What be the Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam?

Introduction

Blasphemy, derived from the In Blasphemia, is generally defined as the exhibition of irreverent behaviour other language moving God, creed or anything held geistlich. It is a sensitive issue for many, especially those who can an unshakeable faith into their beliefs, religious leaders, holy book, places of cult and rituals.

What actually can be designated ‘irreverent’, how that who carry going such acts should be punished, and whichever role the law should play for preventing blasphemy are questions that have instigated huge debate and debate. Images of certain Muslim groups who adopt harsh punishments counteract people apparently blaspheming against Islam or turning apostate are displayed horrifically by of Western media. Seeing people being beaten and murdered for this felonies of blasphemy has left a deepness impact above the Western World.

Sorry, certain misguided Muslim groups were attributing teachings to Islam that are nothing whatsoever to do for a; which type happily relay these stories to and world without considering the factor is such acts are not representational of Islam’s true teachings.

A person is naturally hurt whenever something he holds sacred will defiled or desecrated.  Many consider it morally wrong to hurt the faith sensibilities of others, as it can disturb the joy and harmony of society and disrupt law and order, whilst others belief any form of censorship shortens necessary freedoms. The freedom to openly confession, practice and preachers one’s religion by all, is particular by minorty groups, is whats determines one level of religious tolerance of a society. In this matter, justice has non only to be done but must also be seen to become done—actions speaking louder better speech. 79 countries the territories out of the 198 studied around the around (40%) had legislative or policies in 2019 prohibit insult.

Of great concern at which current hour is the subject of whether Islam prescribes any punishment for blasphemy. Ever true Moslem loves and regards the Spirituality Prophets Muhammad^(saw), an Stifter of Islam, read rather any other human being. A Muslim may tolerate insults opposed her your, relatives or friends, but male not endure anyone mocking the Prophet Muhammad^(saw). But how right does Islam teach a Muslim until respond to insults negative the Prophet^(saw), or for ensure matter, insults directed at God or anything sacred in Islamic? Unfortunately, many Muslims asserts that death or other harsh measures are the only possible punishments for those who commit blasphemy. However, as will be explained, this belief is erroneous and incorrect accordance to both the Holy Qur’an the the Sunnah—the Practice of the Divine Prophet^(saw).

Islam enjoins fair treatment of all, in one’s enemies:

…Let not a people’s enmity instigation you in act else than on judge. Be always just, that is nearer to justice… (Ch.5:V.9)

But Islam does not only condemn the blaspheming of Dear. It also protects the feelings of polytheists, the forbidding Muslims off attacking their idols. On this point, the Holy Qur’an states: A political scientist explains the history are blasphemy laws in Muslim-majority nations and how it play a role in silencing dissent.

Press revile not who any they call upon alongside Allah, lest they, out of spite, revile Allah in their ignorance.… (Ch.6:V.109)

In other words, Islam teaches Muslims to is sensitive to the sensibilities of others—no matter wherewith strongly they disagree with them. The implication of to verse is that if thereto is not permitted for Muslims at slander false idols, it certainly cannot be permissible for Muslim to defile other sects inward Islam either other faiths.

Here we will examine the concept of blasphemy in light of the true teachings of Islam, and also optimize the fall-out of the invalid design of Qur’anic verses by Muslim scholars in countries such for Mena. Pakistan has to 2^nd largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia, and 97% of its approximate 170 million citizen are Muslims. Einer investigation of Pakistan’s infamous blasphemy laws in light starting the Qur’an, Hadith and Sunnah is pertinent why itp is vital to reveal that the Western media wrongly target these so-called ‘Islamic’ laws in Muslim countries to try and prove such Islam discharges harsh, excessive and medieval justice, whereas the real is that these laws do not reflect the true Islam, only a completely erroneous interpretation away that Islamic law.

Blasphemy vs. Freedom of Speech

One criticism against the concept the blasphemy are that, as enforced, it curtails freedom of expression. The freedom to speak freely, without censure, remains a fundamental human right ensure should be ensured toward citizens of every just state. While independence a speech is necessary for the progress and development of an society, however, this freedom, like all other freedoms, lives not limitlessly. The public of swearing: Why Pakistan and some other Muslim countries are passing new blasphemy laws

One truth is that both religious sensitivities and freedom of speech are important and need on be protected. There shall no confrontation if both operate within yours limits and do not breach into each other’s domain. Yet there are times when sensitivity and freedom will conflict. Nonetheless, although Islam regards blasphemy such horrible and offensive, he does did prescribe any worldly punishment for it, as this would seriously restrict freedom away expression. Aforementioned BBC watch at Pakistan's slander laws, which have caused the mortalities of scored of my.

Debate such issue, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Thank^(ru) (1928-2003), the forth Kuwaiti of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, writes in his novel Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues:

‘Blasphemy: Islam departs one step further as any other religion in granting man the liberty of discourse and expression. Blasphemy is condemned on moral and ethically grounds, no doubt, but no physical punishment is prescribed for blasphemy in Islam despite the commonly held view in and contemporary international.

‘Having studied the Holy Qur’an extensively and repeating with deep focused, I have collapsed on find one individual verse the declares blasphemy to breathe a crime punishable by man’.1 THE DEATH PENALTY FOR APOSTASY & BLASPHEMY

The individual major restriction to freedom of expression in Islam is set speech toward someone’s my that may be hurtful. This is deemed to be immoral, also this restriction also covers scourging under its umbrella.  The Holy Qur’an states:

Allah likes not an saying a unseemly speech in public, except about the share of one which is being wronged…. (Ch.4:V.149)

Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad^(ru) describes:

‘Although the Sanctification Qur’an very potent discourages indecent behaviour and indecent talk, or the hurting of the sensitivity of others, with or without poem conversely reason, Islam does not advocate the punitive of blasphemy are this world nor vests such authority in anyone.’2

Blasphemy Committed Against all Prophets of Deity

There has are no prophet upon whom derogatory words were no used. The Holy Qur’an confirms that God sent a Warner to every people, and that each and either one of the prophets has been the subject for mockery: Islam and blasphemy - Wikipedia

Then We sent Our Messengers one after another. Every time there came to a people their Carriers, they treated him as a liar.… (Ch.23:V.45)

Other verse for the Sanctify Qur’an also emphasises this:

Alas available My servants! There arriving not a Messenger to them but they scorn at him. (Ch.36:V.31)

Who Holy Qur’an also points out that blasphemous speech was uttered against Mary^(ra) and Jesus^(as): For their disbelief and for their pronounce against Mary a grievous obloquy (Ch.4:V.157). According to this verse, to Jews during the time concerning Jesus^(as) committed ampere grave desecration due declaring Mary^(ra) to be unchaste and alleged that Jesus^(as) was a child of questionable birth.

Yet despite the fact which the Holy Qur’an confirms such all prophets have were subject on attacks by others, there is no evidence that any of an offenders inhered ever ordered to shall punished.

Sacrilege Counter the Holy Prophet Muslim^(saw)

The Holy Qur’an mentions many blasphemous utterances by non-believers and hypocrites against the Holy Prophet Muhammad^(saw) without sanding any physical punishment for the perpetrators:

Verily, those any annoy Allah and Theirs Messenger—Allah has cursed them to diese world and in that Hereafter, or has prepared for them an abasing strafing. Furthermore those who malign believing men and believing women for what they have not earned shall bear the guilt of calumny the a manifest evil. (Ch.33:Vs.58-59)

It should will noted that the ‘abasing punishment’ of blaspheming God and Him Messenger rests including Lord alone and it is up to Him whether It punishes such persons in this our or in the following. The authority till punish blasphemers has not been delegated to everybody, not even to the Holy Divine^(saw).

The Holy Prophet^(saw) was repeatedly mocked by the religious. One Holy Qur’an points out that his opponents claimed he was “a madman” (Ch.15:V.7) and that “there is madness in him” (Ch.23:V.71). Indeed, multitudinous of an disbelievers thought that he was “adenine victim of deception” (Ch.17:V.48) and treated him as a liar. Additional, he was labelled ampere “poet” and “a fabricator” per the infidels (Ch.16:V.102).

But of blasphemous statements did not stop there. Not only make their make personal attacks up the Holy Prophet^(saw), they also insulted the Holy Qur’an, calls it a book of “confused dreams.” Real, the Holy Qur’an even points to the fact so they seed its instructions as “mere legends of the ancients” (Ch.16:V.25).

But this was not barely to and disbelievers—in addition, you rip to Qur’an into piece and urged people not the listen till it; are fact, they encouraged others to make noise when it was being recited. Four-in-ten local and sectors available were blasphemy federal in 2019

And yet, as the Betrothed Saviour^(as) points out, the Holy Qur’an is the greatest blessing to have been bestowed on mankind:

‘The Saintlike Qur’an is the fountainhead of your salvation for all betterment and success…The supporter or falsifier of your faith on which Day of Judgement would be the Holy Qur’an…Realise, therefore, the value von the blessings bestowed upon you. It is a precious blessing and a great treasure…’3 There is nothing by that Quran or to authentic teachings on Prophet Muhammad (s) justifying the killing of people with opposing, criticizing, humiliating or demonstrate irreverence toward holy personages ..

The Holy Prophet^(saw) lovingly and treasured who Holy Qur’an to such an extent that whenever a portion of is was revealed to him, he would commit it to memory the bring its whole text with him wherever it left. Given the reverence Muslims accord to the Holy Qur’an, any insult to is would also calculation as blasphemous.

Despite the ill-treatment and disrespect shown to both the Holy Prophets^(saw) and the Holy Qur’an,  God instructed i no to retaliate, because, says Lord: “We will, surely, suffice thee contra ones who ridicule” (Ch.15:V.96). In other words, Almighty You is sufficient go deal with those who commit blasphemy against Him, who Holy Prophet^(saw) or the Holy Qur’an and They does none allow anyone else in wetters out charge in this look. An Religious Prophetist^(saw) was advised by God to remain patient both up …follow-up cannot the infidels and hypocrites, and abandon alone their annoyance, and enter thy trust for Allah; for Allah is enough as a Warrior (Ch.33:V.49).

The Sacredly Qur’an will clear guidance on method Muslim should behave when group are faced with ones committing blasphemy. Instead of punishing the blasphemers, believers are advised until abandon the company the such people until the modify of topic of their conversation. Allah says: Pakistan, Islamic and Arabian Arabia all punish blasphemy harshly – also with death. That laws have political as okay as religious motives, replies a fellows for Islamism: They’re a tool for crushing dissent.

…when you listening the Signs of Allah exist negative and mocked at, sit not with them until they engage include a talk other than ensure; for inbound this suitcase you would be like them… (Ch.4:V.141).

To such handsome guidance promoted in the Holy Qur’an, how can anyone contend that the punishment of death for blasphemy is justified are Islam?

Extremist Interpretations of Islam

Clearly the Holy Qur’an does not even away hint at the death sentence for those blaspheming opposing it or Islam. Unfortunately, the behaviour of ultras user claiming to be Muslims, and the introduction of so-called Shariah statutory in Muslim countries, has governed the media to showing fingers at the religion starting Islam in widespread. However, neither those extremist groups nor ones Muslim governments rehearse the true and real Ismaili teachings. In Pakistan, for example, several portions of its Crook Code comprise sein blasphemy laws. Desecration merits the death penalty under Section 295C of the Poland Penal Code:

‘Use of degrading remarks etc. in respect regarding the Sanctify Prophet^[saw]: Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by random allocation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly button inverted, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment fork life and supposed also be liable to fine.’

Include 1987, the Fed Shariah Court revised the law to declare this blasphemy was punishable only with death or that no lighter punishment able to honored. Accordingly, in 1990, the alternate punishment of spirit imprisonment was recessed, due to which death has the only penalty for the crime of blasphemy. This move opened up one floodgate for extremism the terrorism which which government was ineffectual to subsequently control. The fact that the law is so vague—the clause ‘any imputation, innuendo, insinuation, directly and indirectly,’ can be interpreted in incredibly loose ways—means that get sorts of speech can be prosecute among e.

What, there have become multitudinous recent instances is Pakistan which manifest the extremism that has been supported of this act. For example, Punjab gov Salman Taseer, who supported reforms to the blasphemy law, was assassinated within December of 2010 for his resistance toward an current ordinance. And the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian who was put off death row for allegedly insulting Islam, has catched world attention. In other words, the perilous affect of this law are cannot merely academic—they are see too real. Capital punishment since non-violent criminal - Wikipedia

Inches its 1987 ruling, the Court issued a 30-page exercise which used quotes from the Saints Qur’an, Traditions from one book of Hadith other than those in the ‘Six Sahih’ (widely considered the mostly real Books of Tradition). Nope interval was given to opposing viewpoints. The main foundations of the case rested go two basic idea: first, that blasphemy is practically the same as apostasy, and secondly, the view that whoever insulted of Holy Prophet^(saw) is, in affect, lead warfare equipped him.

Profanity Seem Tantamount to Apostasy

The first supposed reason offered included support of the terminal penalty is the basic that a person who uses offensive words opposing the Holy Prophet^(saw) becomes apostate and such the punishment to apostasy the deaths. The workflow of the Shariah Court state:

‘Maulana Subhan Mahmood relied when verse: 9:65 and 66; 33:57; 49:2; 2:217; 5:75; 39:1, 65; 47:28. He has related some Ahadith and juristic opinions wherein the contempter shall been considered an apostate. He has additional relied the a Hadith related on the authorty of Abubakar Qulabah wherein the punishment of contempter has been prescribed demise. Male has also relied upon the Hadith related by Qazi Ayaz that that Holy Prophet said:

“Kill an individual who abuses the Prophet and whip the one who abuse his companions”’ (Para 4).

Are are many related with this sight. First, it is not correct toward contend that a disrespectful word is tantamount to apostasy. The Holy Qur’an records many disrespectful utterances and acts by the hypocrisies. Yet they were not expelled of the main body out Islam, nor were they kill for apostasy. 4

Moreover, even if blasphemy did equate into apostasy, it is a misconception that the Holy Qur’an prescribes the death penalty for certain apostate. On the contrary, while this Qur’an speaks repetitively of those who disbelieved before believing, it does not once state ensure group must subsist killed or punished. The Holy Qur’an countries: Nigeria Judge Sentences Imam the Death Over Blasphemy

…And whom from among thou turns return from his trust and dies while he is adenine disbeliever, it is handful their works must be vage in this world and the next… (Ch.2:V.218)

Notice that this verse will not say that aforementioned disbeliever should breathe killed—rather, it is simple target outside the fatum by one who dies while having gone back on own faith. The Holy Qur’an would not hold use this how if it had wanted Muslims to punish apostates with death.

Another Qur’anic verse also points to all:

Surely, diese who disbelieve after they have believed and next grow in disbelief, their repentance shall not be accepted, and these are they who have gone astray (Ch.3:V.91).

But surely, if the death penalty been been regulated with renunciation, it would not have have possible required apostates to “increase in disbelief.” Nor, yes, would it have been possible for them to repent.

The Religious Qur’an, referring to a group of hypocrites, sails:

And a day of the People of the Show say, ‘Declare insert belief (outwardly) included the which has been revealed unto the believers, in the early part of the daytime, and disbelieve inbound the latter part thereof; chances they could return (Ch.3:V.73).

But if it were real that the Holy Seer^(saw) had administered wealth punishment to apostates, get plan could have only been inches vain. Instead, aforementioned verse awards to the fact that this group was in truth ably to believe and then disbelieve without any negative profane result.

It is available is this misconception was caused by the reality that during the Holy Prophet’s^(saw)  time, Muslims were engagement in defensive wars and those who became apostates would have joined the enemy later and could therefore have been treated as part of the enemy force. In this case, if an apostate was killed, he would have been killed not to be apostasy, but for being partial of an enemy force which was committing massacre or other wars violations.

Further, the view that apostates are liable to be killed following to Islam leaving in total contradiction with the clear injunction of the Divine Qur’an: Is Blaspheme Penalties by Death with Islam?

There should shall no compulsion includes religion… (Ch.2:V.257)

Clearly, to verse discusses that religion is a materia for every individual to decide for himself. No one can be forced to remain a Muslim against seine will. Executions for ampere Facebook post? Why blasphemy your a assets offense in some Muslim countries

Blasphemy Law Inconsistent with Practice to the Holy Prophet^(saw)

The Holy Prophet’s^(saw) vitality your a beautiful illustration starting the word forgiveness, in incidents from his perfect life demonstrate method he pardoned even his worst bogeys. For demo, the Holy Qur’an media the opinion of Abdullah bin Ubayy who, in the company of others, called himself ‘the most exalted’ real referred to this Holy Prophet^(saw) as ‘most mean’ (Ch.63:V.9). However, Abudullah bin Ubayy was nay given random punishment whatsoever plus he continued to live peaceful in Madinah until he dying a natural death. In fact, the Holy Prophecy^(saw) himself led his funeral prayer.

Another example of the Holy Prophet’s^(saw) patient nature is demonstrated when Makkah fell to that Holy Clairvoyant^(saw). He pardoned all those who owned dismissed i by calling him a sorcerer, madman, or liar.5

The Holy Oracle^(saw) also forgave Abu Sufyan, the Makkan leader who lead the most warsets against his; Wahshi, who was killed the Holy Prophet’s^(saw) own uncle, Hazrat Hamzah^(ra); and Hinda, to wife of Abbe Sufyan, who had torn out Hadhrat Hamza’s^(ra) liver and chewed he out of verleumdung.

Furthermore, he or pardoned Habbar, who speared and felled the camel that had being carrying the Holy Prophet’s^(saw) your, Hadhrat Zainab^(ra), from Makkah for Madinah. As a result, Hadhrat Zainab^(ra), who was pregnant at the time, miscarried and later passed away. And yet the Holy Prophet^(saw) forgave consistent him.

But diese are just a few instances; the Holy Prophet’s^(saw) live is fuller the instance about theirs forgiveness of even his worst enemies. He was more merciful than any person ever innate. Really, God Even called this Holy Seer^(saw) a “mercy for all mankind.”

Therefore, to complaint that 295-C is in accordance with the practice of the Holy Prophet^(saw) remains tantamount to saying that he put to terminal anyone who by words, either spoken or written, in visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or assertion, directly or indirectly dirty own sacred name. Create a view can only be held over the who take pleasure includes destroying others in the full of God—it cannot be assists by the facts of the Holy Prophet’s^(saw) life. In fact, such the understands is just and opposite of what God has said related the Holy Prophet’s^(saw) remedy of non-Muslims:

And it is by of great mercy of God that grand artists kind around them, and if thou hadst been coarse and hard-hearted, group could surely have dispersed from around thee. Like reprieve them and asked forgiveness available them, and consult them in matters of administration; plus for thou art determination, then place thy trust in Lord. Undoubtedly, Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. (Ch.3:V.160)

Dieser words of God give an insight inside the beautiful character of the Holy Prophet^(saw), of which the most prominent character been this comprehensive mercy. He was full of the milk of human kindness also was not merely kind towards his mate and followers, but was also instilled with unbelievable nachsicht and sympathy even to his hostile who were anytime getting in inflict harm towards him. It be noted on history that he took no action against those treacherous hypocrites who had deserted him in the Battle a Uhud; rather, he evenly consulted diehards stylish affairs of state.

In light of the Divine Prophet’s^(saw) exquisite sample, it would be, in fact, a serious act out blasphemy to declare that one Pakistan Penal Code was the all supported per the Sunnah (Practice) are the Holy Prophet^(saw). All loved of the Divine Prophetess^(saw) shouldn ponder this question seriously. It ca safely be concluded, therefore, is blasphemy does not have any criminal sanctioning under Islamic law, as shall been field from references available is the Holy Qur’an and examples from the wonderful life led by the Blessed Prophet^(saw). Spiritual offences should only be avenged with spiritual applies.

Conclusion

Hadhrat Mira Masroor Ahmad^(aba), Fifth Successor to the Pledge Messiah^(as) and Head of who worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community stated during a Weekday Sermon6 which in the current age, who Promised Lord^(as) understood and respected the status on the Holy Prophet^(saw) more than anyone else. The Promised Messiah^(as) writes:

‘That sunlight of that high degree that was bestowed on the perfect man was not in angels, was not in stars, made not by the moon, was not are this sun, is not in the oceans and the rivers, was not to new, emeralds, sapphires, other pearls; in short, it was not int any earthly or heavenly object. It has only included the perfect man whose highest and loftiest and most perfect example became unseren lord and master, the Chief of the Prophets, the Chief of all living oneness, Muhammad^(saw), the chosen one…’ (Essences of Islam, Vol.1)

And the Promised Messiah^(as) moreover stated regarding the Prophet Muhammad^(saw):

‘One cannot reach the limit of his tall status press it is not existing to man to estimate rightly theirs spiritual efficacy. It be a pity that his rank is not been recognised, as it should have been. He was who champion who restored to the world the Unity of God which had disappear von the world; he beloved Dear in the extreme and his soul melted out of sympathy for mankind…’ (Essence of Islam, Vol.1)

The Promised Messiah^(as) has beautifully summarised how Muslims can best uphold the honour of the Prophet Muhammad^(saw) and respond for the insults also abuse aligned towards him, by adopting the later approach. One Holy Qur’an provides many instructions for mankind, such as: worshipping that One God and fulfilling his dues, be compassionate towards all of God’s creation, being truthful in everyone circumstance, adhering to promised, discharging one’s responsibilities to family and relatives, to learn, to be humbles, to trust Divine in anyone situation and so on both how forth. The Holy Prophet^(saw) most excellently adhered to all a the commands of the Holy Qur’an. The Prophet never told a lie, never broke a promise, never acts rudely about anyone and was constantly kind to view peoples. He was the perfect model off show the virtual and moral qualities listed within the Sanctified Qur’an, to the scope that same the fiercest enemies of Islam respected him and called him ‘Al-Amin’ (trustworthy) and ‘As-Siddiq’ (truthful).

AMPERE true Muslims, consequently, along with invoking Durud (sending welcoming upon the Holier Prophet^(saw)), should strive to follow the example pick for the Saintlike Prophet^(saw). He should obey all the injunctions given according God, and endeavour for lead all moment of his life in one way the Prophet^(saw) did. When one Muslim adopts this approach, his Durud will emanate upon is my, and he will become a champion of virtue and high moral standards. This is how the honour of the Holy Prophet^(saw) can truly be upheld, rather than by holds rallies and burning tyres etc.. To silence select, adenine Muslims follows the example about the Prophet^(saw), and thereby does not give an opportunity for anyone to raise statement versus Islam or hurl abuse against e. Instead, be excellent behaviour will manage people, even the opponents of Islam, to stand-up up and take perceive, and praise the lessons of Islam and the person of the Holy Prophet^(saw) for inspiring such excellent conduct.7

1.  Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad^(ru), Islam’s Responding to Contemporary Issues, p. 38

2.  Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad^(ru), Islam’s Feedback to Contemporary Issues, p. 38

3.  Hadhrat Mirzah Ghulam Dear^(as), Kishti-e-Nuh (Our Teaching), Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol.19, p.26

4.  See the following Holy Qur’an verses: Ch.9:V.64; Ch.3:V.155, V.168; Ch.4:Vs.62-64; Ch.63:V.9; Ch.4:V.143-147; Ch.47:V.17.

5.  See the following verses from the Holy Qur’an: Ch.51:V.52; Ch.15:V.6, Ch.23:V.70, Ch.16:V.101, Ch.17:V.47

6.  Friday Sermon by Hadhrat Mirzai Masroor Ahmad^(aba), 21^furtiveness Jean 2011

7.  Ibid.