- Respecting the law
Allah says in the Holy Quran Surah Anbiyah 107, “We sent thee not save as a mercy for the peoples”. This verse of the Holy Qur’an clearly and emphatically designates the quality of mercy as the most consequential and the most prominent feature in the character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It also emphasises the need of mercy as the most pressing and crucial for mankind. The need for mercy has no historic limits or geographical boundaries.
Indeed it gives significant dimensions of benevolence that were bestowed as key attributes to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). We as Muslims believe that there is no God worthy to be worshiped but Allah, and we bear witness that Muhammad is the last messenger of Allah. Muhammad (PBUH) indubitably is lord of both the worlds, the lord of men and all the hidden powers. Indeed he is our dearest to whom hopes can look forward, for succor and redress in all befalling calamities and sudden frights. This world and its counterpart owe their existence to our Prophet (PBUH). Even the pen and the board is the fragment of science our Prophet is master of.
Back in August provocative aims of Dutch MP Geert Wilder were exposed. The Dutch parliamentarian wanted to hold a sketch competition which was latterly cancelled on high legitimate demand of Muslims. Sketching or passing derogatory remarks about the Prophets is highly unacceptable and does not count in freedom of expression or speech. Non-Europeans and Europeans alike shred the human right to freedom of conscience and expression on a regular basis. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has repeatedly urged countries to criminalise defamation of religion, which in practice means outlawing nearly anything that hurts the sensibilities of a believer. The European Convention on Human Rights specifically reserves the right of its signatories to force citizens to shut up if their statements threaten “public safety” and “health or morals” or might cause, intentionally or otherwise, “disorder or crime.”
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is signed and ratified even by the United States, carves out an exception that allows infringement of speech “for the protection of public order, health, or morals.” Although under US law most attempts to limit speech would be unconstitutional, other countries have provisions to force your silence if what you say will hurt people’s feelings or make them mad enough to commit violence.
The apex court in the recent verdict acquitted the Christian woman Assia bibi who was accused of committing blasphemy. Fiona Bruce MP talking about Honorable Chief Justice Saqib Nisar and the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s verdict is of the view that the UK government had been waiting for such deliberate and strong stances. PM Theresa May expressed her positive sentiments too during PMQs in the House of Commons. The case was long pending since 2009 and met its fate in 2018. The accused was acquitted on the basis that firstly the two women who made accusations against her “had no regard for the truth”. Secondly the claim that she smeared Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was a “concoction incarnate”. Thirdly the lack of evidence and intensifying reasons of doubts left apex court with no option but to acquit her. The review petition has been filed in the above case which actually is the legal right so that justice could be served in the best way.
Enactment of section 295-c and its indulgence is essential to clear the concept of blasphemy laws
The decision provoked furious protest from the different segments of the society. Indeed this matter is very sensitive and it must be safeguarded that there are no loop holes left. The country remained under clouds for three days after the decision. The roads were blocked, transportation was choked and internet remained suspended.
Enactment of section 295-c and its indulgence is essential to clear the concept of blasphemy laws. There are two main sources of Islamic law, one is the Holy Quran and other is Sunnah. Sense of ambiguity prevails amongst the different segments of society about nature of punishment. There is a difference of opinion over the subject, either death punishment should be awarded to a person who has committed blasphemy or not. Honorable Supreme Court inciting the verses from Holy Quran has rightly interpreted. The verses of Holy Quran prescribes severe punishment of death for the opponents of Allah and his Prophet (PBUH) who include contemnors of the Prophet (PBUH) .Thus, no one by words — either spoken or written — directly or indirectly, is allowed to disobey, disregard and rebel against the holy name of Prophet Muhammad and if found guilty of disrespecting the name they are liable to be punished.
Islam as stipulated in Holy Book “Quran” teaches us, amongst many other virtues, to live in peace and harmony, with compassion and love to our other fellow human beings. The sanctity of our Prophet Muhammad is evident from the Qalimah-e-Shahadat, as his name is being read together with Allah, thus ultimate care and great importance should be drawn while taking this name. No one should be allowed to defy the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and be left unpunished, but there is another aspect of the matter; sometimes, to fulfill nefarious designs the law is misused by individuals leveling. false allegations of blasphemy. Lets’ just pledge that we would never compromise anything derogatory towards our beloved Prophet (PBUH), if proved.
