemy. If they repent, it will be best for them. But if they turn back (to their evil ways), Allah will punish them ... (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q%3D9%253A74&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw3NM5Y7a9QjtLIsJHApvCNU" href="https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q=9%3A74" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">9:74</span></a>) </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Their just requital is Hell, in return for their disbelief and for mocking My revelations and My messengers. (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q%3D18%253A106&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw3mQqGVYVuP23xZFrsSgLdG" href="https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q=18%3A106" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">18:106</span></a>)</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">He had punished these people, annihilated them, and destroyed them as they did not take the truth seriously. (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q%3D36%253A30&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw3_pxzpOjHMIOa6Oy4NxdCl" href="https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q=36%3A30" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">36:30</span></a>) </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">The evil of their deeds will become evident to them, and the very things they mocked will come back and haunt them. (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q%3D45%253A33&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw37cDatm7mCiQxhttreH5n7" href="https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q=45%3A33" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">45:33</span></a>)</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Furthermore, have patience with what they say and leave them with noble (dignity) (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q%3D73%253A10&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw3EHfD9KwKAdf8eFZZfEKB8" href="https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q=73%3A10" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">73:10</span></a>).</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Verses <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q%3D33%253A60-61&source=gmail&ust=1645808206145000&usg=AOvVaw0yxQoMpVpelAlP1oeTlojY" href="https://www.islamicity.org/quransearch/index.php?q=33%3A60-61" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: none;">33:60-61</span></a> indicate that blasphemers who are hypocrites were to be executed for committing <i>treason against the state</i>, not for blasphemy. According to Kamali, the dominant Quranic meaning of <i>fitna</i> (tumult) is “seditious speech that attacks a government’s legitimacy and denies believers the right to practice their faith.” </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">Prophetic Guidelines</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">The Prophet never called for executing his opponents or those who abused him. When an old woman who regularly threw garbage at him fell sick, he visited her. He didn’t take revenge on Suhail bin Amr, the poet who cursed him but asked his companions to treat him kindly after he was captured during the Battle of Badr. He also rejected his companions’ advice to execute Abd Allah b. Ubayy, the chief hypocrites.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Pro-death penalty scholars often cite the execution of the Jewish poet Ka‘b ibn al-Ashraf to justify the death sentence, disregarding the fact that he was killed for <i>treason</i>, not blasphemy. When Prophet was stoned in Taif and blood was oozing from his feet, angel Gabriel came to give him comfort and offered to bring the mountain down on the people; his response was not to take revenge with them because one day their progeny may become believers in the one almighty God.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">While negotiating the Hudaybiyah Treaty, the Makkah delegation asked Muhammad ﷺ not to sign his name as the “Prophet of God.” He did so, reminding the upset companions that an angry response is counterproductive, for even the worst offenders could become friends by humility and gentle treatment. He forgave his archenemy Abu Sufiyan and his wife Hind, who freed a slave to kill and then mutilate Hamza, the Prophet’s uncle. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent as a mercy to humanity and a blessing to the universes and was entrusted only with the charter to deliver the message of peace and belief in the one supreme creator of all.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">Unjust Blasphemy and Reaction</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">In October of 2020, a young Chechen immigrant named Abdullah Anzorov beheaded Samuel Paty, a schoolteacher in Paris, France. Apparently, Paty taught a class about “freedom of expression” and showed cartoons of prophet Muhammed published in the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, a magazine universally condemned by Muslims. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">In response to the killing of Paty, French president Macron conferred the highest civilian award posthumously on Samuel Paty as a sign that the country stands by its courage and conviction of freedom of speech while the Muslims suffered a backlash. There was a shutdown of the grand mosque in Paris along with several other mosques all over the country. Many Islamic organizations were closed, and many Imams and Muslim leaders were deported. French people believe that the refugees fleeing from North Africa to Europe are bringing their Islamist culture with them, causing social stress<b>. </b> Muslims lost the support of the French public as most people in France feared that their secularist society is under threat. Many months after Mr. Paty’s murder the French interior ministry continued closing mosques under the pretext of “the radical nature of its imam's preaching.” </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;"> <b>In western secular societies,</b> an individual has a right to ridicule religion or revered religious figures. There is little sensitivity and wisdom, knowing that such freedom of expression creates incitement to hatred and group defamation. In multicultural societies – cultural sensitivity ethnic and political awareness is a must for maintaining a harmonious relationship among all members of the society.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">Freedom of Speech <i>versus</i> Freedom of Religion in France</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">The French and Muslim cultures have different interpretations of freedom of expression. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Muslims consider the humiliation of the prophet of Islam as a personnel humiliation of everything they hold sacred. Whereas, for the French, freedom of expression supersedes the sanctity of religious beliefs. French secularists believe that religion is an expression of ideas, and just like any philosophical idea, it should be open to criticism. It is only recently that such criticism has been applied to Islam. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">In response to the French public’s hostility towards Muslims and Mr. Macron’s statement that “Islam is in crisis,” President Erdogan of Turkey called Mr. Macron mentally unstable and that he needed mental treatment. Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan also gave assurances to a Muslim cleric in Pakistan who made a hateful speech justifying the killing of blasphemers by saying that he would ask parliament to break its diplomatic relationship with France. Many other Muslim leaders also made strong statements against Mr. Macron only to create more hatred and animosity in French people against Islam and Muslims. These statements made by leaders did not show the use of emotional intelligence where it is necessary to channel anger and hatred and express emotions to help resolve this serious conflict and work towards solving the problems. I am certain that these statements must have generated similar anger and hatred in the French president and French people, and this will result in more stringent anti-Muslim regulations causing more suffering of French Muslims. Mr. Macron could have played the role of a statesman by using emotional intelligence and initiating a dialogue with Muslim leaders to calm down their fears and issuing a joint statement that would have a positive effect and perhaps lead to peace and harmony among all people of France. Many problems of the world can be solved if our leaders do not have an impulsive reaction but rather show wisdom and issue statements with the sole purpose of diminishing hatred rather than inciting more anger.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">President Macron did finally take a positive step and met Muslim leaders in France to diffuse the rising tension and appealed to them to approve the memorandum of understanding to help the integration of Muslims in France which will hopefully lead to developing a better understanding between the French Muslims and the rest of the community. Muslims have every right to protest condemnable attempts to defame the Prophet but they must refrain from violence, for it is the very antithesis of the term Islam, which spreads the message of peace.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">The Muslim Need to Understand Blasphemy</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Of course, any criticism of one’s religion may hurt one’s feelings, but it in no way lowers the value of faith in its adherents’ eyes. Most of the prophets sent by God throughout history were ridiculed, mocked, and even tortured. The Quran states that only God has the prerogative to punish the opponents of God and His prophets. All Prophets, including Muhammad ﷺ, showed kindness towards the people who abused them. Islam does not approve of the murder of an individual committing blasphemy. Many Muslim countries in the world and members of the Muslim community in France consistently denounced such brutal acts, describing them as against the tenants of Islam. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">The fatwa against Salman Rushdie for writing his blasphemy novel only led to an increase in the sale of his books. Rushdie received honors and recognition in many countries, including a knighthood from the U.K. Angry Muslims demonstrated against Charlie Hebdo of Paris, a satirical magazine, for publishing cartoons that ridiculed God and the Prophets. On Jan. 7, 2015, two Muslims killed 12 of its employees. The subsequent edition had a print run of 7.95 million copies in six languages, compared to its typical print run of 60,000 in French only. Clearly, the Muslims’ negative reaction only made the magazine more popular. By just neglecting the blasphemous act, the problem could have been subsided and not become an international issue. Muslim violent reactions did not produce any positive results for Muslims or Islam. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Can we prevent violent Muslim reactions to perceived blasphemy in Muslim countries? No, so long as the punishment for blasphemy laws exists and violent ideology is preached in Muslim communities, which fuels anger and hatred towards people of other faiths. Extremists who kill in the name of blasphemy are doing a disservice to their faith. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">Abuse of Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">From 1987 to 2017, more than 1,500 cases of blasphemy were registered in Pakistan. Most of the accused are in prison and some are facing the death penalty and 75 extrajudicial killings have occurred.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">In 2010 Asia Bibi, a Christian female farm laborer from central Punjab was accused of insulting the Prophet, charged with blasphemy, and sentenced to death. Pakistan’s Supreme Court acquitted her in January 2019. Punjab governor Salman Taseer and federal minority affairs minister Shabaz Bhatti</p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> were killed for supporting her rights to a fair trial.<p></p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">A Fulbright scholar in Mississippi, Hafeez returned home in March 2013 and joined the faculty of a university in Multan. He was arrested after some students accused him of posting derogatory comments on social media about the Prophet. Rashid Rehman, a prominent human rights lawyer who took up his case, was shot dead on May 7, 2014. In December 2019 Hafeez, who maintained his innocence and states that he comes from a religious family, was found guilty and sentenced to death.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">In April 2017, a journalism student named Mardan at Wali Khan University was brutally murdered and his body was mutilated by his fellow students. It is said that Khan had posted content disrespectful of Islam on his Facebook page. He was an Ahmadi and allegedly had views that were different from the mainstream Muslim society. The brutal murder showed that the media, the courts, the government, and right-wing political parties have been creating an enabling environment for extremism and religious violence. The Muttahida Ulema Council (MUC) held a rally at which senior members of the council, politicians, and religious leaders participated in supporting the killers and blasphemy laws. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">On December 3rd, 2021, a lynching mob in Sialkot, Pakistan tortured a Sri Lankan man to death before burning his body over blasphemy allegations for desecrating posters bearing the name of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">Muslims who Condemn Blasphemy Laws</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Sheikh Ahmed Deedat (d. 2005), a well-known speaker on Islam, once stated: “The biggest enemy of Islam is an ignorant Muslim. His ignorance leads him to intolerance, and his actions destroy the true image of Islam. The people, in general, think that he is what Islam is.” </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Many classical-era Muslim scholars justified capital punishment based on their understanding of the relevant texts. However, their opinions are not eternal norms. Mohammad Hashim Kamali (“Freedom of Expression in Islam,” 1994), Taha Jaber Al-Alwani (“<i>La Ikraha fi al-Din:</i> Apostasy in Islam,” 2003) and other scholars oppose such rulings. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Some argue that earlier scholars feared that those who renounced Islam and joined the enemy might annihilate the Muslims. Given that there are 1.8 billion Muslims today, is this “fear” still realistic? </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">I am sure we all know the example when a non-Muslim came to visit the Prophets Mosque in Madinah and urinated in the sacred Mosque. The companions of the Prophet were furious and ready to kill him but Prophet stopped them saying “let him relieve himself.” The man finally accepted Islam as he was impressed with the toleration shown towards him. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Many Muslims condemn the young French man who murdered the teacher but insist that the teacher is responsible for the provocation. Some argue a double standard exists giving the example of punishment for Holocaust deniers. It would have been more effective if the young man would have written a letter to the teacher on “how one's feelings get hurt if somebody used bad language towards one’s mother” and he loved the Prophet more than his own mother, and how the cartoon hurt his feelings and how he had to control his anger as per teachings of his Prophet who was sent to the world as a mercy to mankind. </p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">Appeal Against Blasphemy Laws</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">I appeal to Muslim Leaders to make every effort to abolish apostasy and blasphemy laws. I appeal to all World Leaders, Muslims, and Non-Muslim, to save humanity from further destruction. One needs to exert control over expressions of anger and develop a goal to support a multicultural society in this global village we live in, showing respect and dignity towards all individuals irrespective of their religion, culture and their country of origin.</p><p style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 15pt 0in 0in;">Punishing alleged blasphemers violates the Quranic and Prophetic teachings. In fact, people who seek to “protect” God or His Messenger via lynching or issuing death threats are themselves an insult to Islam and the Prophet. </p></div><div><br /></div><div><div id="m_-396498876689618989ydpd645e460yiv6810303857ydp6c49b09cRTEContent" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 16px;"><div id="m_-396498876689618989ydpd645e460yiv6810303857ydp6c49b09cRTEContent"><div><span style="color: #652191; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial narrow;">_</span><span style="font-family: arial narrow;">_____________________________<wbr></wbr>_________________________</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial narrow;"><span style="font-family: New; font-size: 21.3333px;">M. Basheer Ahmed M.D</span><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 8px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 8px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 8px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 8px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></p><p style="background: white; color: #26282a; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></p><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #652191; font-family: New;"><span style="background-color: inherit; font-size: small;">Former Prof. of Psychiatry- Southwestern Medical School, Dallas TX</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #652191; font-family: New;"><span style="background-color: inherit; font-size: small;">Chairman Emeritus - MCC for Human Services</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #652191; font-family: New;">President IMPMS - Institute of Medieval and Post-Medieval Studies</span><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #652191; font-family: New;"><span style="background-color: inherit; font-size: small;">President Emeritus IQRA - A Dallas/ Fort Worth peace initiative</span><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #cd232c; font-family: New; font-size: 16pt;">Education, Research and Service to the Humanity is the Greatest Worship</span></i></b></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: New; font-size: 12.5pt;">Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: New; font-size: 12.5pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="yj6qo" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;"></div></div></div></div></div>Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-87231157770229173022020-06-13T18:37:00.000-07:002020-06-13T18:37:04.545-07:00Right to Blaspheme Essential to Islam, But No Duty to Blaspheme<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By T.O. Shanavas, New Age Islam<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">January 24, 2015<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My prayers are with the people of France and with the victims of Muslim terrorists all over the world. If the caricature of a prophet can disturb the respect and love of him in his followers, that prophet does not deserve my reverence.<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unlike the terrorists’ prophet, my Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an stand tall on the side of a free press by asking Muslims to ignore the insults and extend kindness and decency to mockers and in worse cases to withdraw from the source of mockery.<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">According to Qur’an, the right to blaspheme is essential to the Islamic order, but there is no duty to blaspheme or react violently to blasphemy.<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“And verily messengers before you were mocked but in the end, the mockers were overwhelmed by the very thing they ridiculed.” [Qur’an 21:41.]<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Indulge [people] with forgiveness, [accepting] what issues spontaneously from people's manners [of behavior], and do not scrutinize them, and enjoin kindness, decency, and turn away from the ignorant, and do not counter their stupidity with the like.” [Qur’an 7:199]<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“You shall most certainly be tried in your possessions and in your persons; and indeed you shall hear many hurtful things from those to whom revelation was granted before your time, as well as from those who have come to ascribe divinity to other beings beside God. But if you remain patient in adversity and conscious of Him - this, behold, is something to set one's heart upon.” [Qur’an 3:186]<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“When you see those who engage in discourse about Our signs, the Qur'ān, in mockery, turn away from them, and do not sit with them, until they discourse on some other topic…”[Qur’an 6:68]<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"And obey not (the behests) of the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and ignore their insults, but put thy Trust in Allah. For enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs." (Qur’an 33:48)<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">None of the verses mentions the abridgment of free speech for non-Muslims even if it is painful, insulting, and indecent. In fact, free speech is abridged for Muslims because they are expected to ignore any mockery and make a polite exit from the scene in Verse 6:68. So, all Muslims must promote and defend a free press. An honorable response from Muslims to insult or other matters is clearly defined in the following verses:<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel evil deed by that [deed] which is better, and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.” [Qur’an 41:34]<o:p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 15.3333px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">URL: <a href="http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/to-shanavas,-new-age-islam/right-to-blaspheme-essential-to-islam,-but-no-duty-to-blaspheme/d/101194" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007bff; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/to-shanavas,-new-age-islam/right-to-blaspheme-essential-to-islam,-but-no-duty-to-blaspheme/d/101194</a></span></span></div>
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Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-81806300789400168352016-01-18T21:52:00.000-08:002016-01-18T21:52:04.991-08:00Boy’s Response to Blasphemy Charge Unnerves Many in Pakistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blasphemy laws are evil and anti-Islamic, check this out<br /><a href="http://blasphemylaws.blogspot.com/2012/04/blasphemy-laws-go-against-islam.html">http://blasphemylaws.blogspot.com/2012/04/blasphemy-laws-go-against-islam.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mike Ghouse<br /># # #<br /><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Boy’s Response to Blasphemy Charge Unnerves Many in Pakistan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="byline" itemprop="author creator" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 0.75rem;">By <span class="byline-author" data-byline-name="WAQAR GILLANI" itemprop="name">WAQAR GILLANI</span> and </span><span class="byline" itemid="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/n/rod_nordland/index.html" itemprop="author creator" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 0.75rem;"><a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/n/rod_nordland/index.html" rel="author" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="More Articles by ROD NORDLAND"><span class="byline-author" data-byline-name="ROD NORDLAND" itemprop="name">ROD NORDLAND</span></a></span><time class="dateline" content="2016-01-18" datetime="2016-01-18" itemprop="datePublished" style="background-color: white; line-height: 0.75rem; margin-left: 12px;">JAN. 18, 2016</time></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/19/world/asia/boys-response-to-blasphemy-charge-unnerves-many-in-pakistan.html?_r=0">Courtesy New York Times</a><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LAHORE, Pakistan — Late one night, the imam Shabir Ahmad looked up from prayers at his mosque to see a 15-year-old boy approaching with a plate in his outstretched left hand. On it was the boy’s freshly severed right hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mr. Ahmad did not hesitate. He fled the mosque and left the village, in eastern Punjab Province.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Earlier that night, Jan. 10, he had denounced the boy as a blasphemer, an accusation that in Pakistan can get a person killed — even when the accusation is false, as it was in this case.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The boy, Anwar Ali, the son of a poor laborer, had been attending an evening prayer gathering at the mosque in the village, Khanqah, when Mr. Ahmad asked for a show of hands of those who did not love the Prophet Muhammad. Thinking the cleric had asked for those who did love the prophet, Anwar’s hand shot up, according to witnesses and the boy’s family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Continue reading the main story</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pakistani Professor at University of Karachi Is Killed in ShootingAPRIL 29, 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He realized his mistake when he saw that his was the only hand up, and he quickly put it down. But by then Mr. Ahmad was screaming “Blasphemer!” at him, along with many others in the crowd. “Don’t you love your prophet?” they called, as the boy fled in disgrace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anwar went home, found a sharp scythe and chopped off his right hand that same night. When he showed it to the cleric, he made clear it was an offering to absolve his perceived sin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Continue reading the main story</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">RELATED IN OPINION</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Op-Ed Contributor: Pakistani Christians Fight Back MARCH 24, 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Op-Ed Contributor: Pakistan’s Tyranny of BlasphemyMAY 20, 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The police quickly caught the mullah and locked him up, but local religious leaders protested, and the authorities backed down and released him. After the international news media began picking up on the story over the weekend, the authorities rearrested Mr. Ahmad on Sunday, holding him on terrorism and other charges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“There is no physical evidence against the cleric of involvement, but he has been charged for inciting and arousing the emotions of people to such a level that the boy did this act,” the district police chief, Faisal Rana, said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The boy’s family, however, argues that the cleric did nothing wrong and should not be punished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We are lucky that we have this son who loves Prophet Muhammad that much,” Muhammad Ghafoor, Anwar’s father, said in a telephone interview. “We will be rewarded by God for this in the eternal world.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anwar, too, declined to make any charge against the mullah. “What I did was for love of the Prophet Muhammad,” he said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blasphemy is a toxic subject in Pakistan, where a confusing body of laws has enshrined it as a potentially capital offense but also makes it nearly impossible for the accused to defend themselves in court. Even publicly repeating details of the accusation is tantamount to blasphemy in its own right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Such cases almost never make it to court, however. The merest accusation that blasphemy has occurred has the power to arouse lynching or mob violence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, was assassinated by his own bodyguard in 2011, after Mr. Taseer criticized the country’s blasphemy laws and defended a Christian woman who had been falsely accused under them. The assassin is a national hero to many devout Pakistanis: His jail cell has become a pilgrimage site, and a mosque was renamed to honor him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Monday, Pakistan lifted a three-year-old ban on YouTube, which it had shut down because of accusations of airing anti-Islamic videos. The government announced that Google, which owns YouTube, had agreed to give it the right to block objectionable content. The Pakistani government blocks thousands of web pages it considers offensive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We have become a society so intoxicated by negative things in the name of religion that parents feel proud of sending their children to jihad and to die in the name of such activities,” said I.A. Rehman, the secretary general of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. “The government needs to do more to educate people and to speak out against extremism.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anwar Ali did not even go to a hospital after his amputation, but had his right arm’s stump bandaged at a village clinic and went home. Family members buried his hand in the village graveyard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Waqar Gillani reported from Lahore, and Rod Nordland from Kabul, Afghanistan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Get news and analysis from Asia and around the world delivered to your inbox every day with the Today’s Headlines: Asian Morning newsletter. Sign up here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A version of this article appears in print on January 19, 2016, on page A4 of the New York edition with the headline: Imam’s Arrest in False Case of Blasphemy Roils Pakistan. Order Reprints| Today's Paper|Subscribe</span><br />
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Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-49141562312942553892015-02-03T08:36:00.000-08:002015-02-03T08:37:03.910-08:00Nations Must Repeal Blasphemy Laws<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; direction: ltr; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katrina-lantos-swett/blasphemy-laws_b_6603632.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Huffington Post</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What did the terrorist attacks against the <em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Charlie Hebdo</em> newspaper and the kosher supermarket in Paris share with the flogging of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi in Jeddah last month? Each was an assault on freedom of conscience, religion, or belief. Moreover, in the <em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Charlie Hebdo</em> and Badawi cases, those responsible denied their victims the right to speak freely about religion because, in their view, such critics are blasphemers who insult religion and must be punished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People naturally should try to do their utmost to honor and uphold each other's inherent dignity as fellow human beings and respect their most cherished beliefs. But when this laudable idea is rejected by a demand that perceived transgressors be silenced by force -- including even murder and torture -- rather than engaged through debate and discussion, the line has been crossed from freedom to coercion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the Badawi case illustrates, it is not just private individuals and groups which cross that line. Governments also label and punish certain speech by enforcing blasphemy laws, some of which carry the death penalty. In so doing, they embolden citizens to commit bloodshed against alleged blasphemers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the face of this assault on human rights and dignity, the world community must confront these abusive laws and the horrific acts they unleash, pressing offending nations to repeal these statutes and release people imprisoned because of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Badawi can attest, one such nation is Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom enthrones its own interpretation of Sunni Islam and bans the public expression of any other religious belief. Dissenters may be charged with offenses ranging from apostasy to blasphemy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Badawi founded and edited the Free Saudi Liberals website, a forum for the free expression of diverse political and religious views. The government arrested him in June 2012, charging him with apostasy and "insulting Islam." While in January 2013, a Saudi court dropped the apostasy charge, it sentenced him in July 2013 to 600 lashes and seven years in prison on other charges and ordered that his web site be shut down. Last May, an appeals court increased the sentence to 10 years and the number of lashes to 1,000, or 50 lashes weekly for 20 consecutive weeks. Badawi's latest flogging has been postponed and the Saudi high court is reviewing his case.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While Saudi Arabia punishes dissenters from its interpretation of Sunni Islam, Iran does likewise to those it deems to threaten its own brand of Shi'a Islam. Muslims, including Shi'a dissenters, and non-Muslims including Baha'is and Christians, who have been jailed, tortured, and executed for "insulting Islam" or "waging war against God."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But when it comes to the application of blasphemy provisions, no nation is more zealous than Pakistan. While these laws largely target Muslims and carry the death penalty or life in prison, they disproportionately impact religious minority communities. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, on which we serve, knows of at least 17 Pakistanis on death row and 19 more serving life sentences for blasphemy, with many more awaiting trial.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan's blasphemy statutes also fan the flames of skyrocketing sectarian violence and provide extremist groups and vigilantes fuel to unleash terror, especially against minorities, with impunity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No Pakistanis are safe from these laws, not even government officials. In 2011, Shabbaz Bhatti -- Pakistan's minority religious affairs minister and a Christian, and Salmaan Taseer -- the governor of Punjab province and a Muslim, were assassinated for opposing these laws. Reacting to mere allegations of blasphemy, mobs recently lynched a Christian man and his pregnant wife, while a policeman used an axe to kill a Shi'a in custody.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearly, the world community must respond to these abuses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In March 2011, the United States and like-minded countries blocked efforts at the United Nations to internationalize blasphemy prohibitions, defeating an initiative that promoted an international legal norm against the so-called "defamation of religions." Instead, a framework that promotes tolerance, understanding, and community engagement replaced that flawed concept.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is time to show similar resolve today by pressing nations to repeal their blasphemy laws and challenging leaders to promote cultures of tolerance and mutual respect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is particularly important for free nations to repeal their own codes. Several European countries, from Austria to Greece, Ireland to Poland, still have blasphemy laws on the books. Repealing them would send the right message.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, the world should press for the release of Raif Badawi and other blasphemy-law victims. While many Western governments condemned Badawi's flogging and urged that his case be reviewed, which reports suggest is now happening, none have called for his unconditional release.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let the message be clear: Don't quash speech that belittles or offends. Fight such speech with more speech -- speech that ennobles. Honor freedom of expression and religion by repealing all blasphemy laws.</span></div>
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<em style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Katrina Lantos Swett is chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). M. Zuhdi Jasser is a USCIRF Commissioner.</span></em></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-13917045857537686332015-01-24T21:54:00.000-08:002015-01-24T21:58:44.227-08:00Right to Blaspheme Essential to Islam, But No Duty to Blaspheme<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; padding: 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a good piece by Dr. Shanavas on freedom of speech as well as blasphemy.<br /><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Indeed, Freedom of expression is the God-given right of every human, and is the foundation of civil societies. Indeed, it is the freedom of speech that has allowed Islam to grow in Europe and America. We should honor and respect that freedom with all our heart, mind and spirit. We cannot betray the very ideals that gave us the freedom to be who we are, and we cannot allow anyone to violate others freedom.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Criticism of Islam, Cartoons of the prophet or cursing at the Quran will not make them disappear. Islam is not going anywhere and neither the prophet. They are here for good and nothing will happen to them, and they are not weaklings that seek the protection from ordinary humans. They are beyond all that. Indeed, the acts of these terrorists, who falsely claim to defend the name of the prophet, actually make God and the Prophet Look bad to the affected individuals.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These men need to know, that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was criticized, attempts were made to kill him, and he was even harassed including getting pelted with rocks that hurt him. What did he do in return? Retaliate? Hurt them? None of it, instead he prayed for their well being. If you are a follower of the Prophet, you need to be a mercy to fellow humans and not a terrorist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-position: 0% 0%;">Criticism can fade away or rain on us depending on how Muslims respond to it. Lack of conviction in one's faith breeds intolerance towards criticism, whereas firmness in faith can lead us to learn from criticism, explore the infinite wisdom and realize the strength of our faith (Imaan); a worthy feeling to have, instead of living in doubt and shooing criticism away.<br /><br />Mike Ghouse<br /># # #</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-position: 0% 0%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right to Blaspheme Essential to Islam, But No Duty to Blaspheme</span></span></span></div>
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By T.O. Shanavas, New Age Islam</div>
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January 24, 2015</div>
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My prayers are with the people of France and with the victims of Muslim terrorists all over the world. If caricature of a prophet can disturb the respect and love of him in his followers, that prophet does not deserve my reverence.</div>
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Unlike the terrorists’ prophet, my Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an stand tall on the side of free press by asking Muslims to ignore the insults and extend kindness and decency to mockers and in worse cases to withdraw from the source of mockery.</div>
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According to Qur’an, the right to blaspheme is essential to the Islamic order, but there is no duty to blaspheme or react violently to blasphemy.</div>
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“And verily messengers before you were mocked but in the end, the mockers were overwhelmed by the very thing they ridiculed.” [Qur’an 21:41.]</div>
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“Indulge [people] with forgiveness, [accepting] what issues spontaneously from people's manners [of behavior], and do not scrutinize them, and enjoin kindness, decency, and turn away from the ignorant, and do not counter their stupidity with the like.” [Qur’an 7:199]</div>
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“You shall most certainly be tried in your possessions and in your persons; and indeed you shall hear many hurtful things from those to whom revelation was granted before your time, as well as from those who have come to ascribe divinity to other beings beside God. But if you remain patient in adversity and conscious of Him - this, behold, is something to set one's heart upon.” [Qur’an 3:186]</div>
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“When you see those who engage in discourse about Our signs, the Qur'an, in mockery, turn away from them, and do not sit with them, until they discourse on some other topic…”[Qur’an 6:68]</div>
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"And obey not (the behests) of the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and ignore their insults, but put thy Trust in Allah. For enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs." (Qur’an 33:48)</div>
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None of the verses mentions the abridgement of free speech for non-Muslims even if it is painful, insulting, and indecent. In fact, free speech is abridged for Muslims because they are expected to ignore any mockery and make a polite exit from the scene in Verse 6:68. So, all Muslims must promote and defend free press. An honorable response from Muslims to insult or other matters is clearly defined in the following verses:</div>
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“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel evil deed by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.” [Qur’an 41:34]</div>
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URL: http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/to-shanavas,-new-age-islam/right-to-blaspheme-essential-to-islam,-but-no-duty-to-blaspheme/d/101194</div>
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Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-21112393658215690652014-06-02T14:21:00.000-07:002014-06-02T14:21:03.115-07:00Blasphemy and Apostasy Laws: Islam or Hislam?<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is one of the simplest but effective pieces in understanding Blasphemy, this virus has penetrated deeply into the psyche of Muslim, even though, it is not Islamic. Recommended reading. <br /><br />Mike Ghouse</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Courtesy: <a href="http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2014/05/29/blasphemy-and-apostasy-laws-islam-or-hislam/32191">FaithStreet</a><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">n January 2011, the governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, was <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/world/asia/05pakistan.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0">gunned down</a>
by one of his own security guards over a controversial move — opposing
the blasphemy law in Pakistan. Although thousands of Pakistanis
condemned this by attending his funeral and showing support on social
media, religious fanatics hailed his murderer as a hero, recently naming
a mosque after him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a Muslim, I stand firmly against blasphemy laws. My faith demands
that I do so, for it repeatedly asks me to stand for justice and fight
oppression.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Quran shows us that even though God’s prophets were mocked and
threatened, they never killed their accusers for hurting their
“religious sentiments.” In fact, the Quran opposes any laws that
restrain freedom of speech or would have someone killed over differences
in belief. Rather, Quran 73:10 says, “Be patient over what they say,
and leave them graciously.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>So how did these <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/05/28/which-countries-still-outlaw-apostasy-and-blasphemy/">blasphemy and apostasy laws</a> come to be associated with Islam?</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The blasphemy and apostasy laws are found in the Hadeeth, sayings
attributed to Prophet Mohammad, which were compiled two-three centuries
after his death. Muslims know that no Hadeeth should contradict the
Quran if they are to be accepted, given their subjective nature and
reliance on the Quran for authenticity.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But early scholars intentionally overlooked this to protect the
interests of clergymen and political leaders. These oppressive laws
allow them to exercise complete control over people, punishing anyone
who threatens their position by declaring them apostates — enemies of
Islam. To so many clergymen, religion is nothing but a means to gain
power and control people. To keep out competition and force their
monopoly, they invent laws in the name of God so “consumers” have no
choice but to keep buying their “product.” Or face persecution.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Religious leaders like Tahir-ul-Qadri, a staunch proponent of
blasphemy laws, rule people by fear. Add to that the fact that the
average Muslim is unaware of the Quran’s teachings, which makes them
likely to believe whatever the clergy tells them about Islam. Of these
leaders, the Qur’an asks us to be weary: “O You who have believed! A
great many religious leaders: rabbis, priests, monks, Mullahs, yogis,
and mystics devour the wealth of people in falsehood, and bar them from
the path of God” (Quran 9:34).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>So what exactly does the Quran say about blasphemy and apostasy?</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quite frankly, blasphemy and apostasy laws are themselves blasphemous
to the teachings of the Qur’an. Not in the traditional sense, but
because they violate the very instructions the scripture gives regarding
freedom of belief.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Regarding apostasy, in Quran 2:256 God says, “There is no compulsion
in matters of faith. The right way is now distinct from the wrong way.
Anyone who denounces false authorities and becomes at peace with God has
grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. God is Hearer,
Knower.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a similar vein, verse 109:6 instructs adherents to end a debate by saying: “To you, your belief system. And to me, mine.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If all that isn’t convincing enough, Quran 10:99 should seal the
deal: “If your Lord willed, all who are on earth, would have believed
(by not providing free will). Would you then, compel people to become
believers?”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When it comes to blasphemy, I often hear some version of, “Hold on.
If someone mocks my religion, it prompts me to act violently. You see,
it makes me very emotional.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But this statement only shows an ignorance of the Quran, which says
in verse 6:68, “When you see them engaged in vain discourse about Our
verses, turn away from them unless they engage in a different subject.
If Satan ever makes you forget (i.e. your mind gets engrossed in their
discourse,) then as soon as you recollect, no longer sit in the company
of the people who confound the truth with falsehood.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here, Muslims are instructed to engage with these people if they
change the topic. Certainly that means we’re not to have enmity towards
them, let alone kill them!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And, again, Quran 28:55 instructs, “Whenever they (believers) hear
vain talk of ridicule, they withdraw from it decently and say, ‘“To us
our deeds and to you yours; Peace be upon you, we do not seek to join
the ignorant.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those verses are practically shouting freedom of expression at the
top of their lungs! Islam is a very progressive path to God, one in
which differences in opinions and beliefs are accepted, not punished (<a href="http://quran.com/39/18">Quran 39:18</a>). On the other hand, blasphemy and apostasy laws lead to negative misconceptions about Islam being an oppressive faith.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But what are we Muslims to do? By not voicing our disapproval, we
stand for these anti-Quranic laws and call them Islam. Is that not like
setting your own house on fire? There is not a single verse that
encourages Muslims to act violently toward those who leave Islam, or
even mock the Quran. After all, shouldn’t truth be able to defend itself
on its own merit? What good is a forced belief?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>We can even take it a step further by noting how rejecters treated the prophets.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of Prophet Nooh: “They said, ‘If you do not desist, O Noah, you will surely be of those who are stoned’” (Quran 26:116).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Prophet Ibrahim’s father said, ”Do you dislike my gods, O Abraham? If
you cease not, I will certainly cause you to be stoned to death! Now
get away from me for good” (Quran 19:46). Similarly, the priesthood said
of Ibrahim, “Burn him alive and uphold your gods if you are going to
take any action” (Quran 21:68).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Regarding Prophet Musa, “[Pharaoh] said, ‘If you take a god/authority
other than me, I will surely place you among those imprisoned’” (Quran
26:29). To Musa’s followers, Pharaoh also said, “I will surely cut off
your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify
you all” (Quran 26:49).”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These verses should reveal to us a different perspective: all
prophets were seen as blasphemers and apostates to the prevalent
religion of their time. To condone the oppressive laws of religious
leaders today is to support ill treatment of the prophets. After all,
you would’ve done the same!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And that’s the most ironic part. If a messenger were to come today,
these clergymen and their ardent followers would utter the same threats
to him. They have fabricated their own laws in the name of God, so when
you ask them to reform, they either consider you a blasphemer or an
apostate and have a fatwa issued to kill you. That’s the scary thing
about truth: it doesn’t warrant aggression but is always met with it.<br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is not a matter of interpretation, as some would call it. The
Quran condemns forced belief in numerous verses. Rather, this is a
matter of giving preference to the Hadeeth over the Quran to justify
bigotry and extremism in the name of Islam. Having said that, it’s up to
you whether you want to rethink your stance or keep blindly following
what you have been taught — whether you want to follow Islam or Hislam.
Because unlike misguided religious fanatics, sincere believers never
force their beliefs on others.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What’s the Golden Rule, again? “Any secondary source on Islam that goes against the Quran should be rejected.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Often said, but seldom followed.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>The opinions expressed in this piece belong to the author.</em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Image courtesy of Cezary Piwowarski.</em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div id="tags">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
More on: </span></span>
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</span></span><div class="author-about">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">About <a href="http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/author/ro-waseem" rel="author">Ro Waseem</a></span></span></h4>
<div class="author-description">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="Ro Waseem" class="avatar avatar-140 wp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-140 alignnone photo" height="140" src="http://faithstreet.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/rowaseem-320x320.jpg" width="140" /> <span class="author-description-text">
Ro Waseem is a progressive Muslim who is bent on
separating culture from religion. His articles have been published by
The Express Tribune, The Malaysian Insider, and World Religion News. He
blogs about Muslim reformation at http://quranalyzeit.wordpress.com.
</span></span></span>
</div>
</div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-57953449336195215542013-07-24T07:14:00.003-07:002013-07-24T07:14:57.711-07:00Blasphemy Charges against Christians Shafaqat Masih and Shagufta Bibi in Pakistan, Muslims Condemn these charges.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Evil exists because good people do nothing about it – all it takes for evil to subside is for the good people to speak up.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The formula is simple: The evil people (in all nations and all religions) are less than 1/10th of 1% - if 5 of them scream, all we have to do is get 10 of us from a lopsided pool of 99% to speak up, and I have seen them run – realizing that there is no support for them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The latest is the SMS blasphemy charges, the good news is that the Deobandi Ulema have promised the Christians to bring amendments to blasphemy charges in Pakistan, it would be good to see them keep their promise.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Blasphemy and Apostasy are tools of tyrants to suppress people; it is not Islamic in any sense. Prophet showed the right way by example, but the Muslim monarchs, dictators and a handful of ulema (it is shame that we call them Ulema instead of Jahil) like all damned fascists erected the apostasy and blasphemy charges to oppress.<br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Besides, these fanatics are dumb people, if they really want to convert other people, pray for them, like the Prophet, instead of pushing them. Don't kick the beehive if you want to gather honey. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The Muslims of today – I mean the 99% of Muslims are civilized and cultured, and we should not let 1/10th of 1% of Jahils (brutes) dictate the nature of Islam.<br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">As a Muslim I condemn these shameful and ugly acts against Christians, and as Muslims, it is our duty to stand up for the oppressed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Please remember, Islam is not going anywhere; prophet is not going anywhere, and by opening ourselves up to criticism, we will learn a lot more about our faith than we would ever know. We need to move away from intolerance to acceptance of a different point of view without having to agree with it. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) lived through it and Muslims can learn from his examples.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Criticism can fade away or rain on us depending on how Muslims respond to it. Lack of conviction in one's faith breeds intolerance towards criticism, whereas firmness in faith can lead us to learn from criticism, explore the infinite wisdom and realize the strength of our faith (Imaan); a worthy feeling to have, instead of living in doubt and shooing criticism away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Mike Ghouse<br />www.MikeGhouse.net </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">www.WorldMuslimCongress</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">and WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">BLASPHEMY CHARGES <br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>ASIA/PAKISTAN - "Technological Blasphemy": Christian couple arrested for insulting Muhammad via SMS</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - A new "front" of blasphemy seems to be opening in Pakistan after the life sentence of a man accused of having sent a blasphemous SMS (see Fides 15/07/2013), cases and complaints of blasphemy via SMS increase. As reported to Fides, another blasphemy case was registered against a Christian couple in the town of Gojra, in Punjab. Shafaqat Masih, 35, and his wife Shagufta Bibi were arrested by the local police because accused by the Muslim Rana Mohammad Fiaz for having sent a blasphemous SMS on the Prophet Muhammad. The police traced the SIM card and arrested the couple.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">A court of first instance validated the arrest, placing further investigation. Shafaqat Masih is disabled and his wife is a waitress in a local school. Their two teenage children are now being taken care of by the NGO "World Vision in Progress", which also aims to provide legal assistance. Gojra is a place which is "religiously sensitive" since 2009, when, due to a case of alleg ed desecration of the Koran, the Christian area of the city was set on fire, causing 8 deaths, destroying 40 homes and a church.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Currently the debate on blasphemy through new technologies, mobile phones, computer resources is alive in Pakistan. The Telecommunications Authority and the government are discussing technical solutions to the problem of the presence of blasphemous material on the Internet, on YouTube, on social networks. Many are calling for a law to limit and censor blasphemous Internet sites.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Another issue is the abuse of the law of blasphemy, sometimes used instrumentally to hit opponents. As reported to Fides, recently a delegation of 15 ulema in Karachi, of the Islamic school of thought "Deobandi," assured its support to the Christian community to propose an amendment to the blasphemy law: the goal is to stop their misuse against members of religious minorities.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Among the cases reported by Fides is that of a Christian 15-year-old from Karachi, Ryan Brian Patras, accused of having sent blasphemous SMS to some peers (see Fides 12/10/2012) and the victim of a plot. The boy and his family escaped by miracle from the murderous rage of a few extremists. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 23/07/2013)</span></span></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-67426672379082487732013-07-24T07:03:00.002-07:002013-07-24T07:03:16.785-07:00Criticism of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and free speech<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6398478614616975165" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 554px;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; line-height: 14px;"><i>If you wish to forward this article, </i></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;"><i>please<span style="color: blue;"><b> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=3462242975774901312&postID=6398478614616975165" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">Click</a></b></span> and send.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">We need to welcome every criticism of Quraan, Islam and the Prophet and deal with it with grace. Let freedom of speech be the corner stone of Islam.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Islam is not going anywhere; prophet is not going anywhere, and by opening ourselves up to criticism, we will learn a lot more about our faith than we would ever know. We need to move away from intolerance to acceptance of a different point of view without having to agree with it. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) lived through it and Muslims can learn from his examples.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Criticism can fade away or rain on us depending on how Muslims respond to it. Lack of conviction in one's faith breeds intolerance towards criticism, whereas firmness in faith can lead us to learn from criticism, explore the infinite wisdom and realize the strength of our faith (Imaan); a worthy feeling to have, instead of living in doubt and shooing criticism away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">You may ask, "Why are you presenting a different point of view, and why should I believe you?" The great scholars from the past have done it, and what is the need for me to learn?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">I will ask you, "Why wouldn't you review the work of Tariq Ramadan, Hamza Yusuf, Ziauddin Sardar, Wahiduddin Khan, Javed Ahmed Ghamidi, Asghar Ali Engineer, Chandra Muzaffar, and a host of other critical Muslim thinkers? Why should you believe every word of Maududi, Banna and others? Isn't Islam for all times and all people?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Way back in 1967, my sister had asked me, if I knew more than Allama Iqbal? That question has never left my mind, and I had to scramble for the answer, the answer was a definite no, but I did not want to discard individual responsibility of not learning and knowing it on my own. I was always stuck with one of the most powerful sentences from Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) last sermon, "I leave behind two things, the Qur'an and the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray." The responsibility to know was placed directly on us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Like all Mothers, my Mother taught me responsibility, she said, "if you do wrong, you alone will get punished and not your brother who might have instigated you, it is not what he said, but it is how you respond that matters to me". She would invariably add, "On the Day of Judgment, you stand alone, there will be no one for you, as each one will be busy in reflecting his or her own deeds."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">The Qur'an repeatedly reinforces the paramount principle of faith: "O You who believe, on you rests (the responsibility) of your souls"(Q5:105) and (Q53:38), "that no bearer of burdens shall be made to bear another's burden." The picture was clear to me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">I don't wish this for others, but the best thing that has ever happened to me was walking away from Islam and Quraan when I was 15. I made the same mistake that every maligner of Islam makes; reading the wrong translations of Quran and blaming the religion for it. After 30 years of searching for the truth on my own as the Prophet had advised "to read the book", I found the truth. Islam is an inclusive faith, it is about co-existence, it is a faith that appreciates all of God's creation and urges one to respect the otherness of others (Quran 109:6) without having to agree, it explicitly says (Quraan 49:13), that all of us are his creation, created to be different, and that we have to learn about each other to mitigate the conflicts and nurture goodwill. Today, I am proud to be a believer, not a blind one, but a critical believer in Islam.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">The Critical thinking has given me inordinate confidence to the point of challenging Pastor Jeffress in Dallas, that if he finds three faults in Quraan, I will convert to his faith, and if he cannot, all I asked of him was to become a blessed peacemaker and work with me in mitigating conflicts and building a cohesive America, where all of us can aspire to live without the fear of the other. He backed off as we returned the bad challenge with the request to reason and finding the truth. We held a Quraan Conference with ten Non Muslim Clergy on the panel and four Muslims including Imam Zia Shaikh, Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Imam Shakoor and Brother Hamid Shaikh, and I moderated the event. A full accounting of the event, including media interviews and the program is recorded in details at www.QuraanConference.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">When you have an issue with your spouse and child, you don't scream and shut them down; the problem will not go away unless you face it and solve the issue. When people accept the solutions willingly, we will have peace. Isn't that Islam is all about, freedom?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Indeed, we must gracefully respond to every criticism of Quraan, Islam and the Prophet and I have the patience to welcome it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Aren't we supposed to learn and know each other to mitigate conflicts and create the kingdom of heaven right here on the earth, while waiting to go the next heaven? Didn't God say, the best among you is the one who learns about the other (49:13), so the myths, phobias and fears can be dismantled?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">I urge fellow Muslims to open to all the criticism with confidence, don't shut it, and let freedom of speech be the corner stone of Islam. Islam stands on its own; it does not need our defense, and it is silly to protect God or the Prophet, they are not weaklings or our property to protect, they belong to the whole universe, don't they?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Muhammad Yunus, a Muslim thinker and a writer at New Age Islam responds, "Doesn't the Qur'an repetitively say, "repel evil with good" (13:22, 23:96, 41:34). Shouldn't you take the opportunity to demonstrate the good in your faith and remove the cloud of hatred that is forming by the twin growing menaces of the day: Islamophobia and Radicalization? Inscribe on the facade of your mosques in bold and golden letters, the verses of the Qur'an that demonstrate the divine scheme on religious pluralism - 2:62, 2:136, 4:124, 5:69, 22:17, 64:9, 65:11 for example.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Tell the believing world by visual display on billboards at all Islamic centers that the divine Light is lit in all places of pure worship (24:35) and God's name is proclaimed regularly in monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques (22:40). Inform the atheist and all categories of non-believers that they all are recipients of a portion of divine spirit (15:29, 32:7-9, 38:72) and God will judge them as well along with the believing humanity (22:17). Tell the whole world that however they demonize our Prophet, we must ignore them as this is an article of faith for us (6:112, 25:31).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Dr. Tariq Cheema of World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, adds another point of view, "the Muslim scholars and intellectuals around the world must rise to the challenge and offer guidance to the faith-loving masses on how to encounter the exploitation of freedom of speech, which is often quite provocative and insulting. On the other hand every one must strive for a legislation that guards the sanctity of all religions and their Prophets, scriptures, and symbols alike."</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Prioritizing Sunnah</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">The most important Sunnah (Prophet's example) and the first Sunnah is to be the Amin; the trust worthy (81:21), the truth teller and someone who mitigates conflicts and nurtures good will for the peaceful coexistence of his or her neighbors, communities, tribes and nations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">That was the first example of Muhammad (pbuh) to be a good citizen, wasn't it? Wasn't that the first model prophet had set up for one to follow? Mind you, he was called Amin by non-Muslims. Shouldn't we start with the same first foot forward? To be good citizens, whether in Pakistan, America, Saudi Arabia, China or Indonesia, we have to earn it by being a participant and a contributor towards the wellbeing of the nation. Your presence should relax others, and make them comfortable that you are a peacemaker and they can trust you for your fairness. Do you follow the Prophet?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">The second most important Sunna to follow is to be Rahmatul Aalameen (Mercy to mankind) (21:107). To be a Rahmat (Mercy) to fellow beings who are Atheist, Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca, Natives, Zoroastrians and others, we must be kind to them, no one should be afraid or apprehensive of us. Should anyone be afraid of a Muslim, then we have not followed the Sunna of the prophet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Please note that I have stripped the title of Allama or Maulana from all the names above. We have a habit of placing individuals next to God, they are just like you and I, of course with more knowledge, sometimes real, and sometimes looped up. Practicing and rehearsing the same wrong thing over and over again does not make them perfect. We need to reserve the titles to the Prophets; all others must be referred to just by their names with utmost respect.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">We should not be loose with titles, unless they have shown that Allah is Rabbul Aaalamen (Universality of the Creator) and Muhammad is Rahmatul Aalameen in their actions and words. How many of them would qualify to be an Allama then?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">All other Sunna emanates from these two basic steps, clearly and unambiguously corroborated by the Qur'an (81:21, 21:107).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">We cannot compromise on free speech, however much a few may abuse it, but free speech is an enduring value and the hallmark of civilization. I believe in free speech and that is the only way societies will grow. As Muslims we need to seriously consider the gains Muslims have had, that far outweigh the tensions given by a handful of loonies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Islam is a universal inclusive faith, it is from Rabbul Aalameen (creator of the universe, its prophet is Rahmatul Aalameen (Mercy to mankind) and we should be Mukhlooqul Aalameen (Universal, all embracing beings). Islam is about goodness and not forcing others, and not domineering but co-existing, just as the Prophet did and proclaimed in the Madinah treaty. Islam is about appreciating everything God has created on this universe (55:16).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">If they curse the prophet, prophet is not going to be cursed, have the strength in your faith and return badness with Good; we know all the examples of his work. When you hear someone curse the prophet, just say I am sorry you feel that way, but if you wish to seek the truth, find it on your own or I will connect you with someone who can guide you, if you don't that is your choice and nothing will come off me or the prophet, your words do not have the power to reduce Islam or the prophet, I will pray peace of mind to you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Don't feel compelled to convince anyone, let go. What did Allah say to Prophet when he was frustrated that people were not getting his message? You do your dharma (duty) and let them have the freedom to accept. Elsewhere God says there is no compulsion in matters of faith (2:256).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Have confidence, read what is good in Islam and ignore the bad things others say, write, or put it in the film about Islam or its Prophet. From the very first day of his mission, the Prophet was criticized and the Qur'an reviled and the criticism and revulsion only gained momentum through the medieval ages as Islam continued to win the hearts of other people. It has come to surface again with greater ferocity, but we the Muslims as peace makers must act peacefully. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Islam is not going anywhere, prophet is not going anywhere, and by opening up you will enjoy your Imaan (faith) immensely with genuine admiration for its wisdom. I thank Allah for helping me see the light and beauty of Islam, and you can too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;">Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, activist, pluralist and a writer committed to building cohesive societies. More about him at www.MikeGhouse.net</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; line-height: 14px;"><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Mike Ghouse is a </span><a href="http://www.professionalspeakermikeghouse.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">speaker</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">, thinker and a </span><a href="http://theghousediary.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">writer</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> on </span><a href="http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">pluralism</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">, </span><a href="http://republicanmoderates.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">politics</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">, peace making, foreign policy, </span><a href="http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">Islam</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">, </span><a href="http://israelpalestinedialouge.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">Israel</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">, </span><a href="http://mikeghouseforindia.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">India</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">, </span><a href="http://redeemingpakistan.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">Pakistan</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">, </span><a href="http://pluralismcenter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">interfaith</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a </span><a href="http://www.americatogetherfoundation.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">Cohesive America</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at </span><a href="http://www.theghousediary.com/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">www.TheGhousediary.com</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and is a frequent guest on </span><a href="http://www.hannity.com/guest/ghouse-mike/10804" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">Sean Hannity show</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at </span><a href="http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/texas-faith/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">Dallas Morning News</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">, fortnightly at </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">Huffington post,</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site </span><a href="http://www.mikeghouse.net/" style="color: #0c0c0c; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-decoration: none; widows: 2;">www.MikeGhouse.net</a><span style="line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> indexes everything you want to know about him.</span></span></span></div>
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Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-43579036146044328922013-04-09T10:09:00.002-07:002013-04-09T10:20:20.739-07:00Blasphemy Law in Islam – A Definition<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I just happen to run into this article and pleased to share it here at www.BlasphemyLaws.com and www.WorldMuslimCongress.com - Its well written for those who want to get a good idea about the law - Mike Ghouse</span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">...</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blasphemy Law in Islam – A Definition </span></span></b></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.waqarhussain.net/blog/2011/09/blasphemy-law-in-islam-a-definition-1074/">http://www.waqarhussain.net/blog/2011/09/blasphemy-law-in-islam-a-definition-1074/</a></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #777777; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.75em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="sword" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #afafaf; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-transform: lowercase; vertical-align: baseline;">on</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="date time published" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="2011-09-09T12:30:21+0000">SEPTEMBER 9, 2011</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>·<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="sword" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #afafaf; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-transform: lowercase; vertical-align: baseline;">in</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="categories" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.waqarhussain.net/blog/category/pakistan/" rel="category tag" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(233, 233, 233); border-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #777777; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="View all posts in Pakistan">PAKISTAN</a></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.waqarhussain.net/blog/2011/09/blasphemy-law-in-islam-a-definition-1074/law/" rel="attachment wp-att-1075" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; clear: left; color: #225e9b; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1075" height="300" src="http://www.waqarhussain.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/law-242x300.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="law" width="242" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In November 2010,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.waqarhussain.net/blog/2010/11/blasphemy-law-in-pakistan/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #225e9b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">I posted some research work about Blasphemy Law in Pakistan</a>. I got a great response from all over the world and specially from Pakistan. Since then I was assigned to collect some more and detailed information about Blasphemy Law. During my research I visited several websites, journals and newspapers and also verified their responses. I feel first there is high requirement to chalk out the basic & important details about Blasphemy Law before discussing the detail version about Blasphemy Law. So here I have come up with some basic information about Blasphemy Law in Islam.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #ff9900; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What does Blasphemy Law means ?</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In Islam it is any irreverent behavior toward holy person, religious artifacts, customs, and beliefs that Muslims admire. Let be clear that the Quran and the hadith do not speak about blasphemy. Law experts created the offense, and they made it part of Sharia. Where Sharia applicable, the penalties for blasphemy can include fines, imprisonment, flogging, amputation, hanging, or beheading. Muslim leader (religious) may call for the punishment of an alleged blasphemer by issuing a fatwa.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #ff9900; font-size: small; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Who would be Blasphemers?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is agreed by all Islamic authorities that a blasphemer can be Muslim or non-Muslim. To be declare as guilty of blasphemy offense, an individual must be an adult, of sound mind, and not under threat. Some jurisdictions do not punish individuals who commit blasphemy accidentally. The Maliki school of jurisprudence permits the exoneration of accused individuals who are converts to Islam.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #ff9900; font-size: small; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How Blasphemy against holy persons yet?</b></span></span></div>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Speaking ill of Allah.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finding fault with Muhammad.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Slighting a prophet who is mentioned in the Qur’an, or slighting a member of Muhammad’s family.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Claiming to be a prophet or a messenger.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Speculating about how Muhammad would behave if he were alive (happened in Nigeria).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drawing a picture to represent Muhammad or any other prophet, or making a film which features a prophet (happened in Egypt).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Writing Muhammad’s name on the walls of a toilet (happened in Pakistan).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Naming a teddy bear Muhammad (happened in Sudan).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Invoking God while committing a forbidden act.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #ff9900; font-size: small; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How Blasphemy against beliefs and customs of Islam yet?</b></span></span></div>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finding fault with Islam.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saying Islam is an Arab religion; prayers five times a day are unnecessary; and the Qur’an is full of lies (happened in Indonesia).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Believing in transmigration of the soul or reincarnation or disbelieving in the afterlife (happened in Indonesia).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finding fault with a belief or a practice which the Muslim community (Ummah) has adopted.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finding fault with or cursing apostles (Rasul or Messenger), prophets, or angels.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Expressing an atheist or a secular point of view or publishing or distributing such a point of view.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Using words that Muslims use because the individuals were not Muslims (happened in Malaysia).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Praying that Muslims become something else (happened in Indonesia).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whistling during prayers (happened in Indonesia).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flouting the rules prescribed for Ramadan.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reciting Muslim prayers in a language other than Arabic (happened in Indonesia).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consuming alcohol.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gambling.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being alone with persons of the opposite sex who are not blood relatives.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finding amusement in Islamic customs (happened in Bangladesh).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Publishing an unofficial translation of the Qur’an (happened in Afghanistan).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Practicing yoga (happened in Malaysia).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watching a film or listening to music (happened in Somalia).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wearing make-up on television (happened in Iran).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Insulting religious scholarship.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wearing the clothing of Jews or of Zoroastrians.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Claiming that forbidden acts are not forbidden.</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Uttering “words of infidelity” (sayings that are forbidden).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Participating in non-Islamic religious festivals.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #ff9900; font-size: small; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How Blasphemy against artifacts yet?</b></span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; list-style: disc outside none; margin: 0px 0px 1em 25px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Touching a Qur’an or touching something that has touched a Qur’an because the individuals were not Muslim (happened in Nigeria).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Damaging a Qur’an or other books of importance to Islam, for example, hadith (happened in Pakistan).</span></span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spitting at the wall of a mosque (happened in Pakistan).</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #ff9900; font-size: small; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What would be Punishment in Blasphemy?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The punishments for different instances of blasphemy in Islam vary by jurisdiction / region / country and even cities. A guilty blasphemer may, among other penalties, lose all legal rights. The loss of rights may cause a blasphemer’s marriage to be dissolved, religious acts to be rendered worthless, and claims to property (including any inheritance) to be rendered void. Repentance may restore lost rights except for marital rights; lost marital rights are regained only by remarriage. Women have blasphemed and repented to end a marriage. Women may be permitted to repent, and may receive a lesser punishment than would befall a man who committed the same offense.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #ff9900; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Difference between Blasphemy against Allah and Muhammad</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a distinction between a blasphemer who insults Allah and blasphemenr who finds fault with Muhammad. Difference is based on the notions of the “right of God” and the “right of Man.” A blasphemer who violates the “right of God” can seek forgiveness through repentance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Qur’an advises Muslims to reject those who find fault with God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_blasphemy" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #225e9b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Detail Reference</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A blasphemer who violates the “right of Man” must seek forgiveness from the person insulted. In the case of an insult to Muhammad, the Muslim community is considered to be under an obligation to avenge the insult because the possibility of forgiveness expired upon the death of Muhammad.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is summary and brief version of my long research work. It took time to collect and verify the information about such sensitive topic. Please share your opinions regarding Blasphemy Law and its relationship with Islam in comment section.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/wiqhussain" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #225e9b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Subscribe with my rss</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for more updates. To get more details and information about<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.waqarhussain.net/blog/2011/09/2011/08/2011/06/category/project-management/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #225e9b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">project management</a>,<a href="http://www.waqarhussain.net/blog/2011/09/2011/08/2011/06/category/web-designs/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #225e9b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">web design</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>you can connect to me on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/wiqhussain" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #225e9b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">twitter</a>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/wiqhussain" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #225e9b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">facebook</a>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://pk.linkedin.com/pub/syed-waqar-hussain/19/2b3/5a7" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #225e9b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">linked in</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/welcome#113884134379387421186/posts" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px none; color: #225e9b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">google+</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-78076895049104743672012-09-22T10:05:00.002-07:002012-09-22T10:05:46.838-07:00Blasphemy Article by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maulana Wahiduddin
Khan</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Quran is the most authentic source of Islam. The Quran
clearly states which actions are crimes and specifies what kind of punishments
are to be meted out for them. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One notable example is what is called ‘<i>qazaf’</i>. The
following is the verse of the Quran in this regard: “Those who defame chaste
women, but cannot produce four witnesses, shall be given eighty lashes.”
(24:4)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We learn from this verse of the Quran that if a pious woman
is defamed without any proof, such a person, in the eyes of the Quran, becomes a
criminal who deserves physical punishment by a court of law. When the Quran
mentions this crime, it also mentions the specific punishment along with
it.</span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now let us look into this matter from another aspect. The
Quran states that since ancient times God has sent prophets in succession to
every town and every community. It says, moreover, that the contemporaries of
all of these prophets adopted the same negative attitude -- but with far greater
intensity -- as has been mentioned in the Quran with regard to chaste women. For
instance, the Quran says: “Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger
that comes to them.” (36:30)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are more than two hundred verses of this nature,
which reveal that the contemporaries of the Prophet repeatedly perpetrated the
same act which is now called ‘abuse of the Prophet’ or ‘using abusive language
about the Prophet’. Prophets down the ages have been mocked and abused by their
contemporaries (36:30), some of the epithets cited in the Quran being “a liar”
(40:24), “possessed” (15:6), “a fabricator” (16:101), “a foolish man” (7:66).
The Quran mentions these words of abuse used by prophets’ contemporaries but
nowhere does the Quran prescribe the punishment of lashes, or death or any such
deterrent punishment.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This clearly shows that ‘abuse of the Prophet’ is not a
subject of punishment, but is rather a subject of <i>dawah</i>. That is, one who
is guilty of abusing the Prophet should not have corporal punishment meted out
to him: he should rather be given sound arguments in order that his mind may be
addressed. In other words, peaceful persuasion should be used to reform the
person concerned rather than attempting to kill him.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a verse in the Quran to this effect: “God knows
all that is in their hearts; so ignore what they say, admonish them and speak to
them in such terms as will address their minds.”(4:63)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This verse means that those who adopt a negative stance
towards the Prophet will be judged by God, who knows the innermost recesses of
their hearts. The responsibility of the Prophet and his followers is to observe
the policy of avoidance, and, wishing well, convey the message of God to them in
such a manner that their minds might be properly addressed.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This case is made out in the Chapter
entitled <i>Al-Ghashiya</i>: “Do they never reflect on the camels and how they
were created, and on the sky, how it is raised aloft, and on the mountains, how
they are firmly set up, and on the earth, how it is spread out? So, exhort them;
your task is only to exhort, you are not their keeper. But whoever turns back
and denies the truth, will be punished by God with the greatest punishment.
Certainly, it is to Us that they will return.” (88:17-26)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These verses of the Quran tell us about what approach the
Prophet was required to adopt. This approach was that people should be addressed
by arguments. Attempts should be made to satisfy them rationally as to the
veracity of the religion. And notwithstanding any negative reaction on the part
of those addressed, this same positive style of <i>dawah</i> (conveying the
message of God to people) has to be adhered to. It is not the task of
the <i>dayee</i> to assume the role of a keeper<i>. </i>So far as punishment and
reward are concerned, that is a subject wholly in the domain of God. God will
gather together everyone on the Day of Resurrection and then, according to their
deeds, will reward or punish them.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another important aspect of this matter is that at no point
in the Quran is it stated that anyone who uses abusive language about the
Prophet should be stopped from doing so, and in case he continues to do so he
should be awarded severe punishment. On the contrary, the Quran commands the
believer not to use abusive language directed against opponents: “But do not
revile those [beings] whom they invoke instead of God, lest they, in their
hostility, revile God and out of ignorance.” (6:108)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This verse of the Quran makes it plain that it is not the
task of the believers to establish media watch offices and hunt for anyone
involved in acts of defamation of the Prophet, and then plan for their killing,
whatever the cost. On the contrary, the Quran enjoins believers to sedulously
refrain from indulging in such acts as may provoke people to retaliate by
abusing Islam and the Prophet. This injunction of the Quran makes it clear that
this responsibility devolves upon the believers, rather than that others be held
responsible and demands made for them to be punished.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looked at from this angle, the stance of present-day
Muslims goes totally against the teachings of the Quran. Whenever anyone -- in
their judgement -- commits an act of ‘abuse of the Prophet’, in speech or in
writing, they instantly get provoked and their response is to start leading
processions through the streets, which often turn violent, and then they demand
that all those who insult the Prophet be beheaded.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All those who initiate such provocative processions and
demand the killing of supposed ‘abusers of the Prophet’, are instead themselves
the greatest culprits when it comes to abuse of the Prophet. Their violent
conduct has resulted in the public being lead into believing that Islam is a
religion of a pre-civilized era, that it imposes a ban on free thinking, that it
is a religion which believes in thought crime, and that it is a religion of
violence, etc.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is Muslims themselves who are entirely responsible for
the formation of this negative image of Islam. Distorting the image of Islam in
this way is, indeed, the greatest of all crimes. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Center for Peace and Spirituality - USA</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cpsglobal.org/" title="http://www.cpsglobal.org/">www.cpsglobal.org</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.alquranmission.org/" title="http://www.alquranmission.org/">www.alquranmission.org</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.alrisala.org/" title="http://www.alrisala.org/">www.alrisala.org</a></span></span></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com145tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-1007897569505595372012-09-15T08:36:00.003-07:002012-09-15T08:52:08.940-07:00Islam and the Political Theology of Blasphemy<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a lot of good material out there, the most important question
is how do we get this to the Imams who currently hold a book in their hand that
tells them otherwise, how do we earn their confidence to replace the wrong one
with the right book? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe it is our responsibility, each one's. There is a way other than
invoking the wrath of those to have chased Ghamidi out of Pakistan, the good
news is Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is getting his message out and has not been
kicked out of India - I guess that is the function of a democracy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My proposal is finding a way to produce a book, a good authentic Islamic
book, that the holders of the old books would feel comfortable in replacing with
the new, after a conference. Who can invest in this? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am writing a paper on the topic, "Have Muslims failed Allah, Prophet and
Islam" hope to be out and published this week. I have already written and published a few, one among them is<br /><a href="http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/09/muslims-condemn-killing-of-ambassador.html">http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/09/muslims-condemn-killing-of-ambassador.html</a> and there are a few more at <a href="http://www.worldmuslimcongress.org/">www.WorldMuslimCongress.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies - www.MikeGhouse.net </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em;">Courtesy - Minaret of freedom institute</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://blog.minaret.org/?p=5119 </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[<em>This is the sixth in a series of my notes on the International Institute of Islamic Thought conference on iftaa and fatwa held in Herndon, VA. These notes are raw material for an edited report I will write on the conference and represents my perception of the discussion. The proceedings will be published by IIIT at a later time. The Minaret of Freedom Institute thanks IIIT for the grant that makes the publication of these notes possible. Responsibility for any errors in the notes is mine alone.</em>]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moderator: Iqbal Unus<br />“Islam and the Political Theology of Blasphemy”<br />Muqtedar Khan, Prof of Political Science, University of Delaware</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One day Mullah Nasr-ud-din gave his wife five pounds of ground meat and told her to cook it for a party he wanted to give for his friends that evening. It was in the days of Islamic feminism, so she cooked it, but invited her friends over for a party and served it to them. In the evening when the mullah got home she regretted her actions. When he asked her where are the five pounds of meat, she said the cat ate it. The mullah then weighed the cat, which was exactly 5 pounds. “Okay,” said the mullah, “I see the meat, now where is the cat?” I get the same feeling when I read about political theology. I see the politics, but where is the theology? It’s missing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching the televised debates in Pakistan is not like watching an intellectual program, but more like watching a horror flick. A law promulgated in the 80s by Zia al-Haqq sentences anyone who insults the prophet to death. There have been accusations of violations of this law, often false. In a dispute between two Muslims, one became so angry that he threw the business card of the other away. The other’s name was Muhammad, so he sued his antagonist for insulting the Prophet. In another case a father and son, Salafis, were sentenced to 20 years in prison because they tore down a Sufi poster for Mawlid-an-Nabi plastered on their front door. There are two aspects to the issue: The substantive question of whether insulting the Prophet should be punishable in the first place, and cases of abuse of the law as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The British passed law in the 1930s after a writer was murdered for insulting the Prophet that blasphemy against ANY religious symbol you will be imprisoned for 3 years (Section 295A). From 1930 to 1986 there were only two 2 cases prosecuted under this law, but since Zia introduced the death penalty, hundreds of cases have been prosecuted. 125 cases are current, including 80 cases where the convicted have been found innocent after having spent 8 or 9 years in prison. Even if the court exonerates you, when you get home there is a welcoming party ready to kill you. Two prominent Pakistanis have been assassinated in the past few months. The governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, was assassinated by his own bodyguard for his sympathy for a Christian accused of insulting the Prophet, The Minister of Minority Affairs was also assassinated in front of his own house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taseer’s assassin Mumtaz Qadri has become a national hero supported by thousands of lawyers and doctors and judges for committing murder. He was inspired to that murder by a public speaker called “Mufti” Hanif Qureshi, who said a believing Muslim must kill anyone who insults the Prophet immediately. There is much hate and almost no teaching on any religious value in such speeches. There is a consensus from the extreme Sufis through the extreme Salafis in Pakistan that not only those who insult the Prophet but those who think insulters of the Prophet should not be killed are all to be killed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one in these debates has mentioned the Qur’anic verse “take not life which God hath made sacred except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you that ye may learn wisdom” (6:151). In Pakistan the struggle is between secular democrats and pietists. The democrats do not challenge that those who insult the Prophet deserve be killed, they are only concerned that the law is easily abused as an instrument of revenge. It requires only three witnesses, so if three of you dislike my presentation today, you need only sign a petition that I have insulted the Prophet and I am finished. I could be in jail for ten years before the rest of you can persuade a judge of my innocence. Then when I come out the chance of my being killed is very high. Tuseer was such a liberal, as is Shari Rahman, who initiated a bill to repeal the law in parliament and who is in hiding now. She can no longer even take state protection for anyone assigned to protect might turn out to be her assassin. There are many laws in Pakistan that are abused and should not be on the books in the first place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other debate over the meaning of Islamic laws is more interesting to me. Even if there could be a guarantee that a blasphemy law would be implemented with complete justice, there remains the question of whether someone who insults the Prophet should be killed instantly. I want to focus on the challenge advanced by two people. Allama Javid Ghamdi, who after opposing this law had to leave the country, and his supporter Dr. Farooq Khan who was killed in his own house within two weeks after Ghamdi started opposing the law. These are the only two Pakistanis continuously arguing that it is unIslamic to kill anyone on these grounds. It is instructive to see what people bring forth as their proofs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everybody accepts the Qur’an as the first source and the Sunnah as the second of Islamic law. The liberals do not rely so much on ijma, and some people draw on ijtihad. The Shia use the term <em>as’al</em> a lot more than the Sunnis who focus on qiyas and ijtihad. Those critical of the Hanafi use the term <em>râ’i</em> a lot. The official position of the religious establishment is that blasphemy against Muhammad is punishable by death. The blasphemer has no recourse, and no opportunity for even<em>tauba</em>: even if he repents he must be killed. The establishment’s biggest argument is that there is complete consensus among the<em>sahâba</em>, but their proof of such consensus is limited to quotations from after the tenth century and later scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah to this effect. The Sunnah of forgiveness shown by the Prophet Muhammad toward those who insulted or abused him, prominent in the seerah and hadith, is deemed irrelevant on the grounds that the Prophet has a right to forgive that we do not. Interestingly, we can forgive people who insult Allah, violating <em>huqûq Allah</em> (because Allah can take care of them), but not those who insult the Prophet, violating <em>huqûq ibâd/insân</em>. Further, it is said that even if you had no intention to insult, you are still guilty of blasphemy if someone concludes you have insulted, then you have blasphemed and deserve the death penalty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will give you an example of <em>hikma</em> from the Nakshbandi Sufi order. It is the best-written English opinion from Pakistan, not necessarily the most dominant version:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“1. The verdict of infidelity for insulting the Prophet (<em>saws</em>) will depend upon the apparent words and no consideration will be given to the intention and the purpose of the person committing the insult and the circumstances of the time.” What is very interesting is that they are always introducing the issue of infidelity, which means they are talking of blasphemy and apostasy at the same time, but they do not want to acknowledge there is confusion between apostasy and blasphemy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“2. Truly, whoever abused the Prophet (<em>saws</em>) or ascribed any fault to him or attributed any defect to his family to his religion or his habits or reproached him or compared the Prophet (<em>saws</em>) with any defective thing with the objective of derailing his personality and prestige is truly an abusive person and deserves to be executed. We make absolutely no exception to this verdict whether the insult has been committed intentionally or unintentionally. This has been the verdict of all the ulema of the ummah from the time of the companions to the present day.” This is factually not correct at all, but it is their claim.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“3. If a Muslim abuses the Prophet (<em>saws</em>) or lies about him or picks out faults about him, or robs him of his dignity, he commits the act of infidelity against Allah <em>azzowajal</em>.” But if that I sthe case, they had established that it would be possible to forgive him and leave Allah to deal with him. I have sent many e-mails asking for an explanation on this point, but gotten no response.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“4. When a person (a Muslim) speaks ill of the Prophet (<em>saws</em>) is any connection, he becomes an infidel. According to some Ulema, if a man uses an insulting word even for the sacred hair of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (<em>saws</em>) he will become an infidel.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They provide an example. One mufti has issued a fatwa saying that if you say you don’t like kaddu (a vegetable resembling a water squash), then you have insulted the Prophet and deserve to be killed on the authority of Imam Shafi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“5. It is beyond doubt that the whole of the Ummah is unanimous that one who slanders the Prophet Muhammad (<em>saws</em>) or other Prophets, is an infidel, whether he committed this act while considering it legitimate or illegitimate. He is an infidel in the opinion of the Ulema, and whoever doubts his infidelity is also an infidel.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They provide sources:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Imam Shahab Ul-Deen Khafaji Hanafi’s, ‘Naseem Ur Riyadh’, Vol 4, pg. 426</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Qadi Iyad’s, ‘Ash Shifa’, Vol 2, pg. 214</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Imam Abu Yusuf, Kitab-al Khiraj, pg. 182</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Fatawa Qadi Khan, Vol 4, pg. 882</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Allama Akhi Yusuf, Dhakhairat al-Uqba, pg. 240</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet, contrary to their claims, Qadi Iyad’s says there is no consensus. In the face of the criticism that if you make your argument on the claim of consensus, which is the third source of law, you are admitting you have no evidence from Qur’an or Sunnah, they have turned to two ayahs in the Qur’an: “Truly if the Hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease and those who stir up sedition in the City desist not We shall certainly stir thee up against them: then will they not be able to stay in it as thy neighbors for any length of time: They shall have a curse on them: wherever they are found they shall be seized and slain (without mercy).” (33:60-61) But even in this interpretation there is a clear condition “if they do not cease.” But if you look a few ayahs early you find: “Those who annoy God and his Apostle God has cursed them in this world and in the Hereafter and has prepared for them a humiliating Punishment” (33:57), in other words Allah will handle this; mind your own business. Without identifying myself or saying I am writing a paper on this issue I asked one of these muftis why they ignore this verse and received no response. Look at 24:12-26 dealing with the slander against Aisha. None of them call for killing although this is clearly slander against the Prophet’s family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other verse offered in defense of the death penalty is: “The punishment of those who wage war against God and His Apostle and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution or crucifixion of the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter. Except for those who repent before they fall into your power: in that case know that God is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful” (5:33-4). But this verse is about war, not insults. Why do those who claim otherwise not ask for hands and feet to be cut off or for exile? In opposition to this majority view, are many verses of the Qur’an that say when people become abusive either turn away or change the subject or change their ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When they turn to the hadith literature, the story of Ka`b ibn al-Ashraf has become popular. The story that Ka`b was executed for insulting the Prophet is clear proof for them and, I think, played a role in Khomeini’s fatwa against Salman Rushdie. But if you read the whole story you see that he was an enemy in a time of war and committed treason against those he was treaty-bound to defend. Not only that, he was also responsible for making a treacherous agreement with the Quraish against Medina. He also insulted the Prophet, but it is difficult to make a case that this was the sole reason for his execution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashraf al-Qadri, a leader of the Nakshbandi who brings Ibn Taymiyyah’s books with him into the studio, cites the case of man who had two women sing abusive songs against the Prophet. When the Prophet conquered Mecca, he gave list of ten people to be executed and this man was among them. They cite seerah that the Prophet ordered that he must be killed even if he was found under the curtain of the ka`ba. This man, however, was also a murderer, an apostate, and an enemy of the Islamic state. Again, the case that he was condemned merely for insulting the Prophet is not clear. Interestingly, while one of the two women was killed, the other sought security from the Prophet, who forgave her. Apart from these problems, what is the status of books of seerah? Can we make laws with irreversible consequences based on biographical reports? I have not seen any an epistemology from any madhhab that says legal conclusions can be drawn from the seerah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Javid Ghamdi has been accused of denying the hadith, but at least in the context of this debate, he does not. He argues that the Qur’anic verse “if anyone slew a person unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people” (5:32) governs the entire issue of punishment by death in the Qur’an and allows capital punishment in only two cases, murder and spreading <em>fasâd</em> (corruption, social disharmony, mischief, including terrorism) in the land. Insulting the Prophet cannot be considered spreading <em>fasâd</em> in the land, but the civil disturbance caused to the attempt to enforce this law might be. Then he comes to the issue of the Hanafi position. Imam Abu Hanifa did not subscribe to this position. He is very clear in saying that a dhimmi cannot be killed. He says if a dhimmi emphatically insists on insulting the Prophet he should be banished from the land. He expresses surprise hat anyone would even think of killing a non-Muslim for this when we don’t kill people for committing <em>shirk</em> the greatest sin of all. His position regarding Muslims who commit this act is that they become <em>murtad</em>, which many scholars do consider a capital crime. But non-Muslims are not committing apostasy by insulting the Prophet. None of the muftis seem to understand what Abu Hanifa is saying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t these scholars understand that they are manipulating the Qur’an and the seerah and they are selecting evidence for the purpose of supporting a pre-determined position? I thin they do. I think this is a hostile debate between a secular political elite and a “religious” counter-political elite. The reason no one is paying attention to the valid religious arguments of Taseer and Ghamdi is that this is not a religious debate but a political one. If you think having an elected government is a guarantor of peace and harmony, just look at Pakistan today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of the 55 Muslim countries only five have a very strict punishment for blasphemy including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. When Pakistanis are asked does this make the other 49 countries <em>murtid, </em>they say, no, because they are founded on nationalist, not Islamic, principles. I think we need to rethink the question of ijma, because it does not exist unless we define out of consideration those who disagree with it. We may have ijma on basics like God is one, but beyond those how can one establish it? Ibn Taymiyyah didn’t even use the word ijma, he said “general consensus.” How can the Pakistanis of all people where the majority are Hanafis claim ijma when Abu Hanifa does not agree with them? I think we must look critically when anyone invokes ijma as the sole source of a law, especially things like death and war. How can people miss the point that the fact that there is a debate demonstrates that there is no ijma. And if there were an ijma, the Qur’an overrides it. Selective sources are insufficient, and sources must be examined inclusively.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think in an Islamic society there should have a single authorized body with a monopoly on the issuing of fatwas. In Morocco you could not have a debate like this because they have an <em>amîr al mu`minîn.</em><em> </em>Finally, I think the debates are political rather than religious and political preferences invariably color the discourse that contemporary Islamic scholars deploy as theology in the public arena.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discussant: Khaled Troudi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You indicated that there is no clear <em>hukm</em> on blasphemy, but I invite you to review the contextual meaning of these verses and these hadith. For example, verse 5:33: “The punishment of those who wage war against God and His Apostle and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution or crucifixion of the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter.” Verses 9:64-66 clearly apply to mocking the Prophet: “The Hypocrites are afraid lest a Surah should be sent down about them showing them what is (really passing) in their hearts. Say: ‘Mock ye! but verily Allah will bring to light all that ye fear (should be revealed).’ If thou dost question them they declare (with emphasis): ‘we were only talking idly and in play.” Say: ‘Was it at Allah and His signs and His apostle that ye were mocking?’ Make ye no excuses: ye have rejected faith after ye had accepted it. If We pardon some of you We will punish others amongst you for that they are in sin.” Muslims are in a weak state and vulnerable to mockery. The seerah explains these verses. “Whoever curses the Prophet, kill him,” is an authentic hadith. The Prophet gave orders to kill people who insulted him and Islam: Abdullah ibn Ubay, Ibn Salud, Ka`b ibn al-Ashraf, Asma bint Marwan, and Ibn al-Hanif were all killed. I would also ask why you did not take into account many traditions used by these scholars about those who insult the Prophet or Islam? For example Ibn al-Mundhar says scholars who agree that those insult the Prophet must be killed mentioning by name opinions of Imam Malik, Al-Laith, Ibn Hanbal, Shafi, and Abu Hanifa. The Shia tradition according to Khui has the same conclusion. Why did you focus only on Pakistan and not Saudi Arabia and Iran?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discussant: Louay Safi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the issue is timely and the situation is serious. I agree that Pakistan is a special case. There is a beautiful hadith: “Allah does not take away the knowledge by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray.” [Bukhari] You’ve heard of a power vacuum; I think we have a knowledge vacuum. We have people obsessed with a virtual text taken out of its discourse. The Qur’an is not individual texts, but has a complete meaning that stimulates thinking, that forces you to think in your social and critical context. When the Qur’an talks about<em>fasâd</em>, it is not talking about making people uncomfortable; it is talking about taking life or property, about rape and massacre, depriving people of their dignity or rights—not verbally disparaging someone’s religious sensitivity. Knowledge is being taught as something that has been achieved. This is not knowledge; knowledge is a process. Calling for someone to be killed for such reasons is not free speech but incitement. Pakistan spends less than 1% of its income on education. What you see here are people who are angry about their deprivation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khan: I explained why 5:33 did not apply. If I say, “Dick Cheney is a dog who eats from garbage,” have I declared war on the United States? No. So how could an equally repugnant statement against the Prophet be a declaration of war? And if it is a declaration of war, then why are they not calling for crucifixion? They are not arguing; they are making a pretense at an argument. The other arguments are indeed strongly worded, but none calls for death. Yusuf Qaradawy has written a new book in which he makes the same argument. I didn’t bring up the verses because none of the scholars brought it up. I am not taking sides, issuing my own fatwa; I am analyzing the debate in Pakistan on this issue. I introduced the verses from Surat-an-Nur only because I sent e-mails to the ulama asking why they did not talk about this and they did not respond. They are more interested in killing somebody than in knowing what the real Islamic position on this issue is. Ibn al Munza is the one everybody in Pakistan quotes to show there is ijma, but there is no ijma. Is Imam Abu Hanifa outside the fold of Islam? He’s a salaf. Do the salafis believe in the <em>tabi`în</em> or not? This man inciting murder in violation of the law of their country is <em>fasâd</em> by definition. A case was filed by five people, none of whom was a witness to the alleged crime. A man died because of it. We can no more say Ka`b ibn al-Ashraf was killed for insulting the Prophet than we can say bin Ladin was killed for insulting George Bush or his father. Abu Hanifa’s view is widely available in translation into Urdu on the Internet but it continues to be misrepresented.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">General Discussion</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M. Ayoub: As usual you are the conscience of the Muslims. You are absolutely right that the verse 5:33 does not apply here because<em>hirâba </em>is highway robbery, not slander. <em>Fasâd</em> means making life impossible for people. I have a feeling that in Islam there is no blasphemy law and this is a British law the Muslims have inherited. I do not see it in the rest of the Muslim world as it is in Pakistan. In Arabic we do not even have a clear word like blasphemy. <em>Kufr</em> does not mean blasphemy, but rejection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenneth Honerkamp: I lived in the Northwest frontier from 1969-79; I was in the Deobandi madrassas and I never heard of this issue. What happened? What is the political advantage? Lastly, I have a story from Morocco. A <em>sharîf</em> (a member of the Prophet’s family) got into an argument with a Moroccan man. The vehemence of the argument escalated until the man said, “You and your family are dogs.” The <em>sharîf</em>took the man before a judge accusing him of insulting the Prophet and demanding he be killed. After hearing both sides, the judge said, “If you were a real <em>sharîf</em> you would never have let the dispute come to this point,” and he dismissed the case. So, what political groups profit from this?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anwar Haddam: We see the need to contextualize fatwas and see the<em>maqâsid</em> behind them. Protecting the lives of human beings is one of the most important objectives of Shariah. Implementing this law is<em>fasâd</em>. As to your suggestion of a state monopoly on iftaa, I think we need to protect the independence of the muftis from the state. It is implementation of the fatwas that must be the monopoly of the state.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khan: It is interesting that the two words they use in Urdu do not mean blasphemy, but (<em>tawhîn</em>) insult.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M. Ayoub: In Arabic this means “weakening.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khan: In Urdu they use Arabic words with entirely different meanings. They also use the word <em>shâtim</em>. They are not using the word <em>sulh</em>, which is very interesting. The word <em>shâtima</em> does not occur in the Qur’an at all. <em>Sabba</em> appears in this interesting verse: “Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides God lest they out of spite revile God in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did” (6:108). It is also used in Ibn Taymiyyah’s book. It also arises in the Sunni-Shia debate with regard to insulting the companions of the Prophet. In every case that has come up since Zia al Haqq put the law in its current form, not a single defendant has claimed that it was their intention to insult. All have been apologetic for giving offense, but as I have said lack of intention is no excuse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the political advantage, in Third World countries debates are rarely on policy; they are almost always on cultural symbols. In Pakistan they have found, just a year or two after the Danish cartoons, the power of campaigning on religious symbols. When extremist Christian pastors in America insult the Prophet or Islam they get little attention here, but they make the front page in Pakistan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I agree with you about monopolies. There is, I think, a hadith that if you see a scholar going to a rich man’s house, assume he is a thief. The role of the scholars as the critics of the powerful has, I think, been lost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sami Ayoub: The notion of ijma in the sense that everyone agreed never existed. When verses are taken out of context to support killing, we must put them back into context to challenge that claim.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khan: If we say there is ijma, then we exclude ourselves from the conversation. As soon as we ask a question, ijma is put into question. The opinion of the Muslims of Herndon is of more concern for me than an imagined consensus form a thousand years ago. The verses that the ulama of Pakistan are using based on he interpretation attribute to Ibn Taymiyyah were not brought by his student Ibn Kathir into his<em>tafsîr</em>. He says these verses apply to hypocrites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M. Ayoub: I argue that Khomeini did not issue a fatwa against Salman Rushdie because had he done so, it would have been on the grounds of apostasy, that his insulting the Prophet and his wife constitituted<em>kufr</em>, in which case he should have been given time (three days by the most widely accepted view) to repent. I think he was making a recommendation. He gave the reason, saying, it was so no one would insult Islam again. If you think this is a fatwa—</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haddam: That is the problem. That is why we need a definition of a fatwa.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khan: They put a monetary reward.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M. Ayoub: Khomeini put no monetary reward.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adam El Shiekh: At the time of Khomeini’s fatwa, I commented in a khutba that you couldn’t kill someone without a hearing, even in absentia, producing a record for history. I was targeted for execution and had to go underground for three or four months. Dr. Moqtedar says the fatwa is still valid in Pakistan, but after a year or two I was able to go back and stayed there for a few years.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah Albrecht: How would you see your own role as a scholar in this debate?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khan: What motivates me is that if they were to apply this rule against those who insult Jesus, then all Muslims would be accused of insulting Jesus, because we say he is not God. It sounds ridiculous. I don’t want to get involved in Pakistan’s internal politics, but if they claim Islam as their justification, they are drawing me in. I am providing a critique of these people using their own methods to show they are not sincere in their use of their own methods.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moustafa Kassem: What about Imam Ghazali’s <em>Fau<span style="text-decoration: underline;">s</span>al al-Tafriqa</em> which is a manual on this question. He identified intention, level of knowledge, and outside pressure, as relevant issues that must considered as well as the necessity of giving three days for repentance.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khan: There is zero mention of Ghazali or of the three day period in this debate.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laila Ghouri: Islam has not divorced itself from the crazy actions of Muslims. Violent acts of the IRA are not attributed to Christianity or Jesus, while the violent or crazy actions of Muslims are linked to Islam or Muhammad. Why is this and what can and should be done about it?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daoud Nassimi: The penal laws of Islam are for an Islamic state and not for an individual to apply. When Allah commands us to fight <em>fî sabîl Allah</em> it does not mean physical fighting but a spiritual fight. Anything else is fighting against Allah. Preventing people from the path of Allah is included in the definition of <em>fasâd</em>, for example: “Those who reject God and hinder (men) from the path of God for them will We add Penalty to Penalty; for that they used to spread mischief (<em>fasâd</em>)” (16:88).</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khan: I am familiar with that verse, but I am not sure insulting anybody constitutes preventing some one from the path of Allah. One of the failed anti-Shariah laws proposed that performing <em>wudu</em> be punishable by fifteen years in prison. So, you can wash you feet but if you washed your feet for the purpose of prayer you could have been imprisoned for fifteen years. That would be an example of preventing people from the path of Allah. An insult is not a war. <em>Shâtima</em> does not mean insult, but vilification. The argument of these people is that Pakistan is an Islamic state but the state is controlled by <em>kufâr</em>. The fact that I argue against killing someone who demonizes the Prophet doesn’t mean I don’t want to stop him. I might feel like killing such a man, but my religion prevents me from doing so. The Qur’an says clearly when you come across ignorant people, say “Peace!” and turn away. People who abuse the Qur’an are engaged in psychological torture against those who hold it dear, but that does not justify killing them. It is conceded that <em>shâtima</em>against the Qur’an is not a capital crime, but perhaps that will change in the future. What bothers me is that the Muslim masses are so ignorant of the sources that they are easily taken in by such faulty arguments. There is a story, I think about Ali, that he was once about to kill a man in battle, but the man spat upon him, so Ali backed off because he was no longer sure if his motive to kill the man was the just cause of battle or the affront of the personal insult.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ghauri: You make valid points, but I have a problem with the analogies to insulting Dick Cheney or Obama. When you insult the Virgin Mary or Christ, the Catholic Church does respond. Where do you draw the line?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adam El Sheikh: If you tell these people that the Prophet is described in the Qur’an as a man like me or you, they will say this is an insult.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M. Ayoub: There is a blasphemy law in the gospels, but it prohibits blasphemy against the Holy Spirit only. If you blaspheme against Jesus you might be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Khan: It is clear that some of the ulama believe that if you do not believe the Prophet has <em>`ilm al-Ghayb</em> (knowledge of the unseen), you are not a Muslim. I met the king of Saudi Arabia only once and he told me, “You don’t understand that Saudi Arabia is different from other countries because the people are more conservative than the ulama and the ulama are more conservative than the king. I would be happy to appoint a woman minister tomorrow. The ulama will not let me because the people will not let them. I nearly said, “That’s very democratic.” That happens in the United States where the imam’s salary and his job depend on the doctors and engineers with no formal training in Islam, who do the fundraising in the mosque. Imams have told me “When I get tenure like you have, I will give the khutbas you want me to give.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To Laila’s question: Yes, we should respond to insults to the Prophet, but not violently. The Qur’an says in two places, “Respond to evil with good.” We can fund a yearlong celebration of the Prophet Muhammad or of the Qur’an. Better yet, people will stop believing these attacks on the Prophet and on Islam when they see Muslims behaving magnanimously.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, Ph.D.<br />Minaret of Freedom Institute<br />www.minaret.org</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-13611820225557587082012-09-04T09:13:00.001-07:002012-09-04T09:14:46.364-07:00Day of reckoning for Blasphemy cleric<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please note: this and
other articles on Blasphemy are posted at </span><a href="http://www.blasphemylaws.com/"><span style="color: #0a2844; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.BlasphemyLaws.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and
WorldMuslimCongress.org and shared at </span><a href="mailto:WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com"><span style="color: #0a2844; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
forum. I do urge you to read my notes for the other postings, the notes clarify things. Thanks</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike Ghouse</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Day of reckoning for ‘blasphemy cleric’ From the Newspaper |
Munawer Azeem</span><a href="http://dawn.com/2012/09/04/day-of-reckoning-for-blasphemy-cleric/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">http://dawn.com/2012/09/04/day-of-reckoning-for-blasphemy-cleric/</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /><span style="font-size: small;">ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: Police investigators investigating the
blasphemy case involving a Christian girl, found two more eyewitnesses against
the prayer leader who allegedly maneuvered evidence against her, police said on
Monday.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /><span style="font-size: small;">The witnesses, Khurram Shahzad and Hafiz Mohammad Owais,
recorded their separate statements under CrPC 161 (examination of witness by
police), with investigating officer sub-inspector Munir Hussain Jaffery, stating
that they saw Hafiz Mohammad Khalid Jadoon putting some pages of the Holy Quran,
after tearing them.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /><span style="font-size: small;">The sources in the police close to the investigation told
Dawn that the complainant of the case – Malik Amad, who was also the neighbour
of the girl – brought a polythene shopper to the mosque carrying ashes and some
burnt papers and handed it to them.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /><span style="font-size: small;">Shahzad was offering prayers, while Owais was in Itekaf
(meditative seclusion) , but later Amad took the shopper from them and handed it
over to the prayer leader Khalid Jadoon; adding that the prayer leader later
tore some pages from the Holy Quran and put it in the shopper.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /><span style="font-size: small;">They objected to the act, but Hafiz Jadoon replied: “You
are just kids and you do not know how to strengthen a case.”</span></span><br />
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Later they brought the matter in the knowledge of the
prayer caller of the mosque – Hafiz Zubair – who also raised an objection over
the act, but it was ignored again.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /><span style="font-size: small;">Earlier, Hafiz Zubair’s statement recorded under CrPC 164
(Power to record statements and confessions) stated that Hafiz Jadoon took the
custody of the shopper carrying ashes and put it in the mosque.</span></span><br />
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After people left the mosque, Hafiz Jadoon asked for the
shopper and someone brought it from the mosque to him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hafiz Jadoon after taking the shopper put some pages from the
Holy Quran and one person raised objection on the act, the sources
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The person raising the objection complained over the act, but
Hafiz Jadoon replied it was an evidence against them and the only option to
force them out of here.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The prayer caller further said in his statement that “Hafiz
Mohmmad Khalid Jadoon put the pages of the Quran in the shopper as evidence
against the Christians,” the sources quoted the statement.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A senior officer of capital police told Dawn that Hafiz Jadoon
is yet to confess his involvement in maneuvering the evidence.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">However, he did not challenge the eyewitnesses in his presence
repeating their statements, alleging his involvement in maneuvering the
evidence, the officer added.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“He avoided eye contact with the witness and felt ashamed when
the police asked to challenge the statements of the witnesses,” the officer
said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br /><span style="font-size: small;">Another senior officer said that the investigators were
ordered to add PPC 120-B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) in the FIR already
registered on charge of PPC 295-B against Hafiz Jadoon.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">He was allegedly involved in defiling the pages of the Holy
Quran, he added.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The investigators were also asked to trace and arrest
other conspirators, including the complainant of the case Amad Malik, the
officer added.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The complainant alleged that the Christian girl burnt the
pages and hid the act of Hafiz Jadoon, the officer said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The police officer said that the shopper carried seven
pages of Noorani Qaida — highlighting the procedures of prayer — but only two
were burnt.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Four to five torn papers of the first part of the Holy Quran
were also in the shopper but they were not burnt, he added.</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The ashes found from the shopper have some weight and it
was suspected that ashes of wood or coal were put in the shopper too, as the
ashes of paper were weightless.</span></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-54535047063931180472012-09-03T19:10:00.000-07:002012-09-03T19:38:36.423-07:00Misuse of the blasphemy law By Hafiz Muhammad TM Ashrafi <div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please note: this and other articles on Blasphemy are posted at <a href="http://www.blasphemylaws.com/">www.BlasphemyLaws.com</a> and WorldMuslimCongress.org and shared at <a href="mailto:WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com">WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com</a> forum.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chairperson of the Ulema (scholars) council gives partial hope for Rimsha Masih, the Christian girl charged with Blasphemy. One of the clergy man planted the manufactured evidence to frame the girl and thanks God, he is being investigated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I have maintained, we need alternate books for the radical imams as a back up for them to use it, every one who has been writing is quoting the same stories, but the problem persists because the right wing clergy go by the (wrong) books they have. We need a systematic way to replace the books, that is the most enduring way to solve the problems. <br /><br />Don't be hard on the Mullah's in Pakistan, we have them here in America, if you hear Pastor Robert Jeffress, Robertson, Hagee and others, they are no different than those rascals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Pakistani Mullah's may not have a PhD, but the Christian Mullah's in America do, and they all behave the same. Blaming any one will not cut it, we have to find alternatives, getting the right books in their hands is one good step. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even the writer of this article is wrong, there is no punishment for blasphemy, indeed, there should be punishement for Muslims for creating an environment for the Christian Minorities to resort to this. Even if the Christians curse the prophet, the blame should not be placed on them; a harassed people will always do that. The same principle should be applied universally- to go to the root cause of the problem.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do your remember the precedence Hazrat Umar had set? He did no punish the man who stole the food to feed his hungry child... he took the responsiblity on the society for creating such an environment. Of course he investigated it, the food was not for him, and he was not looking for a hand out, but it was to save his child. In the United States we do not punish if some one is insane.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mike Ghouse is a speaker, writer and a thinker committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">------------------</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><strong> </strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Misuse of the blasphemy law By Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood
Ashrafi Published: September 3, 2012</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div>
<b><a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/430611/misuse-of-the-blasphemy-law/" target="_blank" title="http://tribune.com.pk/story/430611/misuse-of-the-blasphemy-law/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://tribune.com.pk/story/430611/misuse-of-the-blasphemy-law/</span></a></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/430611-HafizMuhammadTahirMahmoodAshrafinew-1346685434-580-640x480.JPG" style="border: 0px currentColor; font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The writer is chairman of the All Pakistan Ulema Council</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/430611-HafizMuhammadTahirMahmoodAshrafinew-1346685434-580-640x480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blasphemy
is an extremely sensitive subject. No Muslim of even the weakest faith can
condone the defiling of the sacred name of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) or the Holy
Quran. But blasphemy is an issue that does require extreme care in its
handling.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Times,"Times New Roman",times-roman,serif; margin: 7px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
case of Rimsha, a minor Christian girl suffering from Down’s syndrome </span><a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/430556/blasphemy-case-still-no-bail-for-rimsha/" style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #666699; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="http://tribune.com.pk/story/430556/blasphemy-case-still-no-bail-for-rimsha/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">accused of blasphemy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, should be a watershed for the country’s
blasphemy laws. The fact that Rimsha’s entire neighbourhood has fled their homes
fearing a backlash from the local Muslims needs investigation. Khalid Jadoon
Chishti, who eyewitnesses told the local police had added pages of the Holy
Quran to a bag containing the burnt material, should be thoroughly probed as
well.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Times,"Times New Roman",times-roman,serif; margin: 7px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/13564/can-mother-teresa-a-non-muslim-go-to-heaven/" style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #666699; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/13564/can-mother-teresa-a-non-muslim-go-to-heaven/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Humanity forms the basis </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of the principle of human dignity in
Islam, whether the person is Muslim or non-Muslim.“And dispute you not with the
People of the Scripture, except in the best way, unless it be with those who do
wrong, but say, ‘We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in
that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we
submit (in Islam)’.” (Quran 21:46)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Times,"Times New Roman",times-roman,serif; margin: 7px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Muslims
and non-Muslims have the right not to have their religious beliefs mocked. But
no other religion in the world is as fair as Islam to people of other faiths.
God has also forbidden Muslims from speaking ill of the gods and deities
worshipped by non-Muslims. If the polytheists were to hear Muslims speak ill of
their gods, it might lead them to speak ill of Allah. Also, if Muslims were to
speak ill of pagan gods, it might instigate the polytheists to soothe their
wounded feelings by hurting the feelings of Muslims. God says in the Holy Quran:
“Do not revile those whom they call upon besides God, lest they revile God out
of spite in their ignorance. Thus, We have made alluring to each people its own
doings. In the end will they return to their Lord and He shall then tell them
the truth of what they did.” (6:108)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Times,"Times New Roman",times-roman,serif; margin: 7px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Islam
does not compel people of other faiths to convert. It has given them complete
freedom to retain their own faith and not to be forced to embrace Islam. This
freedom is documented in both the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. “If it had been
your Lord’s will, they would all have believed — all of who are on earth! Will
you then compel humankind, against their will, to believe?” (Quran 10:99)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Times,"Times New Roman",times-roman,serif; margin: 7px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At
the time of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), Najran and its surrounding area, in the
south of Arabia, was a Christian valley. A delegation of 60 people came to see
the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in Madina. As their discussion with the Holy Prophet
(pbuh) in the mosque took quite a long time, it was time for their evening
prayer. As they prepared to pray, some of the Holy Prophet’s (pbuh) followers
wanted to prevent them from doing so. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) ordered them to
let them offer their prayers in his mosque (Masjid-e-Nabavi).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Times,"Times New Roman",times-roman,serif; margin: 7px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not
only does Islam give religious freedom to non-Muslims, its tolerant law extends
to the preservation of their places of worship. Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)
signed a treaty with Monophysite Christian Patriarch Sophronius, assuring him
that Jerusalem’s Christian holy places and population would be protected under
Muslim rule. When led to pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest
site for Christians, the Caliph Umar (RA) refused to pray in the church so that
Muslims would not request converting the church into a mosque. He prayed outside
the church, where the Mosque of Umar stands to this day, opposite the entrance
to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Times,"Times New Roman",times-roman,serif; margin: 7px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Holy Quran prescribes restraint and distancing from blasphemous persons or
situations. The emphasis is on restraint. A study of the following verses should
bear this out: “When ye hear the signs of Allah held in defiance and ridicule,
ye are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme.” [Quran
4:140] And: “Hold to forgiveness, command what is right; but turn away from the
ignorant.” [Quran 7:199]</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Times,"Times New Roman",times-roman,serif; margin: 7px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pakistan </span><a href="http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/13359/pakistan-is-not-only-for-muslims/" style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #666699; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/13359/pakistan-is-not-only-for-muslims/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">belongs as much to the non-Muslims as to the Muslims</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.
Blasphemy laws are often used to settle personal vendettas. And so, we demand a
thorough and fair probe into the case involving Rimsha. Strict action should be
taken against all those accusing the girl if she is found innocent.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia,Times,"Times New Roman",times-roman,serif; margin: 7px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px currentColor; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Published
in The Express Tribune, September 4<span style="font-size: small;"><sup style="line-height: 0;">th</sup>,
2012.</span></span></em></div>
</div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-9398046310798128322012-09-03T07:07:00.000-07:002012-09-03T07:07:04.575-07:00Blasphemy case: Imam arrested for 'implicating' Christian girl <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #3b3838; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;">
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Islamabad : In a new twist to the blasphemy case involving a minor Christian girl, an imam in the Pakistani capital was arrested and remanded to 14-day judicial custody today for allegedly planting pages of the Quran in her bag and using it to implicate her under the controversial law.</div>
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Khalid Chishti, the prayer leader of Jamia Aminia mosque in the low-income Mehria Jaffar neighbourhood of Islamabad, was arrested last night after a man testified that he had seen the cleric stuffing pages of the Quran in the bag of the Christian girl named Rimsha Masih.</div>
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The bag originally contained only some other papers and ashes.</div>
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The witness, Hafiz Muhammad Zubair, recorded a statement against the cleric before a magistrate.</div>
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Police subsequently arrested Chishti on the basis of this statement.</div>
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Chishti was produced before a judicial magistrate, who sent him to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for 14 days.</div>
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Police officials said they expected Chishti to be charged under the controversial blasphemy law.</div>
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Earlier, Zubair told the media: "When the bag was brought to the mosque, there was nothing in it. When he (Chishti) was given the bag, he went into the mosque and pulled out two or three pages and added them to the bag.</div>
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"I told him what he was doing was wrong. He told me it is evidence against the Christians and a way to get them removed (from the area)," Zubair said.</div>
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The incident had occurred while Zubair and some other men were in 'aitekaf' (seclusion) in the mosque during the holy Islamic month of ramzan.</div>
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Zubair said a neighbour of Rimsha named Malik Ammad, the complainant in the case, handed over the bag with the pages of the Quran to the police.</div>
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Chishti had acknowledged in a television interview last week that he had, during a recent sermon, called for the eviction of all Christians from the neighbourhood if they did not stop their prayer services because "Pakistan is an Islamic country given by Allah."</div>
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Pakistan Ulema Council chief Allama Tahir Ashrafi asked the Supreme Court Chief Justice to take suo motu notice of the incident and initiate action against those who had really desecrated the Quran and them blamed the Christian girl for the incident.</div>
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Rimsha was arrested on August 16 after an angry mob surrounded a police station and demanded that action be taken against her.</div>
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She is currently being held at the high-security Adiala Jail.</div>
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Her judicial remand was extended by 14 days last week.</div>
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Though an official medical board concluded that Rimsha was aged about 14 years and that her mental development did not correspond to her age, the findings were challenged last week by Rao Abdul Raheem, the lawyer of Rimsha's accuser.</div>
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A district and sessions court, which is hearing Rimsha's case, is looking into Raheem's allegations.</div>
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Rimsha's bail hearing is scheduled to be taken up by the same court tomorrow.</div>
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The new evidence against the cleric could help defuse the religiously-charged case against the girl.</div>
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The case has prompted concern from Western governments and the Vatican. It has also focused attention once again on Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law, under which a person can be punished with life in prison or death.</div>
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Rights groups have warned that the law is often used to settle personal scores or persecute minorities like Christians.</div>
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http://www.indianexpress.com/news/blasphemy-case-imam-arrested-for-implicating-christian-girl/996682/</div>
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</span>Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-75811133634286155332012-09-03T07:00:00.002-07:002012-09-03T07:00:42.659-07:00Pakistan blasphemes Islam<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px;"><div align="left" class="div" id="divGroup" style="background-color: #f8f8f8; border-bottom-color: rgb(198, 198, 198); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #4d4b4b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; height: 26px; letter-spacing: 1.5px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Islamic Sharia Laws (03 Sep 2012 NewAgeIslam.Com)</div>
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Pakistan blasphemes Islam</div>
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By Naseer Ahmed, New Age Islam</div>
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3 Sept 2012</div>
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There is no Arabic word for blasphemy. Is that not interesting? English translators in their interpretative translations have translated the Arabic word kufr as blasphemy in several verses. There are twenty three verses in the Quran that contain the word blaspheme or its grammatical variants in Yusuf Ali’s translation of the Quran. These are 2:88, 102, 3:55, 4:155, 5:17, 64, 68, 72, 73, 103, 6:19, 8:35, 9:74, 10:70, 11:9, 14:28, 21:36, 21:112, 39:8, 39:32, 40:42, 43:15, 33. None of them speak about meting out punishment to the blasphemers by the ruler or by man. Verse 9:74 is about a ‘Muslim’ blasphemer a translation of which by Yusuf Ali is reproduced below. It speaks about Allah punishing them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the hereafter. <b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">By implication, the verse rules out punishment by man. Any law that seeks to punish a blasphemer is not in accordance with the Quran and goes against the letter and spirit of the Quran. </b></div>
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9:<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> </b><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">74.</b> They swear by Allah that they said nothing (evil), but indeed they uttered blasphemy, and they did it after accepting Islam; and they meditated a plot which they were unable to carry out: this revenge of theirs was (their) only return for the bounty with which Allah and His Messenger had enriched them! If they repent, it will be best for them; but if they turn back (to their evil ways), <b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Allah will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter:</b> They shall have none on earth to protect or help them.</div>
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Verse 43:33 (a translation of which by Yusuf Ali is reproduced below), speaks about blasphemers and says that, were it not for making blaspheming very attractive and presumably making belief extremely unattractive in comparison, God would have granted immense wealth to every blasphemer.</div>
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43:<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> </b><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">33.</b> And were it not that (all) men might become of one (evil) way of life, We would provide, for everyone that blasphemes against ((Allah)) Most Gracious, silver roofs for their houses and (silver) stair-ways on which to go up,<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></b></div>
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The grievous penalty from God to one who blasphemes after belief in verse 9:74 is to help the believer return to the path of belief and righteousness if he would benefit from the punishment. God punishes in this life, those who do wrong and are likely to benefit from the punishment. Those who are too far gone and are unlikely to benefit from punishment are given a long rope and their life on this earth is made to look very attractive. Some of it is on account of their good deeds that have no rewards in the hereafter and some of it is as a test for the believers whose patience and quality of faith is tested through relative adversity when compared to the life of the non believers.</div>
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Verses 9:74 and 43:33 implicitly rule out punishment by man for blasphemy. The message of the Quran cannot be clearer on this issue for those who seek true guidance. Any law that seeks to punish a blasphemer seriously interferes with God’s plans described in 43:33. Every nation that calls itself Islamic, and has enacted laws of blasphemy, therefore seriously interferes with God’s plans and is at cross purposes with God and therefore in war with God. The nations that use the laws of blasphemy as a weapon to target and harass the minorities blaspheme Islam in the worst possible manner. May the curse of God and all Muslims be on such nations!</div>
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What then, is the basis for the law of blasphemy? When the Muslim armies conquered new lands, they came into contact with new civilizations. The first few centuries were periods of great learning. The Muslim conquerors adopted and assimilated many of the practices of the conquered territories. Muslim jurists found the legislative verses in the Quran far too little in comparison with Jewish and Christian laws. They therefore built an elaborate body of Islamic law using the principles of analogy and legal precedent to meet the requirements of governing vast territories with large non Muslim populations. The Law of apostasy, the law of blasphemy, the law of stoning adulterers to death and the practice of circumcision find no mention in the Quran but are found in Jewish and Christian scriptures. The Muslim jurists appear to have relied on the old and the new Testament for these laws although there is lack of sufficient and direct support from the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for such laws.</div>
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Janab Muhammad Yunus has brought out the several glaring incidents of blaspheming that are mentioned in the Quran without a command to punish the blasphemer. I quote him below:</div>
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“The Meccan enemies of the Prophet called him impostor, a madman (30:58, 44:14, 68:51), and an insane poet (37:36). They ridiculed the Qur'anic revelation (18:56, 26:6, 37:14, 45:9), which they declared to be strange and unbelievable (38:5, 50:2), a jumble of dreams(21:5) and legends of the ancients (6:25, 23:83, 25:5, 27:68, 46:17, 68:15, 83:13). They accused the Prophet of forging lies and witchcraft (34:43, 38:4), forging lies against God, forgery and making up tales (11:13, 32:3, 38:7, 46:8), witchcraft (21:3, 43:30, 74:24), obvious witchcraft that was bewildering (10:2, 37:15, 46:7), and of being bewitched or possessed by a Jinn (17:47, 23:70, 34:8). By definition, all these accusations were blasphemous. Nowhere in its text does the Qur'an prescribe any punishment for those who uttered these blasphemies.”</div>
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The precedents that may have been relied upon by the Islamic jurists could be the killing of Asma and Abu Afak. First of all, these two were guilty of far worse crimes than just blaspheming. They were very active and influential instigators of violence against the Muslims who incited their people to kill Muslims. These two threatened the very existence of the small band of Muslims and their killing could be described as killing in self defence. Does anybody question the killing of Osama Bin Laden although OBLhimself may not have directly killed anyone? When there is evidence that there were thousands of blasphemers in the Prophet’s time, who were not harmed or punished for their various acts of blasphemy, how can exceptions which are not even exceptions on close scrutiny, be made the basis of a rule or the law a hundred years later?</div>
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There is no evidence however, that the Muslims misused the law of blasphemy to harass the minorities in the first thousand years of Islamic history. This law existed only as an equivalent of the Jewish and Christian law on the same subject and the law was invoked very sparingly for deliberate and very public attempts to malign Islam or its Prophet.</div>
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Perfectus, a Christian priest in Muslim-ruled Córdoba, was beheaded (middle of the 9th century) after he refused to retract numerous insults he made about Muhammad (PBUH) publicly and repeatedly. Numerous other priests, monks, and laity followed his example as Christians became caught up in a zest for “martyrdom” and according to an account, about forty such deliberate and determined blasphemers were decapitated over a period of the next ten years after which blaspheming appears to have come to a stop.</div>
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The important point to note is that every blasphemer was given an opportunity to retract. A person who had blasphemed and retracted was not punished. If retracting was allowed, there was no question of punishing based on hearsay or innuendo or implied blasphemy.</div>
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The same holds good for apostasy as well. There are several cases of apostates in the Prophet’s period who were left alone. The few who were punished were those who were also guilty of high treason endangering the lives of Muslims in a state of war or for apostasy combined with killing. There is no example of punishing anyone for a simple act of apostasy.</div>
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Pakistan is the most serious offending nation in regard to the law on blasphemy. In 1986, Section 295-C was added as follows: “Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.”</div>
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Between 1927 (year in which Bristishers introduced section 295-A) and 1986 there had been only seven reported cases of blasphemy. However, 1986 onwards as many as 4,000 cases have been reported. Between 1988 and 2005, Pakistani authorities charged 647 people with offences under the Blasphemy Laws. See the contrast between the earlier practice of allowing blasphemers to retract and the Pakistan’s newly added subsection 295 C which can be invoked for “imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly”! This allows immense leeway to charge anyone with blasphemy. Going by a simple reading of the section, every non-believer is a blasphemer of Islam and its Prophet and going by the behaviour of the people, they appear to treat every non-Muslim as a blasphemer!</div>
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Pakistan’s laws on blasphemy are demonstrably unjust, unislamic and violate the letter and spirit of the Quran and without precedent from the life of the Prophet or as the law was practiced for over the first 1,000 years of Islamic history. The law promotes acts of terror on the minorities, and the practice of the law leaves no room for doubt that these laws seek to legalize acts of terrorism against the minorities. The case of the hapless 11 year old Rimsha Masih underscores the depth to which Pakistan society has descended. Pakistan blasphemes Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (who was sent as a mercy to all nations) by their barbaric laws of blasphemy and the practice which leaves no room for doubt about the intention. It is incumbent on the Muslim citizens of Pakistan to wage jehad on the infidels who defame Islam with acts of terrorism on the minorities and against the State which enact laws that blaspheme Islam and bring disrepute to Islam and its Prophet (PBUH).</div>
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Naseer Ahmed graduated from IIT Kanpur and is an independent IT consultant after having served in both the public and private sector in responsible positions for over 3 decades. He is a frequent contributor to NewAgeIslam.com.</div>
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URL: <a href="http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-sharia-laws/naseer-ahmed,-new-age-islam/pakistan-blasphemes-islam/d/8542" style="color: #4d4b4b; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-sharia-laws/naseer-ahmed,-new-age-islam/pakistan-blasphemes-islam/d/8542</a></div>
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</span>Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-79418185034014563382012-08-29T17:24:00.000-07:002012-08-29T17:24:32.422-07:00Abolish Patently Inhuman Blasphemy laws of Pakistan<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">While agreeing with the need to abolish blasphemy
laws, it is not easy. The ones who are screaming have the back up for them,
books that support them... we as Muslims need to come up with books on the
topic, endorsed by at least a few Ulema's for them to have something in their
hands. They rather believe in the book
they have, however wrong it may be, than you and I.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We have a site www.Blasphemylaws.com where I will
post this piece, courtesy of New Age Islam. Md Yunus has a few good pieces...
indeed, there are good videos by Ghamidi Saheb, Mirza Masroor Ahmed and debates
in Pakistan, most of them are in Urdu language. They all have done it well -
but books need to be written and published and passed onto them. Then things
will change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mike Ghouse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp">http://mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Courtesy - New Age Islam</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abolish Patently
Inhuman Blasphemy laws of Pakistan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
Aiman Reyaz, New Age Islam</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">29
August 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
low can one get? A little girl, Rimsha, who suffers from Down’s Syndrome, is
charged with blasphemy and handed over to the police. The Imam, Hafiz Mohammed
Khalid Chishti, says that he saved the girl from the fuming mob by handing her
to the police. But Chishti insisted she was fully aware of what she was doing.
“The girl who burnt the Holy Quran has no mental illness and is a normal girl.
She did it knowingly; this is a conspiracy and not a mistake.” During his
sermon at Friday prayers Chishti told worshippers it was “time for Muslims to
wake up” and protect the Holy Quran.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
penal code of Pakistan proscribes blasphemy against any religion (in reality it
applies only to Islam), having penalties ranging from a fine (which is seldom
applied when a Muslim blasphemes) to death (which one will certainly get if
anyone speaks against Islam). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Pakistan, murderers and killers are extolled. Ameer
Jamaat-e-Islami in Sindh Asadullah Bhutto has declared that Salman Taseer’s
assassin will directly go to the “seventh heaven”. “Aasia Bibi will suffer the
same fate if the punishment awarded to her by the court for using derogatory
remarks against Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa is not implemented,” he added. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These groups have no fear. They talk and act as if they are
the true masters of the country. I fail to understand who is actually running
the country of Pakistan, Zardari and Raja Ashraf or the army or these mullahs?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan. Out of date blasphemy laws were applied in
the past as they are also applied in the present; the only difference is that
in the present age the laws have become stricter, more foolish and more
unislamic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
1996 a Christian was arrested because he had said that Christianity is also
right! The charge against him was violation of § 295-C. In 2000, a doctor was
charged of blasphemy because he, in his lecture, had said that the parents of
Muhammad were non-Muslims as they died before the Prophethood of Muhammad. In
2009, a FIR was registered against two teenager brothers, complainant falsely
accusing them that they had spoke against Prophet Mohammad and this family had
to leave the country for their safety. In November 2010, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Bibi" title="Asia Bibi"><span style="color: #4d4b4b; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Asia Bibi</span></a>
was sentenced to death by hanging on a charge of blasphemy. Punjab Governor <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salman_Taseer" title="Salman Taseer"><span style="color: #4d4b4b; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Salman Taseer</span></a>
was shot dead by his security guard for supporting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Bibi" title="Asia Bibi"><span style="color: #4d4b4b; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Asia Bibi</span></a>.
He visited her in jail and tried to sympathize with her and this led to mass
protests. In 2011 Shahbaz Bhatti Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities
Affairs (a Roman Catholic member of the National Assembly was killed by gunmen
after he had declared of his intentions to reform the blasphemy laws of
Pakistan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
two most worrisome things that should be noticed are: 1) not only the person
concerned, but also his family is subject to the wrath of the mob as well as
the outlandish law because of blasphemy; and 2) a continuous rise in
fanaticism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Quran is a book (is this also blasphemy as I have not
used the word “holy” and intentionally not used (pbuh) after the name of our
Prophet?) that has been revealed in stages. Islam gives us a solution to the
problem through various means; it is for us to choose which way is the best.
For example: for blasphemy some scholars say that death penalty should be given
or mutilation of the opposite limbs or exile from the land; while some
scholars, with whom I agree with, quote:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Invite all to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful
preaching and argue with them and reason with them in the ways that are best
and most gracious.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So instead of giving using out-of-date methods we can talk
to them and “come to common terms”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why
is there only one-sided picture seen by these radical Islamic groups. They talk
about blasphemy and they think about things that have anti-Islamic sides; but
what about anti-Christian or anti-Hindu or anti-Jew. They too have their
religious beliefs, like ours; they too have one supreme God, like ours; they
too believe in Prophets or Avatars, like ours. So where is the difference?
Actually there is no difference if a logical person sees it, but for a fanatic
there is a world of a difference between Islam and others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
a Muslim says anything against the Bible or the Vedas then he is praised and is
considered to be a very good Muslim, as if criticising other religions is
Islam’s demand. But if a non-Muslim, even if he asks a difficult question
regarding Islam, then he is put to death. What justice and what equality! The
Quran says most emphatically ‘Do justice or stand out for justice, even it is
against yourself, or your parents or your friends or relatives.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Islam
means ‘peace’, peace to all, even to non-Muslims. But there is no ‘Islam’ in
Pakistan. True Islam is not followed in Pakistan; there is only outer exposure
of religious identity. If anyone is alleged to have spoken anything against
Prophet Muhammad the result is certain death with or without a fine (no
evidence is required). If anyone is alleged to have insulted the Quran there
will be life imprisonment, again without any need for any evidence whatsoever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Prophet is an epitome of mercy to all the worlds (<i>Rehmatul-lil– Aalameen</i>).
There are many instances where the Prophet forgives even his staunchest
enemies. One of the best and the most well-known examples is of an old woman
who threw garbage on Muhammad every time he passed in front of her house. One
day the garbage was not thrown; Muhammad got worried and inquired about the
woman. He found out that she is sick, when he went to meet her, she felt guilty
and finally she accepted Islam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
are completely losing the link with our Prophet’s teachings. Islam gives
freedom to all, even to those who go against it. There are numerous verses
which supports this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"But if the enemy incline towards peace, <b>do thou
(also) incline towards peace</b>, and trust in God: for He is One that heareth
and knoweth (all things). (The Noble Quran, 8:61)"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<b>Let there be no compulsion in religion:</b> Truth
stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath
grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and
knoweth all things. (The Noble Quran, 2:256)"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let
him who will believe, and let him who will, reject (it)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:......(The Noble Quran, 18:29)"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"If
it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed,- all who are on
earth! <b>wilt thou then COMPEL mankind, against their will, to believe!</b>
(The Noble Quran, 10:99)"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear (Message).</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (The Noble Quran, 24:54)"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Say : O ye that reject Faith! I worship not that which
ye worship, Nor will ye worship that which I worship. And I will not worship
that which ye have been wont to worship, Nor will ye worship that which I
worship. <b>To you be your Way, and to me mine.</b> (The Noble Quran,
109:1-6)"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
is high time these vague, ludicrous and blatantly inhuman blasphemy laws of
Pakistan are abolished. There is no possibility of reforming them. This is one
law that cannot be even debated. Any fruitful discussion on various provisions
of blasphemy laws will also be seen as an act of blasphemy. How can you debate
the nuances of every word in an article of law with any precision without
quoting possible blasphemous statements? The anti-blasphemy law of Pakistan
says that if anyone speaks anything against the Prophet, the punishment for it
is certain death. All one needs to do is to allege that a person has abused the
Prophet and the end result would be sure death, with no chance for the victim
of this law to defend himself or herself. The judge cannot give any verdict
less than the death penalty. It is no surprise that this law has been
criticised on many fronts and by many international organizations. This law has
been misused by the people to score personal vendetta, the police and the
courts simply cannot investigate the matter. As long as this law remains, there
will be death sentences to innocent people, particularly religious and
sectarian minorities. This law must be opposed on all fronts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">URL:
<a href="http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-sharia-laws/aiman-reyaz,-new-age-islam/abolish-patently-inhuman-blasphemy-laws-of-pakistan/d/8462"><span style="color: #4d4b4b; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-sharia-laws/aiman-reyaz,-new-age-islam/abolish-patently-inhuman-blasphemy-laws-of-pakistan/d/8462</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reference:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blasphemy laws in Pakistan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Offenses relating to religion: Pakistan Penal code<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">295-B</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Defiling, etc, of copy of Holy
Quran. Whoever will fully defiles, damages or desecrates a copy of the Holy
Quran or of an extract therefrom or uses it in any derogatory manner or for
any unlawful purpose shall be punishable for imprisonment for life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">295-C</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Use of derogatory remarks, etc; in
respect of the Holy Prophet. Whoever by words, either spoken or written or by
visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation,
directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Mohammed
(PBUH) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also
be liable to fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">298-A</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Use of derogatory remarks, etc...,
in respect of holy personages. Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or
by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo or insinuation,
directly or indirectly defiles a sacred name of any wife (Ummul Mumineen), or
members of the family (Ahle-bait), of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), or any of the
righteous caliphs (Khulafa-e-Rashideen) or companions (Sahaaba) of the Holy
Prophet description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine,
or with both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">298-B</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Misuse of epithet, descriptions
and titles, etc. Reserved for certain holy personages or places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Any person of the Qadiani group or
the Lahori group (who call themselves Ahmadis or by any other name) who by
words, either spoken or written or by visible representation: refers to or
addresses, any person, other than a Caliph or companion of the Holy Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH), as "Ameerul Momneen",
"Khalifat-ul-Momneen", "Khalifat-ul-Muslimeen",
"Sahaabi" or "Razi Allah Anho"; refers to or addresses,
any person, other than a wife of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), as
Ummul-Mumineen; refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a member of
the family (Ahle-Bait) of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), as Ahle-Bait; or
refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a member of the family
(Ahle-Bait) of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), as Ahle-Bait; or refers to,
or names, or calls, his place of worship as Masjid; shall be punished with
imprisonment or either description for a term which may extend to three
years, and shall also be liable to fine. Any person of the Qadiani group or
Lahore group, (who call themselves Ahmadis or by any other names), who by
words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations, refers to the
mode or from of call to prayers followed by his faith as "Azan" or
redites Azan as used by the Muslims, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also
be liable to fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="" style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">298-C</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Persons of Qadiani group, etc,
calling himself a Muslim or preaching or propagating his faith. Any person of
the Qadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves Ahmadis or any
other name), who directly or indirectly, posses himself as a Muslim, or
calls, or refers to, his faith as Islam, or preaches or propagates his faith,
or invites others to accept his faith, by words, either spoken or written, or
by visible representation or in any manner whatsoever outrages the religious
feelings of Muslims, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be
liable to fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">----</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-6881887133115563012012-08-24T01:33:00.000-07:002012-08-24T01:35:40.019-07:00Blasphemy Law has NO Qur'anic Basis<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Some
Muslim countries have legislated punishment for blasphemy. This draws on the
Classical Sharia (Law) of Islam that evolved in the medieval ages and was
inevitably informed by the historical realities and entrenched customs and
practices of the era. However, with a sea change in civilizational
paradigms,</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">many of its rulings suffer
anachronism, stand in conflict with international human rights charters and
conduce to injustice, anarchy and barbarism in today's politically volatile and
globalized world. All such rulings need to be examined in light of the
universal message of the Qur'an which is by far the highest and incontestable
authority in Islam. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This essay - an exercise in ijtihad (intellectual scrutiny
with the limits set by God) investigates the case of blasphemy. It draws on a
recently published focused exegetic work, the Essential Message of Islam [Amana
Publications, USA- 2009] that is duly approved by al-Azhar al-Sharif and
endorsed and authenticated by Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl, Alfi Distinguished
Professor of Law at the UCLA School of Law.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Qur'anic pronouncement "not to insult those whom others (lit., 'they')
invoke besides God" (6:108) is a clear reminder against profaning any
deity, idol or symbols held sacred by other people. The Qur'an, however, does
not prescribe any punishment for the offenders. It warns humanity that there
will always be some people who will hurl seductive remarks at the Prophet
(6:113) or be inimical to him (25:31) for fun or cupidity and asks the
believers to simply ignore them. In other words, the Qur'an treats blasphemy as
a moral vice and does not regard it as a punishable/ criminal offence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Meccan enemies of the Prophet called him impostor, a madman (30:58, 44:14,
68:51), and an insane poet (37:36). They ridiculed the Qur'anic revelation
(18:56, 26:6, 37:14, 45:9), which they declared to be strange and unbelievable
(38:5, 50:2), a jumble of dreams(21:5) and legends of the ancients (6:25,
23:83, 25:5, 27:68, 46:17, 68:15, 83:13). They accused the Prophet of forging
lies and witchcraft (34:43, 38:4), forging lies against God, forgery and making
up tales (11:13, 32:3, 38:7, 46:8), witchcraft (21:3, 43:30, 74:24), obvious
witchcraft that was bewildering (10:2, 37:15, 46:7), and of being bewitched or
possessed by a Jinn (17:47, 23:70, 34:8). By definition, all these accusations
were blasphemous. Nowhere in its text does the Qur'an prescribe any punishment
for those who uttered these blasphemies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
advocates of blasphemy law may raise the following points:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.
The slanderer and maligner of the Prophet can upset peace and harmony like
priests of Cordova (Spain, 851-859) [1].<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.
Maligning any religion, religious leader, text etc. purports to demonize and
dehumanize it and can fuel hatred, religious bigotry and animosity, and in the
present day context, feed Islamophobia and Islamofacism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
arguments appear convincing but there are more compelling grounds against
prescribing any punishment for blasphemy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
highly porous and subjective character of the 'offense' (blasphemy) can lead to
a chaotic situation within the Muslim community and persecution of the minority
community as is happening in Pakistan these days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An
uncouth citizen can use it to settle a score with a non-Muslim or even a Muslim
neighbour or financially exploit him by a threat of blasphemy charge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An
Islamic State can use it for political repression of dissidents. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By
strict application of blasphemy law in a broader sense, a Sunni Sharia Court
can charge the entire Shia community of blasphemy for their invectives against
the Prophet's close relatives - the first three Caliphs, who were either his
father-in-law (Abu Bakr and Umar) or son-in-law (Uthman). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
theologians in the Islamic heartlands can issue an endless stream of fatwas for
the heads of the countless Islam bashing scholars and writers, whose speech,
writing and symbolism can sometimes be construed as blasphemous.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
very notion of killing a person for blasphemy contradicts the Qur'anic cardinal
principle of justice that relates only to offences committed against fellow
humans.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion:
The relativism and porosity in the definition of 'blasphemy' can open a
floodgate of blasphemy charges against unsuspecting individuals, members of the
minority, Muslim sects and Islam.critcal scholars and writers. Since the
Qur'an, conceivably cognizant of these caveats, does not prescribe any punishment for blasphemy, the
blasphemy law needs to be repealed. Blasphemy symbolizes and epitomises hatred
that inevitably breeds hatred - regardless of any law against it. This can in
turn feed radicalisation, foster terrorism, and trigger communal riots. Muslim
jurists will do better by insisting on getting a firm Security Council Code of
Conduct and may be limited punishment for blasphemy depending upon the gravity
and potential impact of the offence and the attitude of the offender, rather
than legislating a capital punishment or even, any punishment for blasphemy -
which remains a porous act of misconduct and moral turpitude. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[1].
Between 851 and 859, some priests in Cordova, now southern Spain, used to utter
in public places highly insulting and abusive remarks against the Prophet
deliberately seeking capital punishment. They were an embarrassment to both the
Christian community and the Emir and were executed by application of Sharia law
as this was the only way to prevent them from a highly provocative behaviour in
public.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Muhammad
Yunus, a Chemical Engineering graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, and
a retired corporate executive has been engaged in an in-depth study of the
Qur'an since early 90's, focusing on its core message. He has co-authored the
referred exegetic work, which received the approval of al-Azhar al-Sharif,
Cairo in 2002, and following restructuring and refinement was endorsed and
authenticated by Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl of UCLA, and published by Amana
Publications, Maryland, USA, 2009.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August
24, 2012.</span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-64103944263539229502012-08-22T15:37:00.005-07:002012-08-22T15:37:48.694-07:00Muslims Condemn Blasphemy Charges Against Christian Girl in Pakistan<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5902261947548302285" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 512px;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAAkY0oNQ0s/UDQb3vP4IvI/AAAAAAAASHw/4Lv_6W9aZ5g/s1600/Rimsha+Masih.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAAkY0oNQ0s/UDQb3vP4IvI/AAAAAAAASHw/4Lv_6W9aZ5g/s200/Rimsha+Masih.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blasphemy has become a tool of harassment to a few who have nothing better to do than create chaos. We ask the people of Pakistan to seriously debate the blasphemy laws. Islam is about free will and as Muslims we need to stand against any oppression towards any human being following in the footsteps of the prophet.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Full article at: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/muslims-condemn-blasphemy-charges-against-pakistan-christian-girl_b_1815127.html" style="color: #0c343d; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/muslims-condemn-blasphemy-charges-against-pakistan-christian-girl_b_1815127.html</span></a></div>
</div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-40405396108212536312012-08-22T14:57:00.000-07:002012-08-22T14:57:07.572-07:00 Blasphemy Law & Use of Violence - History<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEVNyOWCNYs/UDVVpz1OpwI/AAAAAAAASIk/hCDiMF6ZwVE/s1600/Jinnah+with+Dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEVNyOWCNYs/UDVVpz1OpwI/AAAAAAAASIk/hCDiMF6ZwVE/s200/Jinnah+with+Dogs.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pakistan’s Penal
Code Section 295, better known as the Blasphemy Law, was first introduced to a
pre-partition India in 1860. Back then, the law was applicable to every
religion and any person with a maximum punishment up to two years with bail.
And any disturbance of any religious gathering was also in violation of the
law. There have been an estimated 1,274 people charged under the blasphemy laws
between 1986 till 2010 according to reports. 1927: • There was an amendment
made after the loss of a controversial case defended by India’s leading lawyer
M.A. Jinnah. The Indian legislature cautioned against using the words
“intentional outrage” or “attempted outrage” for their vagueness and instead
chose to use words such as “deliberate” or “malicious intent.” REFERENCE:
High-profile blasphemy cases in the last 63 years <a href="http://dawn.com/" target="_blank" title="http://dawn.com/"><span style="color: blue;">DAWN.COM</span></a>
| 8th December, 2010 <a href="http://dawn.com/2010/12/08/high-profile-blasphemy-cases-in-the-last-63-years/" target="_blank" title="http://dawn.com/2010/12/08/high-profile-blasphemy-cases-in-the-last-63-years/"><span style="color: black;">http://dawn.com/2010/12/08/high-profile-blasphemy-cases-in-the-last-63-years/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-92028946870292434982012-08-22T14:53:00.000-07:002012-08-22T14:53:33.602-07:00Blasphemy Law & Violence - 4<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blasphemy Law & Violence - 4 (Reporter - Dawn News Jan 2011)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjsSs712CSo" target="_blank" title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjsSs712CSo"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjsSs712CSo
</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LAHORE, May 28: An under-trial blasphemy accused, who was attacked and
wounded by a policeman on May 25, died in the Lahore General Hospital on
Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Labourer Samuel Masih (29) of Basti Saidan Shah had been accused of
blasphemy in August 2003. The accused was caught by prayer leader Chaudhry
Yaqoob of the Jinnah Bagh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The prayer leader had alleged that the labourer had littered the walls of
a religious institute in the garden, inscribed with some Quranic verses.
Together with the prayer leader, dozens of people had allegedly tortured the
accused before handing him over to the police.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A blasphemy case under Section 295 of PPC was registered against the
accused with Civil Lines police and he was sent to the Kot Lakhpat jail. The
accused fell ill there and doctors diagnosed him with TB in prison hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He was shifted to the Gulab Devi Hospital. Two policemen were deployed on
his guard duty. One of the policemen, Faryad Ali, on May 25 allegedly attacked
him in his head with a hammer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The staff caught the policeman and immediately shifted the blasphemy
accused to the General Hospital where he died on Friday. The body was removed
to the city mortuary for autopsy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A case already registered against the accused policeman was turned into a
murder case. He had already been sent to jail. The accused policeman is
reported to have no regret for his act and believes that it will earn him
paradise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Condemning the killing, All Pakistan Minorities Alliance chairman Shahbaz
Bhatti called upon the government to repeal the blasphemy law. "This is
not the first example of the misuse of the law." He said his organization
was going to file a petition against a senior police official and prison
hierarchy for their negligence, which had resulted in the murder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Already a writ petition filed by advocate Pervaiz Chaudhry in the LHC had
pleaded for an action against the police hierarchy. The judge had directed the
city police chief and the police concerned to produce relevant record before
him on Monday, the lawyer said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He alleged the
police were attempting to give favour to their colleague by distorting evidence
against him. "The accused policeman has been sent to jail without completion
of investigation." REFERENCE: LAHORE: Blasphemy accused dies By Our
Reporter 29 May 2004 Saturday 09 Rabi-us-Saani 1425 <a href="http://archives.dawn.com/2004/05/29/local25.htm" target="_blank" title="http://archives.dawn.com/2004/05/29/local25.htm"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://archives.dawn.com/2004/05/29/local25.htm</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-5289106415838202832012-08-22T14:52:00.002-07:002012-08-22T14:52:20.257-07:00Blasphemy Law & Violence - 3<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blasphemy Law & Violence - 3 (Reporter - Dawn News Jan 2011)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAjIjqWpHTA" target="_blank" title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAjIjqWpHTA"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAjIjqWpHTA
</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Court convicts imam and son for blasphemy AFP | 11th January, 2011
MULTAN: A Pakistan court has jailed a Muslim prayer leader and his 20-year-old
son for life on controversial blasphemy charges <a href="http://dawn.com/2011/01/09/more-than-20000-protest-blasphemy-law-change-police/" target="_blank" title="http://dawn.com/2011/01/09/more-than-20000-protest-blasphemy-law-change-police/"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://dawn.com/2011/01/09/more-than-20000-protest-blasphemy-law-change-police/</span></a>
in the rural centre of the country, court officials said Tuesday. The case
follows the killing of Punjab provincial governor Salman Taseer by his
bodyguard last Tuesday, after the outspoken politician called for reform of the
law that was recently used to sentence a Christian woman <a href="http://dawn.com/2010/11/12/christian-woman-sentenced-to-death-in-blasphemy-case-2/" target="_blank" title="http://dawn.com/2010/11/12/christian-woman-sentenced-to-death-in-blasphemy-case-2/"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://dawn.com/2010/11/12/christian-woman-sentenced-to-death-in-blasphemy-case-2/</span></a>
to death. Mohammad Shafi, 45, and his son Mohammad Aslam, 20, were arrested in
April last year for removing a poster outside their grocery shop advertising an
Islamic event in a nearby village which allegedly contained Quranic verses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Judge Mohammad Ayub, heading an anti-terrorism court in the central
Pakistani town of Muzaffargarh, handed down a life sentence to the pair on
Monday, his assistant Faisal Karim told AFP by telephone. The prosecution
alleged organisers of the event, which commemorated the anniversary of the
Prophet Mohammad’s birth, said the pair had “pulled the poster down, tore it
and trampled it under their feet,” Karim said. “The judge sentenced them to
life imprisonment on charges of blasphemy and ordered them to pay a fine of
200,000 rupees ($2,350) each,” he said. Liberal politicians and human rights
activists in Pakistan say the blasphemy law, which carries the death penalty
for the worst offences, is sometimes used to settle personal scores and encourages
extremism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Defence counsel Arif Gurmani vowed to challenge the verdict in the high
court because “it has been given in haste” and was the result of inter-faith
rivalries, he said. “Both are Muslims. The case is the result of differences
between Deobandi and Barelvi sects of Sunni Muslims,” he said. “Shafi is a
practising Muslim, he is the imam of a mosque and he had recently returned from
a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia…. I am defending them because I am convinced they
are not guilty of blasphemy,” he said. Nobody has been executed in Pakistan for
blasphemy and those given the death penalty have so far had their sentences <a href="http://dawn.com/2010/12/12/doctor-arrested-for-blasphemy-police/" target="_blank" title="http://dawn.com/2010/12/12/doctor-arrested-for-blasphemy-police/"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://dawn.com/2010/12/12/doctor-arrested-for-blasphemy-police/</span></a>
overturned or commuted on appeal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since Taseer’s assassination, right-wing religious clerics have heaped
praise on his killer and stoked controversy over reform of the law. The
government has said it has no plan to reform the law. <a href="http://dawn.com/2010/12/30/govt-appeases-religious-parties-on-blasphemy-law/" target="_blank" title="http://dawn.com/2010/12/30/govt-appeases-religious-parties-on-blasphemy-law/"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://dawn.com/2010/12/30/govt-appeases-religious-parties-on-blasphemy-law/</span></a>
The controversy was sparked when former information minister Sherry Rehman
tabled a private member’s bill in November, seeking to abolish the death
penalty for blasphemy. REFERENCE: Court convicts imam and son for blasphemy AFP
| 11th January, 2011 <a href="http://dawn.com/2011/01/11/court-convicts-imam-and-son-for-blasphemy/" target="_blank" title="http://dawn.com/2011/01/11/court-convicts-imam-and-son-for-blasphemy/"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://dawn.com/2011/01/11/court-convicts-imam-and-son-for-blasphemy/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-37526164932070150722012-08-22T14:51:00.001-07:002012-08-22T14:51:36.400-07:00Blasphemy Law & Violence - 2<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blasphemy Law & Violence - 2 (Reporter - Dawn News Jan 2011)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkgrjVmuNoc" target="_blank" title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkgrjVmuNoc"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkgrjVmuNoc
</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Court jails imam and son for blasphemy 12th January, 2011 MULTAN, Jan 11:A
court has jailed a prayer leader and his 20-year-old son for life on blasphemy
charges in the rural heartland of the country, court officials said on Tuesday.
The case follows the assassination of Punjab governor Salman Taseer by his
bodyguard last week, after he called for reform of the blasphemy law under
which a Christian woman was sentenced to death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mohammad Shafi, 45, and his son Mohammad Aslam, 20, were arrested in
April last year for removing a poster outside their grocery shop promoting a
religious event in a nearby village. The poster allegedly carried Quranic
verses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Judge Mohammad Ayub, heading an anti-terrorism court in Muzaffargarh,
handed down a life sentence to the pair on Monday, his assistant Faisal Karim
said by telephone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to the prosecution, the organisers of the event marking the
birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said the pair had “pulled the
poster down, tore it and trampled it under their feet,” Mr Karim said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The judge sentenced them to life imprisonment on charges of blasphemy
and ordered them to pay a fine of Rs200,000 each,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Defence counsel Arif Gurmani vowed to challenge the verdict in the high
court because “it has been given in haste” and was the result of inter-sect
rivalries, he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Both are Muslims.
The case is the result of differences between Deobandi and Barelvi sects of
Sunni Muslims,” he said. “Shafi is a practising Muslim, he is the imam of a
mosque and he had recently returned from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia… I am
defending them because I am convinced they are not guilty of blasphemy,” he
said. Nobody has been executed in Pakistan for blasphemy and those given the
death penalty have so far had their sentences overturned or commuted on
appeal.—AFP REFERENCE: Court jails imam and son for blasphemy 12th January,
2011 <a href="http://dawn.com/2011/01/12/court-jails-imam-and-son-for-blasphemy/" target="_blank" title="http://dawn.com/2011/01/12/court-jails-imam-and-son-for-blasphemy/"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://dawn.com/2011/01/12/court-jails-imam-and-son-for-blasphemy/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-39864542927658079912012-08-22T14:50:00.000-07:002012-08-22T14:50:39.067-07:00Blasphemy Law & Violence - 1<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blasphemy Law & Violence - 1 (Reporter - Dawn News Jan 2011)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCP6zi5bZ0k" target="_blank" title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCP6zi5bZ0k"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCP6zi5bZ0k
</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Imam lynched by mob for ‘blasphemy’ By Majeed Gill June 16, 2006 Friday
Jumadi-ul-Awwal 19, 1427 BAHAWALPUR, June 15: A mosque Imam was killed while a
religious leader sustained critical injuries in violence caused reportedly by
sectarian tension between two Sunni sects in Choonawala Mandi near Hasilpur,
about 90km from here, on Thursday. According to reports reaching here, the trouble
started when Hafiz Qamar Javed, prayer leader at local Masjid Ahl-e-Hadith,
burnt some trash near his mosque. The fire attracted neighbours, including
people from the rival sect, who propagated that Javed was burning pages from
Quran.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Within no time a huge mob turned up at the scene and attacked Javed. When
Ahl-e-Hadith’s local leader Master Muhammad Sadiq came to his rescue, he was
also beaten up severely. The assailants left the scene when the two fell
unconscious. Police rushed to the scene after getting information. In a hurry,
a police vehicle hit and injured Muhammad Nadeem (13). The mob then damaged the
van and thrashed ASI Muhammad Nawaz, who also sustained injuries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later, the Hasilpur DSP and tehsil nazim reached Choonawala and managed
to disperse the mob. The injured were rushed to the Bahawal Victoria Hospital,
Bahawalpur, where Hafiz Qamar Javed succumbed to injuries while Master Muhammad
Sadiq was in precarious condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Following an appeal, Choonawala traders’ president, shopkeepers pulled
down their shutters to protest the ‘blasphemous act’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meanwhile, it was learnt that a case under the Blasphemy Act had been
registered against deceased Hafiz Qamar Javed and injured Muhammad Sadiq while
no case was registered against the assailants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DPO Arif Nawaz was not available for comments. STRIKE: Shopkeepers of
Dubai and Al-Karim plazas pulled down their shutters to protest the
registration of cases against some traders by Kotwali police. The police had
registered the cases on the report of Wasim Azam who had accused the traders of
assaulting them. REFERENCE: Imam lynched by mob for ‘blasphemy’ By Majeed Gill
June 16, 2006 Friday Jumadi-ul-Awwal 19, 1427 <a href="http://archives.dawn.com/2006/06/16/nat10.htm" target="_blank" title="http://archives.dawn.com/2006/06/16/nat10.htm"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://archives.dawn.com/2006/06/16/nat10.htm</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-59022619475483022852012-08-22T11:24:00.000-07:002012-08-22T11:24:11.421-07:00Muslims Condemn Blasphemy Charges against Christian teen In Paksitan<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAAkY0oNQ0s/UDQb3vP4IvI/AAAAAAAASHw/4Lv_6W9aZ5g/s1600/Rimsha+Masih.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAAkY0oNQ0s/UDQb3vP4IvI/AAAAAAAASHw/4Lv_6W9aZ5g/s200/Rimsha+Masih.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #365f91;">MUSLIMS CONDEMN BLASPHEMY CHARGES AGAINST CHRISTIAN TEEN IN PAKISTAN</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">Blasphemy has become a tool of harassment to a few who have nothing better to do than create chaos. We ask the people of Pakistan to seriously debate the blasphemy laws. Islam is about free will and as Muslims we need to stand against any oppression towards any human being following in the footsteps of the prophet.</span></span></span></div>
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Full article at: </div>
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/muslims-condemn-blasphemy-charges-against-pakistan-christian-girl_b_1815127.html"> http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/muslims-condemn-blasphemy-charges-against-pakistan-christian-girl_b_1815127.html</a></div>
Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633407081164636317.post-87537507005556750042012-04-08T06:44:00.000-07:002019-11-15T09:41:05.580-08:00Blasphemy laws go against Islam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://blasphemylaws.blogspot.com/2012/04/blasphemy-laws-go-against-islam.html"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://blasphemylaws.blogspot.com/2012/04/blasphemy-laws-go-against-islam.html</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Blasphemy laws have no basis in the Quran, God is about justice and mercy, and not cruelty and tyranny. Those who claim to defend the dignity of God, Prophet, Quran, and Islam really do not have faith in the four. They are afraid </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">God, the Prophet, the Quran, and Islam will disappear </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">from the face of the earth without their protection. They are wrong! We are bloody mortal beings here today and gone tomorrow, whereas </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">God, Prophet, Quran, and Islam have been around and will always be there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-587ZvdUh3gs/VNEF8Jh7z3I/AAAAAAAAeWU/xxvLto10IJM/s1600/BlasphemyLawsNeedtoGo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-587ZvdUh3gs/VNEF8Jh7z3I/AAAAAAAAeWU/xxvLto10IJM/s1600/BlasphemyLawsNeedtoGo.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">There should be no punishment for Blasphemy, it is not in the Quran and it was not practiced by the prophet. God (Quran) says the dearest human to him is one who forgives, and Prophet practiced it by praying for those who cursed him. He could have smashed those miscreants in Taif, but he chose to pray. As followers, we are supposed to pray and not punish. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br />Blasphemy Laws are not God's laws, they are the tools of oppression by the tyrants to force </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">obedience from others, it goes against the principle of the Quran - there is no compulsion. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Insecure men do not have the confidence in themselves to dialogue and resolve the conflicts, nor do they have faith in God and his word. <br /><br />When people disagree with them, they will beat them up or eliminate them with power, screams, deaths, and threats. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Secure men believe in God and the Day of Judgment, and he is the only one who knows what is in our hearts. He says in the Quran, I am closer to you than your jugular vein. Meaning, he knows our thoughts, intentions, and actions on time, as we do.<br /><br />Secure men discuss things, square the difference through dialogue. Indeed, that is the reason God gave us a tongue to dialogue instead of what the animals are programmed to do.<br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />Who are we to punish then? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It is un-Islamic and cooked up by the tyrants. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Unless a few of us start speaking against Blasphemy, the
evil </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">vigilantist</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> anti-Islamic practice of insecure men will
continue. There is no punishment for Blasphemy.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Except for the first four caliphs, who were chosen to govern, we have a
bad history of oppression. It is not just us, until 100 years ago with the exception
of the United States; the whole world was run by dictators and kings particularly in Muslim majority nations. Most
nations are moving towards civil societies run by the consensus of the people
and sadly Muslim societies have not been able to free themselves from the shackles put in by the dictator Caliphs and Kings. At least one thing is right about secondary Muslim literature - they called the first four Caliphs Rashidun - the rightly guided ones. Since then we have good, bad, and ugly Muslim rulers. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Look at our history,
we have been prevented from independent inquiry, we are run over by the damned
dictators and kings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, Muslims do not have the breathing room to be
themselves, they are continuously bonded by one tyrant or the other… We certainly can pray to ask God to help Muslims to be free to govern themselves and not throw them in the mouths
of Mullahs from the dictators. One bad Mubarak goes and the brotherhood is out
there to force their laws on the unwilling people, and now we have another tyrant Sisi, where will it end? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">We the Muslims have been reduced to Pavlovian Muslims - we
are too damned conditioned with the laws created by men like dictator Zia ul Haq, intolerant Ibn-e-Wahhab, sneaky Maududi and Banna. We
need to be free and follow the guidance from God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Prophet Muhammad said I am leaving this book to you - he
did not say, well, I have assigned the interpretation of the book to the Imams,
Kings and the dictators... you don't need to read the Quran any more, just follow the rules made by the dominant partners of God, you will get a free pass on the Day of Judgement. They will take care of you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Time to start from Zero and follow the Prophet. Pull down the "Great Work" of big-time Imams and not equate their work with the Quran, they have made us cowards and insecure with Blasphemy and Apostasy laws that go against God's will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Here are verses from the Quran;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="line-height: 115%;">[5:57] O you who believe, do not befriend those among the
recipients of previous scripture who mock and ridicule your religion, nor shall
you befriend the disbelievers. You shall reverence GOD if you are really believers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6:68] If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall
avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to
forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">[18:106] Their just requital is Hell, in return for their
disbelief, and for mocking revelations and My messengers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />My note: Hell and punishment is God's business and not ours. Ours is to forgive and pray for the goodwill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">[39:48] The sinful works they had earned will be shown to
them and the very things they used to mock will come back to haunt them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">[45:33] The evils of their works will become evident to
them, and the very things they mocked will come back and haunt them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Why the Muslim masses ignore the Messenger Muhammad? Who they want to please?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The punishment is delivered by God, not by you or me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The killing is justified only if people wage war against you. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5:33] <o:p></o:p></span>(Asad) It is but a just recompense for those who make war on God and His apostle, <sup><a class="notelink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null">[43]</a></sup> and endeavor to spread corruption on earth, that they are being slain in great' numbers, or crucified in great numbers, or have, in l' result of their perverseness, their hands and feet cut off in great numbers, <sup><a class="notelink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null">[44]</a></sup> or are being [entirely] banished from [the face of] the earth: such is their ignominy in this world . <sup><a class="notelink" href="https://www.blogger.com/null">[45]</a></sup><span style="color: #444444;"> </span>But in the life to come [yet more] awesome suffering awaits them</span><br />
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43- The term "apostle" is evidently generic in this context. By "making war on God and His apostle" is meant a hostile opposition to, and wilful disregard of, the ethical precepts ordained by God and explained by all His apostles, combined with the conscious endeavor to destroy or undermine other people's belief in God as well</span><br />
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44- In classical Arabic idiom, the "cutting off of one's hands and feet" is often synonymous with "destroying one's power", and it is possible in this sense that the expression has been used here. Alternatively, it might denote "being mutilated", both physically and metaphorically -similar to the (metonymical) use of the expression "being crucified" in the sense of "being tortured". The phrase min khilaf-usually rendered as "from opposite sides"-is derived from the verb khalafahu, "he disagreed with him", or "opposed him", or "acted contrarily to him": consequently, the primary meaning of min khilaf is "in the result of contrariness" or "of perverseness"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The killing is not justified if people evict you. You may
only evict them:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">[2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you
may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not
fight them at the Sacred Masjid, unless they attack you therein. If they attack
you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The killing is not justified if people insult the Prophet.
God will take care of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">[18:106] Their just requital is Hell, in return for their
disbelief, and for mocking My revelations and My messengers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">And, these are some of the Quranic wisdoms:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">[42:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered
they forgive<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">[42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an
equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are
rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The Muslim masses need to learn a lot from the Quran. They are shackled by their Ulams and Allamas!
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /># # #<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mike Ghouse is a Muslim thinker, speaker and writer. Information about him is available in 63 links at <a href="http://www.mikeghouse.net/">www.MikeGhouse.net</a> and his current writings are at <a href="http://www.theghousediary.com/">www.TheGhousediary.com</a>.</span></div>
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Mike Ghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01647894600183489442noreply@blogger.com5