UPDATE ON BLASPHEMY

Society Religion & Philosophy
1

Sentenced to death for blasphemy

ISLAMABAD, Aug 18: The Additional District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad, Safdar Hussain Malik, on Saturday awarded death sentence to Dr Mohammad Younas, a lecturer of a local homoeopathic college, on blasphemy charge. Prosecutor Syed Mohammad Tayyab advocate told Dawn that the judgment was announced at 4:30pm in the Adiyala jail on Saturday.

The accused, Dr Shaikh Mohammad Younas, was convicted under Section 295(c) of the PPC which prescribes death sentence if charges of blasphemy are proved along with a fine. A fine of Rs100,000 was also imposed on Dr Younas.

The Section 295(c) was added to the Pakistan Penal Code in 1986 which provided that whoever made derogatory remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) “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 Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.”

The Section 295(c), however, was amended in 1992 by the Nawaz Sharif government because of the pressure of the religious organizations, deleting the proviso under which life imprisonment could also be awarded.

A leader of the Majlis-i-Tahafuz-i-Khatam-i-Nabuwat, Maulana Abdur Rauf, had reported to the Margalla police station on Oct 2, 2000, that Dr Mohammad Younas, while delivering a lecture at the Islamabad Homoeopathic College, G-9, Islamabad, had made blasphemous remarks. He said a group of students had lodged a complaint with him in this regard.

The accused was arrested immediately and detained at the Adiyala Jail since then.** The accused denied the charge and submitted before the court a written statement declaring that he had full faith in Islam and could not even think of committing blasphemy.** After conducting hearings in the open court for some time, the court later decided to start hearing in the jail premises, fearing a violent reaction as a number of religious leaders and activists of religo-political parties were tending the hearings.

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What were the remarks he made--does anyone know?

3

The lecturer, Dr Younis Sheikh, was accused by some of his students of saying that the prophet Mohammed was not a Muslim until he was 40 years old, and nor were his parents.

He was also accused of saying that prophet was not circumcised at least util forty years of age since this was not the practice before Islam.

4

[quote]
Originally posted by analyze it:
**The lecturer, Dr Younis Sheikh, was accused by some of his students of saying that the prophet Mohammed was not a Muslim until he was 40 years old, and nor were his parents.

He was also accused of saying that prophet was not circumcised at least util forty years of age since this was not the practice before Islam.**
[/quote]

WHAT THE????

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[quote]
Originally posted by Astronut:
** WHAT THE????**
[/quote]

Ibrahim says; Yes! seem very odd, someone must check how true the report is and what details had been omitted or misconceived.

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Dr. Younis Shakh, Pakistani humanist, founder of "The Enlightenment" and "South-Asian Fraternity", remains in a Pakistani jail facing a mandatory death sentence if found guilty.
A GP, he lectured at the Islamabad Medical School where, last October, a medical student entrapped him into "blasphemy". Apparently two questions he asked involved when Islam began and whether Prophet Muhammad's parents went to Hell. The "blasphemous" answers were? that Islam began with Archangel Gabriel's revelations to Muhammad (the fundamentalist answer should have been that Adam was the first Muslim. Even Jesus was a Muslim prophet!) and that people from "the Age of Ignorance" could not go to Paradise. (Yet one hadith says that Muhammad told Khadijah, his first wife, that her dead babies from her previous marriage had gone to Hell. Another hadith shows one reason why Muhammad was hated by the Meccans - he told them that their parents were in the Fire.)

7

On the basis of Blasphemy law as practiced in Pakistan any "non muslim" can be tried and sentenced to death.
To be more specific whole of Ahmadi community and all hindus, christians and followers of other religions can be tried in court based on the fact that they do not follow and believe prophet Muhammad and in a sense are committing blasphemy???/

8

[quote]
Originally posted by analyze it:
*On the basis of Blasphemy law as practiced in Pakistan any "non muslim" can be tried and sentenced to death.
To be more specific whole of Ahmadi community and all hindus, christians and followers of other religions can be tried in court based on the fact that they do not follow and believe prophet Muhammad and in a sense are committing blasphemy???/ *
[/quote]

During the days of Holy Prophet (SAW)and after him during the days of Khialfat did anyone was executed for blasmphmey?

If our governments are working on fatwas from mullahs then these mullahs have passed fatwas on playing football, man landing on moon and tv and radio. Why not make the laws for every fatwa??

"Away from Eyes......Close to Heart"

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Points to be noticed…hhmmm

http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/eek.gif

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A Kafir idolator puts in his two cent worth knowledge on Qu'ran.

**
"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." [Qur'an 4:140]

"And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: "to us our deeds and to you yours; peace be to you." [Qur'an 28: 55]

"Hold to forgiveness, command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant." [Qur'an 7:199]

"Have patience with what they say, and leaves them with noble (dignity)." [Qur'an 73:10]

"And the servants of Allah . . . are those who walked on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say 'Peace'" [Qur'an 25:63]

"Allah is with those who restrain themselves." [Qur'an 16: 128]
**

These verses clearly show this blasphemy law is unIslamic and goes against the very concept of Islam.

And here comes another important one,
**
". . . But they uttered blasphemy . . . if they repent, it will be best for them, but if they turn back, Allah will punish them." [Qur'an 9:47]
**

If anyone commits blasphemy, then it is Allah(SWT) who will punish them and not some ignorant mullah. Do the mullahs have the authority to decide who's a good Muslim and whose bad?

In his lifetime, the Prophet(PBUH) was abused, assaulted by the pagan Arabs. But He never ever ordered the death of His tormentors. He always forgave them and even prayed for them. That is why He is known as Rahmatul Lil Aalimeen (embodiment of Rahmat and forgiveness).

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Superb!

http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/smilies/rolleyes.gif

“kaisay na karta usko main pyar, uski haseen main sukh thay hazaar, bichar gayay hum dukh ki hay baat”

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Amitayus Bhai, Yeh to kafiroo-n ki Koran shareef hai? Pakistani Koran sharif main dekhiye. Which Koran Sharif did the Pakistani legislature use to make these laws. And which Koran Sharif does the Supreme Court use to verify if the law has been violated.

"And we call Pakistan an Islamic nation!!" I think the US upholds the Koran sharif more than Pakistan!!!

[This message has been edited by Tanhaa (edited August 20, 2001).]

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Amitayus

When you quote the Qur'aan, can you please quote the full ayat and it's context. Rather than parts in order to please yourself.

The ayat relating to Blasphemy is as follows:

009.074 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 Apostle had enriched them! If they repent, it will be best for them; but if they turn back (to their evil ways), Allah will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: They shall have none on earth to protect or help them.

This ayat was was revealed when the Prophet PBUH returned from the expedition of Tabuk. In this discourse the hypocrites were sternly warned for their nefarious activities.

In ayats 73-80, the Prophet PBUH and the Believers were exhorted to strive hard against the disbelievers as well as the hypocrites who created troubles for the Believers and thus harmed the cause of Islam. The hypocrites broke their covenants with Allah and were niggardly in expending for the cause of Allah.

Furthermore:

009.012 But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith,- fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may be restrained.

009.013 Will ye not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel the Apostle, and took the aggressive by being the first (to assault) you? Do ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah Whom ye should more justly fear, if ye believe!

009.014 Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers.

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[quote]
Originally posted by sholay:
**
Amitayus

When you quote the Qur'aan, can you please quote the full ayat and it's context. Rather than parts in order to please yourself.

The ayat relating to Blasphemy is as follows:

009.074 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 Apostle had enriched them! If they repent, it will be best for them; but if they turn back (to their evil ways), Allah will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: They shall have none on earth to protect or help them.

This ayat was was revealed when the Prophet PBUH returned from the expedition of Tabuk. In this discourse the hypocrites were sternly warned for their nefarious activities.

In ayats 73-80, the Prophet PBUH and the Believers were exhorted to strive hard against the disbelievers as well as the hypocrites who created troubles for the Believers and thus harmed the cause of Islam. The hypocrites broke their covenants with Allah and were niggardly in expending for the cause of Allah.

Furthermore:

009.012 But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith,- fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may be restrained.

009.013 Will ye not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel the Apostle, and took the aggressive by being the first (to assault) you? Do ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah Whom ye should more justly fear, if ye believe!

009.014 Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers.
**
[/quote]

First, "Fight"...depends on how you interpret it.
Secondly, the Prophet PBUH was very much against violence, rumours, misjudgment, falsehood etc etc!!(any sort of!).
Now combine both emphasized and then let me know.

*"Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them." -
Psalms 84:5-6
*

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Sholay, do you accept the contents of the Ayats I posted or you don't? Do you accept them as the teachings of Islam or you don't?
Do you accept the Prophet as Rahmatul Lil Aalimeen or you don't?

I didn't twist a single verse. It is upto you to believe them or not.

I'd like to ask two very simple questions.

One, any true Muslim has to accept that Allah (SWT), is All-merciful, All-compassionate (Rahmanirahim). Let us assume that this doctor had indeed insulted the Prophet (PBUH), intentionally or unintentionally. How do you know he has not prayed for Allah's forgiveness? How do you know that Allah hasn't forgiven him for his sin? If He has, then aren't the mullahs going against the wishes of Allah? Who is doing the blasphemy here? It is Allah who'll decide who is a good Muslim and who'se a hypocrite. What locus standii an illiterate bigot mullah has to judge and standardize the faith of people? Islam hasn't given him this power.

Two, the Prophet (PBUH) must be the role model for every Muslim, cutting across any sect, sub sect or whatever. Can anyone cite any example of Prophet ordering even a pagan's death for the reason of blasphemy? Any other instance in Qu'ran? On the contrary, he did exactly the opposite. That means the mullahs do NOT accept the Prophet as their role model.

Islam comes down heavily on hypocrites who pose to be Muslim yet do all unIslamic things including taking the life of their fellow brethren. Even we kufr idolators will be above them in hell.

Whoever kills another one without justifiable cause, surely he is killing all of humanity. And whoever saves the life of another one, surely he saves the lives of all of humanity. [Sura Al Ma'aidah: Ayah 32]

[This message has been edited by Amitayus (edited August 21, 2001).]

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[quote]
Originally posted by Amitayus:
**Sholay, do you accept the contents of the Ayats I posted or you don't? Do you accept them as the teachings of Islam or you don't?
Do you accept the Prophet as Rahmatul Lil Aalimeen or you don't?

I didn't twist a single verse. It is upto you to believe them or not.

I'd like to ask two very simple questions.

One, any true Muslim has to accept that Allah (SWT), is All-merciful, All-compassionate (Rahmanirahim). Let us assume that this doctor had indeed insulted the Prophet (PBUH), intentionally or unintentionally. How do you know he has not prayed for Allah's forgiveness? How do you know that Allah hasn't forgiven him for his sin? If He has, then aren't the mullahs going against the wishes of Allah? Who is doing the blasphemy here? It is Allah who'll decide who is a good Muslim and who'se a hypocrite. What locus standii an illiterate bigot mullah has to judge and standardize the faith of people? Islam hasn't given him this power.

Two, the Prophet (PBUH) must be the role model for every Muslim, cutting across any sect, sub sect or whatever. Can anyone cite any example of Prophet ordering even a pagan's death for the reason of blasphemy? Any other instance in Qu'ran? On the contrary, he did exactly the opposite. That means the mullahs do NOT accept the Prophet as their role model.

Islam comes down heavily on hypocrites who pose to be Muslim yet do all unIslamic things including taking the life of their fellow brethren. Even we kufr idolators will be above them in hell.

Whoever kills another one without justifiable cause, surely he is killing all of humanity. And whoever saves the life of another one, surely he saves the lives of all of humanity. [Sura Al Ma'aidah: Ayah 32]

[This message has been edited by Amitayus (edited August 21, 2001).]**
[/quote]

"Guilty or not Guilty. Who are we to judge, if we have GOD, ALLAH"

"kaisay na karta usko main pyar, uski haseen main sukh thay hazaar, bichar gayay hum dukh ki hay baat"

[This message has been edited by Ali_R (edited August 21, 2001).]

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Amitayus

There is no doubt that Allah SWTA is the judge of all Human Beings.

It is also a fair comment that we are not aware of the alleged accused's heartful intentions and whether he has asked for forgiveness etc etc etc. Only Allah knows what is in the hearts of all Humans.

The question that needs answering from the likes of you is that if the Mullahs are not following Islam by carrying out a penile system, then How do you categorise the rest of the worlds countries for having a penile system including a code for Blasphemy?

Why do states in the USA carry out the death sentence using the Bible?

As a matter of fact, why is there any Judicial System at all?

Blasphemy, in common law, crime of speaking or publishing words that vilify or ridicule God, the Bible, or religious beliefs. It is a misdemeanor, and reasons formerly underlay its being a crime. It tended to cause a breach of the peace between the blasphemer and those outraged by his or her words, and because FAITH was a part of common law, blasphemy tended to undermine the law. Only the first reason remains. The manner and the content of the utterance or publication renders it blasphemous. a statement of opinion, however heretical. Thus, scurrility and a resultant tendency to provoke a public disturbance are the criteria for blasphemy, and statutes condemning it are held to be in consonance with the laws that protect freedom of speech and religion. It is still a crime in the United Kingdom and in most of the United States, but prosecutions are now rare.

Why is it still law in the countrys which champion your democratic movement Amitayus!!!

In the Christian Law the blasphemer was punished by death. So God appointed on the occasion of the blasphemy of Salumith's son: "The man that curseth His God, shall bear his sin: And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, dying let him die: all the multitude shall stone him, whether he be a native or a stranger. He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, dying let him die" (Lev., xxiv, 15-16). Upon hearing blasphemy the Jews were wont in detestation of the crime to rend their clothes (IV Kings, xviii, 37, xix, l; Matt., xxvi, 65).

In judaism, blasphemy was punishable by death; Jesus was accused of blasphemy because he claimed to be God.

So what is your view on Christianity and Judaism, considering they have Blasphemy Punishments!!

The only reason the punishments have changed during the years, is to suit individual intentions.

Blasphemy is defined differently in different areas. In Pakistan the law is used to prevent any criticism of Muhammaed, including literary and historical criticism.

In a pluralist society such as the UK or large countries such as the USA, blasphemy means very different things according to who you ask. Where a particular religion is the established religion, such as Islam in Pakistan or Judaism in Israel, then blasphemy is defined according to that particular religion.

Whether they were right or wrong in convicting him is something THEY will have to deal with and not me!

18

I think the questions asked about blasphemy law should be

1-Who is the Judge and who will reward or punish sinner?

1-Is there a support in Quran and Sunnah for blasphemy law?

2-If not then why government of pakistan has implemented such law? why not abolish it.

If the chritians and jews have balsphemy laws, does it mean it can also be implemented in our country?

No one has asked the student why he insisted on such questions in class and then why rather then reporting himself he went to a maulvi?

One thing I want to ask is what punishment should be given to person who reported blasphemy if it is found that accuser did commit blasphemy. Should we have a punishment for false accusation of blasphemy as well?

"Away from Eyes......Close to Heart"