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Islam and blasphemy

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Writer Salman Rushdie was accused of blasphemy and subject of a fatwā issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran, in February 1989.

Blasphemy in Islam is any irreverent behavior[1] toward holy personages, religious artifacts, customs, and beliefs that Muslims revere. Where Sharia pertains, the penalties for blasphemy can include fines, imprisonment, flogging, amputation, crucifixion, hanging, or beheading.[2][3] Muslim clerics may call for the killing of an alleged blasphemer by issuing a fatwa.[4][5]

Blasphemy versus apostasy

Muslim jurists dispute about what irreverent behavior amounts to blasphemy. They dispute about whether behavior that is deemed blasphemous amounts to a rejection of Islam, that is, apostasy. Some jurists believe that blasphemy automatically removes an individual from the fold of Islam.[6] Jurists may conflate and confuse apostasy, blasphemy, hypocrisy, heresy, and unbelief. An individual may find himself accused of being an atheist, a heretic, a hypocrite, a blasphemer, and an apostate on the basis of one action or utterance.[7][8]

Blasphemers

Islamic legal authorities agree that a blasphemer can be Muslim or non-Muslim. To be convicted of blasphemy, an individual must be an adult, of sound mind, and not under duress. 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.[8]

Blasphemy against holy personages

Individuals have been accused of blasphemy or of insulting Islam for:

  • speculating about how Prophet Muhammad would behave if he were alive (Nigeria).[29][30]
  • writing Prophet Muhammad's name on the walls of a toilet (Pakistan).[37]
  • naming a teddy bear Muhammad (Sudan).[38][39]
  • stating facts such as: Prophet Muhammad's parents were not Muslims (Pakistan).[40][41]
  • invoking Allah while committing a forbidden act.[8]

Blasphemy against beliefs and customs

Individuals have been accused of blasphemy or of insulting Islam for:

  • saying Islam is an Arab religion; prayers five times a day are unnecessary; and the Quran is full of lies (Indonesia).[46]
  • finding fault with a belief or a practice which the Muslim community (Ummah) has adopted.[47]
  • finding fault with or cursing apostles, prophets, or angels.[47]
  • using words that Muslims use because the individuals were not Muslims (Malaysia).[25][63][64]
  • praying that Muslims become something else (Indonesia).[65]
  • whistling during prayers (Indonesia).[66]
  • reciting Muslim prayers in a language other than Arabic (Indonesia).[66]
  • being alone with persons of the opposite sex who are not blood relatives.[66]
  • publishing an unofficial translation of the Quran (Afghanistan).[72]
  • watching a film or listening to music (Somalia).[74]
  • wearing make-up on television (Iran).[75]
  • insulting religious scholarship.[8]
  • wearing the clothing of Jews or of Zoroastrians.[8]
  • claiming that forbidden acts are not forbidden.[8]
  • uttering "words of infidelity" (sayings that are forbidden).[8]
  • participating in non-Islamic religious festivals.[8]

Blasphemy against artifacts

Individuals have been accused of blasphemy or of insulting Islam for:

  • touching a Quran or touching something that has touched a Quran because the individuals were not Muslim (Nigeria).[76][77][78][79]

Punishment

The punishments for different instances of blasphemy in Islam vary by jurisdiction.[6][86][87] A convicted 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.[8]

Blasphemy against the deity

Islamic law makes a distinction between a blasphemer who insults Allah and a blasphemer who finds fault with the Prophet. The distinction is based on the notions of the "right of God" and the "right of Man." Reviling God violates the "right of God," who has the power to avenge the insult. Reviling the Prophet violates the "right of Man," who, in the case of the Prophet, does not have the power to avenge the insult. A blasphemer who violates the "right of God" can seek forgiveness through repentance.[6]

The Quran[88] advises Muslims to shun those who find fault with Allah:

  • ". . . 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: if ye did, ye would be like them. For Allah will collect the hypocrites and those who defy faith - all in Hell." [Quran 4:140]
  • "Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant." [Quran 7:199]
  • "But they uttered blasphemy ... if they repent, it will be best for them, but if they turn back, Allah will punish them." [Quran 9:47 ---- the verse in Quran is entirely different.]
  • "Allah is with those who restrain themselves . . . ." [Quran 16: 128]
  • "Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate (constantly) the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day: that thou mayest have (spiritual) joy." [Quran 20:130]
  • "And the servants of Allah ... are those who walked on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say 'Peace'!" [Quran 25:63]
  • "And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: 'To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.'" [Quran 28: 55]
  • "Have patience with what they say, and leave them with noble (dignity)." [Quran 73:10]
  • "Tell those who believe, to forgive those who do not look forward to the Days of Allah. It is for Him to recompense (for good or ill) each People according to what they have earned." [Quran 45:14]
  • "Bear, then, with patience, all that they say, and celebrate the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting." [Quran 50:39]

The Quran speaks of punishment in relation only to those who make war and mischief in opposition to Allah and Prophet Muhammad:

The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or 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.

— Quran 5:33

Blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad

A blasphemer who violates the "right of Man" must seek forgiveness from the person insulted. In the case of an insult to the Prophet, the Muslim community is considered to be under an obligation to avenge the insult because the possibility of forgiveness expired upon the death of the Prophet.[6]

Blasphemy against beliefs and customs

The punishment for non-conformity with prevailing beliefs and customs varies by jurisdiction.[86] In September 2009, Abdul Kahar Ahmad pleaded guilty in a Malaysian Sharia court to charges of spreading false doctrines, blasphemy, and violating religious precepts. The court sentenced Ahmad to ten years in prison and six lashes from a rattan cane.[89] In October 2009, Somalia's hardline Islamist group al-Shabaab whipped women who were wearing a bra, and whipped men for being beardless. The group said violation of Islamic custom deserved whipping.[90]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/blasphemy
  2. ^ See the articles about Islamic jurisdictions under Blasphemy law.
  3. ^ Islamic Voice
  4. ^ a b "Blasphemy Salman Rushdie". Constitutional Rights Foundation. 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  5. ^ a b Doran, Michael Scott (January/February 2004). "The Saudi Paradox". Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 27 July 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) [dead link‍]
  6. ^ a b c d Saeed, Abdullah (2004). Freedom of Religion, Apostasy and Islam. Burlington VT: Ashgate Publishing Company. pp. 38–39. ISBN 978-0754630838. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Saeed and Saeed, p. 48.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Blasphemy: Islamic Concept". Encyclopedia of Religion. Vol. 2. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale. 2005. pp. 974–976.
  9. ^ "Egypt bans 'blasphemous' magazine". BBC. 8 April 2009. Retrieved 13 July 2009.
  10. ^ Ibrahim, Yusha'u A. (20 June 2009). "Nigeria: Blasphemy - Rioters Burn Police Outpost, Injure 12". Daily Trust. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  11. ^ Ibrahim, Yusha'u A. (11 August 2008). "Nigeria: Mob Kills 50-Year-Old Man for 'Blasphemy'". Daily Trust. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  12. ^ a b c "Nigeria: International Religious Freedom Report 2008". U.S. Department of State. 2008. Retrieved 2 August 2009. Cite error: The named reference "IRF2008" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  13. ^ "Blasphemy Laws and Intellectual Freedom in Pakistan". South Asian Voice. August 2002. Retrieved 21 June 2009.
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  15. ^ "Pakistan bans Da Vinci Code film". BBC News / South Asia. 4 June 2006. Retrieved 4 June 2009.
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  18. ^ Soage, Ana Belén (June 2007). "Faraj Fawda, or The Cost of Freedom of Expression". Volume 11, No. 2, Article 3/8. Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
  19. ^ Durant, David (30 September 2007). "Banned Authors Week: Farag Foda". Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  20. ^ a b c Boyle, Kevin (1997). "Freedom of Religion and Belief". Routledge. p. 30. ISBN 0415159784. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
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  22. ^ MacFarquhar, Neil (24 June 2007). "Iran Cracks Down on Dissent". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 July 2009.
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  24. ^ "Iran Frees Professor Set to Die for Speech". The New York Times. 1 August 2004. Retrieved 11 July 2009.
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  26. ^ Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shah is convicted of blasphemy
  27. ^ http://www.webcitation.org/5px52XxdQ Indonesian prophet jailed for blasphemy
  28. ^ List of false prophets
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  38. ^ "Reports: Sudan arrests UK teacher for teddy bear blasphemy". CNN.com. 26 November 2007. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
  39. ^ See Sudanese teddy bear blasphemy case.
  40. ^ Bearak, Barry (12 May 2001). "# Death to Blasphemers: Islam's Grip on Pakistan". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 June 2009.
  41. ^ Hussain, Zahid (September 2001). "Lethal Law". Newsline. Retrieved 19 June 2009. [dead link‍]
  42. ^ "Blasphemy Prisoner Acquitted After Six Years in Prison". International Christian Concern. 16 August 2002. Retrieved 27 June 2009. [dead link‍]
  43. ^ Adams, Brad (19 November 2007). "Pakistan: Dubai Should End Shutdown of Pakistani Channels". Human Rights Watch. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  44. ^ "Bangladesh". International Religious Freedom Report 2008. U.S. State Department. Retrieved 7 August 2009.
  45. ^ Ahmed, Rumi (30 September 2007). "Chronology of Major Blasphemy Cases in Bangladesh [1972-2007]". Retrieved 5 August 2009.
  46. ^ Patung (11 April 2007). "Islam is for Arabs". Indonesia Matters. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  47. ^ a b c d http://www.peacefaq.com/blasphemy.html
  48. ^ Patung (27 February 2006). "Abdul Rahman, Blasphemer". Indonesia Matters. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  49. ^ http://www.thefileroom.org/documents/dyn/DisplayCase.cfm/id/1066
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  59. ^ Mineeia, Zainab (21 October 2008). "Afghanistan: Journalist Serving 20 Years for "Blasphemy"". IPS (Inter Press Service). Retrieved 2 July 2009.
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  63. ^ "Malaysia: Christians To Be Allowed to Use word "Allah"". The Becket Fund. 26 February 2009. Retrieved 31 August 2009.
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  66. ^ a b c d e f "Indonesia". International Religious Freedom Report 2007. U.S. State Department. Retrieved 22 June 2009.
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  72. ^ Wafa, Abdul Waheed (11 March 2009). "Afghan Court Backs Prison Term for Blasphemy". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 July 2009. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  73. ^ "Malaysia: Muslims warned to avoid blasphemous yoga". Welt Online. 22 November 2008. Retrieved 31 August 2009.
  74. ^ "Somali Men Get 40 Lashes For Watching Pornography". Newstime Africa. 1 December 2009. Retrieved 4 December 2009.
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  76. ^ Minchakpu, Obed (March 2007). "Muslims in Nigeria Club Christian Teacher to Death". Compass Direct News. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  77. ^ Minchakpu, Obed (29 March 2006). "Teacher Accused of Blasphemy in Nigeria Disappears". Compass Direct News. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
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  82. ^ "After Gojra, 3 'blasphemy' killings in Pak Punjab for 'desecrating Quran'". Thaindian News. 5 August 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2009.
  83. ^ "'Blasphemy' claims three more victims". Daily Times. 5 August 2009. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  84. ^ Mansell, Hannah (15 June 2004). "Young Christian man accused of blasphemy killed". Religious Intelligence. Retrieved 18 August 2009. [dead link‍]
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  86. ^ a b See Blasphemy law.
  87. ^ "Govt warned against amending blasphemy law". The News. 12 February 2010. Retrieved 16 February 2010. [dead link‍]
  88. ^ English translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali (The Meaning of The Holy Qur'an)
  89. ^ "Malaysia court sentences Muslim sect leader to 10 years in jail, caning over false teachings". 3news.co.nz. 21 October 2009. Retrieved 15 November 2009.
  90. ^ Sheikh, Abdi (17 October 2009). "Hardliners whip young women for bra-wearing 'deception'". The Scotsman. Retrieved 15 November 2009.

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