By Krishna Jaipal (PHP Lahore)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Dear friends,
Greetings!Islamabad : Just yesterday a mob killed two young Christian brothers who were under charges of writing and distributing a pamphlet containing some blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which was proved wrong and it was likely that these brothers will be set free in next hearing of the courts.
It is really a discouraging element, that these characterless ( I am sorry for this word, but I have to use it) fundamentalists are eager to take any step causing destruction, blood, and/or anarchy; and calling themselves devoted Muslims.
now the question is not whether these brothers were guilty or not; but the question remains that are Muslims peaceful or not? Are they following Islamic teachings, or they themselves have abrogated the Quran'ic teachings for their own benefits and pleasure. on one hand Qur'an very clearly directs,
And do not follow (blindly) any information of which you have no (direct) knowledge. (Using your faculties of perception and conception, you must verify it for yourself. (In the Court of your Lord,) you will be held accountable for your hearing, sight, and the faculty of reasoning."[17:36]
on the other hand Muslims are not ready to follow the Quranic teachings, and determin their own ways, may it follows Islamic principles or not.
at this stage I am quite sure that the person who shot these brothers did not investigate personally to find out whether they were guilty or not? we are quite sure that this person was not even a true believer becuase he fully acted against Qur'an when it states, one who kills one person, kill the humanity. But the irony is that this act has been conducted in the name of Islam. its an attempt to save honor and dignity of the Prophet (pbuh). by law, it is necessary to write Peace Be Upon Him when ever we write Prophet Muhammad's name. But in reality is there any peace from Muslims for non-Muslims after commiting such an act. its not the only incident of kilings. there have been several killings of religious minorities through Blasphemy law and still Muslims urging to retain Blasphemy law. whereas it is quite clear that such culprits, themselves are committing blasphemy. but who's going to charge them for this act? and who is going to ask them the benefits of having such a law?
at the same time its really shocking to note that majority of Muslims have now closed their mouths instead of speaking against this henious act, they are of the view that the blasphemous should be killed. Such a biased attitude divides the entire nation in religious quarters and thus work being done by people like us becomes more difficult and carries several questions.
Furthermore, it urges non-Muslims to think is it meaningful to remain in one's homeland, where they are not safe at all. or migrate to other countries. interestingly, not only non-Muslims but a large number of Muslims will also avail the oppertunity and will flee from the country.
My request to you and other learned scholars is to kindly come out and please issue press statements against such actions and people, who bring only hatred for Muslims around the world. Even we who are working for peace, human rights and dialgoue, don't find many words when talking with people from our own community.
Please do something effective.
Haroon Nasir
M.Th (UK); Fulbright AlumniDirectorGULSHAN - Centre for Study of Islam & ChristianityMansehraO) +92-997-301209C) +92-344-5185193
