Dr Zakir Naik is an extremely popular TV evangelist, much like the late Ahmed Deedat. Their specialty (other than Islamic sermons) has been comparative religion debates with experts and religious leaders of other faiths. But Dr Zakir Naik shares with Aasia Bibi more than he probably, or she herself, even realises. Aasia Bibi, a low-income Pakistani Christian, is the woman who has been sentenced to death for blasphemy recently.
That’s not to suggest that Dr Zakir has ever blasphemed against the Holy Prophet (pbuh). He hasn’t. But part of his bread and butter is championing other religions as false, as his opponents do to his religion.
When two ardent supporters of different creeds engage in religious debate, primarily for the purpose of proving the other one wrong, things get testy and become laden with emotion. This is partly demonstrated by the difficulty of framing hate speech laws so that they do not incite religious hatred while trying to find ways to create caveats for religious debates because, by their very nature, they rely on outright denunciation as each believes there is only one road to salvation. While not perfect, at least a secular social scientist interested in comparative religion has a more detached view, interested in the details of comparison and not the pursuit of divine validity.
So here is where Aasia Bibi comes in. Women in her village were trying to get her to convert to Islam for some time. She held out and chose not to debate it but would only say she wouldn’t because she was comfortable with her faith. Then, the details of which are still sketchy, the unequal and discriminatory facets of Pakistani society came into play. As a Christian and, I presume, because of some of her racial characteristics she was considered less equal by the Muslims of her village.
She was unduly asked to fetch water for the Muslim women and when she did they complained it was unclean because of her touch. After subjecting her to the force of their nauseating moral majority, they ignorantly added insult and indignity to the equation. Then they asked her to convert again. If only someone had taught these women that such charming behaviour rarely causes anyone to convert from one religion to another.
Finally, Aasia Bibi defended herself and her religious choice, probably with lots of pent up anger at her inhuman treatment. The crux of the case lies here, the other women may have thought that Aasia Bibi’s laudatory words for Jesus may have meant she didn’t think in the same way for Islam. Which, of course, she doesn’t, because she is not a Muslim.
Now look at this implication of the blasphemy law in Pakistan. Keep this in mind, Christians think Jesus as the greatest man while Muslims feel the same for Mohammed (pbuh). Now ask a Christian, “In light of your knowledge of Mohammed (pbuh), who is the best man who ever lived?”
If the Christian’s answer is in line with his religious dogma, he can be put to death. It’s 295-C taken to the legal extremities of its philosophy. The law is not just about outright, inflammatory or hateful blasphemy but even inferences from normal discussions between non-Muslims and Muslims. All you need is someone to litigate.
That’s why Dr Zakir Naik, whom Pakistanis watch with great relish on cable from international channels, can never have a comparative religion debate in Pakistan. Whoever he goes up against can be prosecuted for proselytising against Islam or thinking less of the Prophet (pbuh) because they have stated why they believe in something else. Aasia Bibi, on the other hand, was indirectly forced into that position. Maybe Zakir Naik needs to be the one defending Aasia Bibi, since, ironically, his bluster is based on the religious freedom he has in India.
In Aasia’s case, there are a lot of mitigating circumstances, the judge who passed her sentence had an angry mob outside his courts and she was mentally tortured into finally speaking up for herself. Otherwise, I am sure she also knew that the only good Christian in Pakistan is a mute one, weak and meek.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 23rd, 2010.
Fasi Zaka has explained the blasphemy law with simplistic beauty. Great read. Bravo
very well written article…no doubt after dawn its express tribune newspaper to luk after in pakistan
Don’t hold your breath on that one. Dr. Zakir Naik isn’t exactly the greatest advocate of muslims and non-muslims living together in peace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jYUL7eBdHg
I am a Muslim, but him as a religious leader and respected scholar? I reject that notion.
He has been banned from the UK. So many people in Pakistan hero worship him. Someone needs to start a dialogue on that. Even people who haven’t seen his speeches like him because everyone else says he’s great. Blindly following this man needs to stop. He preaches falsely about Islam.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10349564
Isn’t it kinda obvious that the writer is a columnist? why say it?
Didnt see it that way! great write up.
I don’t know what else do we have . . . proclaiming ourselves divine right and others outright transgressor. I find it true not only in religious beliefs but also in our routine discussions that we have on streets and roads. The seeds sown since 1950 and our relentless watering have now been bearing all sorts of colourful fruits. Enjoy 🙂
Great Article! One of your best.
Too bad not many have the sense to understand it.
Great article. Just like us, everybody feels that their religion is the correct one. I have seen people provoke others from minority religions in Pakistan by constantly telling them how they are wrong, and how foolish their beliefs are. I fail to understand how this will ever make them want to convert to Islam. And while we can openly mock their beliefs, all it takes is a sudden outburst from them to get a death sentence. Context is important, and so is the level of freedom to minorities that we expect Muslim minorities to get in other countries.
The traditional Deobandi, Ahle Hadees and Barelwi mullahs have actually declared Dr. Zakir a fitna. Dr. Zakir can never preach Islam in Pakistan. Even the very polite Ghamidi is living in exile after recieving death threats.
Excellent article as always. Exposing the hypocrisies that our people relish so ‘islamically’. And i really didn’t understand not letting the poor woman take water from the same well. It’s like a lethal mixture of some age old caste practices combined with religious and racist hatred for anyone who doesn’t look (or think) like one of them.
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‘Most’ muslims very well feel joy when it comes to ridiculing the gods of Hinduism but when the tables are turned they convert into holy beasts hell bent to take God’ revenge ( end with saying Islam is a religion of peace. THE IRONY!). Humans doing God’s work .
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For me Islam is not so weak that it would shatter and the faith destroyed just because some mortal decided to utter a few words against it. The ‘ghairatmand’ individuals themselves are enemies of the faith.
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and yes these evil Blasphemy laws should be repealed ASAP – if pakistanis want to see a ‘moderate’ rather than an extremist Pakistan ( if it already isn’t one)
It was a pity to see the poor lady claiming her innocence by going against her religion and saying stuff which she obviously doesn’t believe. Sad. She needs to be released – the laws, abolished!
Why would Dr. Naik, disingenuous person masquerading as an aalim who does respect the very first tenet of Islam, stand up against bigotry and hatred? One can’t expect such narrow-minded people to bring about the change all of a sudden. You write well Mr. Zaka, but this one article only up pumps Dr. Naik’s super inflated ego.
Unfortunately, the battle will only be won when a society understands that persecuting and putting someone to death for their opinions and beliefs is fundamentally wrong. Arrogance and ignorance, the evil allies and harbingers of human suffering, can only be overcome through acts of humility, kindness, forgiveness and with an unrelenting jihad of pen. Pakistani society has a long, uphill battle to realize the true enlightenment of Islam. Many innocents Aasias will have shed their blood to teach the Muslims that there is no coercion in religion and that hanging to death in the name of Islam will only make people more repulsive to Islam.
Until the, we should be fearful of the fate of Aasia Bbi, her family and other such victims from the frenzied, coward mob of holier than thous, including the mullah, the politicians, the judiciary, the police, and the educated, the uneducated, the rich and the poor.
I pray that God helps the innocent victims and renders justice for them. Ameen.
kaaba kis munh se jaaoge Ghalib, sharam tumko magar nahi aati
Hey Fasieh,
I should say you did a good job as usual… hope people in Pakistan get their facts clear and could behave like a civilized nation.
i am not that good in writing stuff but one thing i would like to say is that we shouldn’t judge people with their religion.
Great article. Such injustices are pathetic. It’s about time we moved to a secular society to free the minds of people from this blinding cruelty caused by their faiths!
Nice column!
Totally agree with your point of view. We live in an “Islamic” society where Muslims are ready to slaughter each other for the length of their beards…how do you expect Christians and other minorities to survive in this environment of hate and violence. Our mullahs who prey on the uneducated masses have totally lost the meaning of the Prophet’s (PBUH) message of tolerance and forgiveness. May God help us….
Just a matter of boundary. The same act but different treatment.
Khal Nayak would definitely not do anything. That mosquito is only good for one thing.
Khoon Choosna.
Once again a pointless and irrelevant article by Fasi Zaka, may I ask why is Zakir Naik been attacked personally and where does Ahmed Deedat come into picture?
I am a muslim, the housemaid that works in my house is a christian, few office boys at my work place are christians and I persoanlly treat them with respect. I am also onine member of Amnesty International and doing my bit by sending appeal to the authorities to look into the case of Asia Bibi and take corrective actions to overhaul the blashphemy laws. I am not a big fan of Zakir Naik either, nor do I listen to him regularly/occasionally.
Having stated that, Mr. Fasi should have done better instead to raise awareness among general public to treat christian minority with respect and equality. But in line with our mentality the choice was to personally attack Zakir Naik/Ahmed Deedat, who have nothing to do with this case.
Lets just get our act together, focus on the wider issue and let the message through to the public/Muslims of Pakistan to treat the minorities with respect (Which Islam truly propagate). No violence against christians.
“, the judge who passed her sentence had an angry mob outside his courts”
-That is the point Mr. Fasi, what are you doing to get the message through to that mob, that christians cannot be attacked and persecuted? Do some good, does this article contribute to the solution of the problem? (problem: in Pakistan christians are persecuted sometimes). If not, than you are being part of the problem too.
In the opening line you start with Zakir Naik/Ahmed Deedat, while I can’t connect the dots, and it does not make sense to me.
The most original and insightful piece of writing I have read in the past few years, totally turns the traditional debate on the blasphemy laws on its head.
Thanks!
Not again. First of all poor logic and comparing apples with oranges. “Comparative religion Vs Blasphemy”. OMG.
Secondly, he needs to, not only read article 295 but should seek its explanation first from some good lawyer. Article 295 to 298 are relevant to whatever point Fasi is trying to make and also its relevant to this specific case. Here Im attaching a paragraph from the verdict of supreme court of Pakistan in 1993 in Zaheer ud Din and others case while explaining the article 298.
“—Art. 20— Penal Code (XLV of 1860), Sc. 298-B & 298-C— Freedom of religion—Principles—Freedom of religion is not allowed to interfere with the law and order or public peace and tranquillity—Freedom of religion is based on the principle that the State will not permit anyone to violate or take away the Fundamental Rights of others, in the enjoyment of his own rights and that no one can be allowed to insult, damage or defile the religion of any other class or outrage their religious feelings, so as to give rise to law and order situation—Whenever the State has reasons to believe, that the peace and order will be disturbed or the religious feelings of others may be injured, so as to create flaw and order situation, it may take such minimum preventive measures as will ensure law and order. (P.1765)DD”.
This is the explanation of freedom of speech contrary to the one portrayed by “MeLord Fasi Zaka”. And if u see the behavior of Zakir Nayek that is entirely according to this law.
Now, as far as 295 C is concerned, here is the text of 295 C,
Sec.295-C.
Use of derogatory remark etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet: Whoever 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 the Holy prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
Now I dont understand from where Fasi has taken the interpretation of 295 C in this form that if some non muslim considers that Jesus was the best person, then it will be the abrogation of 295 C.
As far as decision under the pressure of a mob is concerned, again Fasi’s observation is not correct as the punishment under 295C is given by a senior judge not by a magistrate. See below
“Cases under section 295, 295-A, 296, 297, 298, 298-A, 298-B & 298-C, P.P.C, are tried by the court of Magistrate, while the cases punishable under sections 295-B & 295-C of P.P.C, in which a greater punishments are provided, are tried by the court of Sessions which always consist of senior and experienced Judges. Chapter XXII-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure deals with trial before High Courts and Courts of Sessions and provides procedure for the same”.
From a senior session judge its not expected that he will give decisions under pressure. For the sake of argument if we still accept the logic that a session judge can still be pressurized then why not the defendant goes to an even higher court?
(May be a judge like Fasi will give the verdicts under the pressure of mobs).
And fortunately in this very incident there is no such report of harassment by people to the judge or other people supporting the defendants in the case.
Please stop misguiding people. If someone has used a law wrongly then its not the fault of the Law. Its the fault of the system.
Hopefully there will be no knives and scissors in Fasi’s house because they kill so many people in the world.
Nice article but no facts. The article comprises of news reports only.
I can understand that probably Aasia Bibi is being manipulated by the big wigs of her village. But it is high time when our so called intellectuals start understanding how to keep two different things different. I believe Aasia’s conviction has nothing to do with Islam. And I wish that the columnist and readers realise the same. I firmly believe that we must understand the importance of Educating our masses instead of having pointless debates over Islam.
@Faran Hassan, I wish I could have clicked like button for your comment. I wish that you put this comment as a blog entry itself.
Thanks.
you can not compare Dr.ZAKIR NAIK with aisia bibi……..i think it’s a ridiculous comparison…..i think the writer does not realize that zakir naik is a true Muslim hero and a great example in today’s world’s for the Muslims to follow…..
Good article
but one thing I thought I should point out….only because in order to prove how evil we Pakistani Muslims are….liberals seem to distort facts. Asia Bibi was reported to have insulted Muhammed…..quite a bit. Not only praised Jesus. \
Does that mean I think the whole scenario is fair? No. BUt I dont think the facts should be left out for your convienience. Yes, call me an extremist.
why is zakir naik being attacked here???i ask you why???what link does he have to this case in pakistan???why are people attacking DR.ZAKIR NAIK ruthlessly in the comments???shame on all of you guys……….
She doesn’t deserve death for defending her own faith… She should be let free!
Come on Fasi! be pragmatic. Clerics like Zakir Naek are not to put out the fire but to fan the flames. A close observation of the media onslaught will reveal that misuse of media by clerics and even some so called anchorpersons has given birth to the present monstrous shape of blasphemy laws.
Will you kindly tell the readers including me a very basic logic WHY BLASPHEMY INCIDENTS TAKE PLACE ONLY IN SOME DISTRICTS OF PUNJAB??? Sindh has a considerable population of Hindu and other minorities. Similar is the case with Balochistan. May i humbly mention that a large population of Sikhs live in Waziristan, the den of Pakistani Taliban! No such case has been reported from there.
Dear columnist
No mattervwhat you say Muslims take great pleasure in showing their violent side
They simply fail to understand that they are defaming Islam.mr naik is not doing Islam any good he plays to a biased audience and just Preaches the converted
poor innocent woman…..shame on all ‘muslim’ and this nation for miss treating woman like that and hame on that judge who fears a mob out site the court to decide in favor of innocent….
Serisously Mr Writer, you should simplify what you write. Not everyone is as educated as you and if you want a large target audience…you have to be able to appeal to your readers. Simplifying your vocabulary is a start.
The question is simple…..Do our law makers, specifically from the so called secular parties, have the guts to repeal these repressive and fascist laws?
I, sadly speaking, do not think so.
I envy you pakistan! My country don’t have a fasi who dare to say a spade as a spade! Great Work fasi! It would take great courage to stand and speak the truth when everybody goes with the mainstream! Write this kind of nuetral article which make people think and realise what they is wrong?
Muslims around the world are at loosing end now days, so to prove our respect for the modern and civilized society we have to go with the prevailing sentiments. To be an intellectual or a columnist, one only needs to become part of the campaign to depict Islam as a religion from the age of ignorance. Brothers we need to educate the people and ourself first what a true Islam is!I am not defending what the village women did to poor Aasia Bibi that might have fulminated her against the Prophet (saw) but we must look into the incidence with all due respects. Blasphemy law often comes under criticism after such incidences. We have to create at least a level of awareness among the masses through the media about the real Islam instead of mere criticism.
We should treat Asia, as prophet muhammad treated with the old woman of Makkah, She used to throwing garbage on prophet but when she was ill prophet looked after her. And should treat Asia as prophet treat with the people of Taa’ aif,
i guess, everyone has equal freedom of speech as others have… what fasi zaka, with due respect, talked all about was his own opinion nad he can share these with others. my viewpoint is that he gave the reference of dr. zakir naik, its his perception but kindly ponder he is giving you food for thought. it might be offended for those who like him. but it is requested to see thid article neutrally……see both sides of the coin….he has just pin pointed the point of morality and with due respect to those who actually got offended, read this column in a gernal prespective…..i must say that fasi zaka’s effort is good and i appreciate him on his viewpoint….i can also be wrong somwhere, if it so,, my apologies for all…..but that’s what i think….
thanks
Regards…
MEHRU KHAN:DDDDD
Cheeers….
people think that its the blasphemy law thats causing miscarriage of justice . The moment this law is repealed people like Asia would be saved from prosecution. The fact of the matter is that in absence of such law people will take law into their hands and anybody acccused of such an offence would be facing street justice.Present law provides all the safeguards to the accused to which he is entitled for example to defend through a lawyer of choice , right of cross examination,appeals against conviction etc.History is replete with exampled when there is no law to protect the respect of the holy prophet muchmore voilent methods were methods to deal with such a situation.Choice is to be made between state law or lynch law.
@Muhammad Faran Hassan! you did good to give some reference regarding laws of blasphemy in Pakistan constitution. At the end of your comment you said that if any body using these laws with wrong motives then it is not fault of law but fault of system. So i will request to law maker that we should amend these laws.
The sentences regarding these laws are very harsh and we should moderate these punishments. Because in this system there is no way of rational understanding and respect of prophethood of Muhammad (P.B.U.H) even people disgraced prophet who are belong to sectarian and religion organization of the same faith i.e.Islam. Fasi Zaka is right that most of the cases of blasphemy reported in rural area of Punjab where people are illiterate and personal bias and use these laws to take revenge of their insults. for example incident of Gujra.
In our society these laws used to provoked and set a dominance of religion but in other countries these law promulgated to keep religion harmony. In other countries religion pluralism is broadly understanding by people but in Pakistan there is immense clash on faith base sectarian groups and other curse of religion extremism. There is need to overhaul all religion pattern of society by strong intervention of the Government to wipe out criminal in disguise of religion.
Opinion sans vitriol. It IS one of your best.
If the narration of Aasia Bibi true in this article then we all stand guilty. That is if this is all true. Secondly, I dont understand the part of bringing Dr. Zakir Naik in this case. If anyone should do about this case, then its the people and leaders of Pakistan.
I enjoy Dr. Naik as I believe what he says, which is the most important part. We have to accept the truth irrespective who says it. He may be harsh in his tone but a truth is a truth. If someone says that his claims are false, then please back it up with facts. I know some people in Pakistan do hate him but that majority is Shia sect. And about the UK ban, that should be simply toss out in a trash can.
Even if for the sake of argument we agree that Aasia Bibi is indeed guilty of defiling the name of the greatest person to have ever lived, who’s name cannot be defiled even if we try our best by the way, what logic applies that a woman with five kids be sentenced to death?
Would the great Muhammad (SAW) have sentenced a Jew, Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Kaafir woman to death for desecrating Him? No he wouldn’t have. The people of Taif stoned him and yet he prayed for their forgiveness. The old lady of Mecca threw garbage on him and he smiled. That’s what made him great, and that’s what defines his greatness. That’s why we love and remember him; not because he sent women with children to the gallows for abusing him.
If only we had the prudence of using logic with our interpretation of Islam, we would have been in such a better state today.
@ Muhammad Faran Hassan,
If any religion need state protection that mean it is on decline. It need crutchs to stand on its own two feet. Please start thinking out of this religious BoX.
If public opinion is any index- and the above stated comments prove abundant persuasions in favour of Asia Bibi’s extenating circumstance- then the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan should go ahead with granting clemency and pardon to Asia, the harassed Christian woman. President Zardari should also take a stand in the face of some ill educated clerics who seem to have misread the tenets of their religion.
Dear Uncle J
We have at least on occasion when the Prophet (SAW) had asked for a volunteer who would go and punish a Jewish of Khyber, the one Kaab bin Ashraf who used to abuse the Prophet. Islam is a balanced religion where not only Prophet Muhammad but all the prophets are equally revered. The instances you have quoted are from Makki period but once the Muslim state was established that derogation would never have bee accepted. What would you say on the famous case of Ghazi Alam Din Shaheed? whose case was fought by Quaid-e-Azam?
master piece FZ:)
btw, dr. Naik would have been punished some time ago, had leaders of religions that he condemns were nearly as intolerant…
Freedom of speech in Islam is one on the biggest reason why the Muslim world is in such a bad shape. We can say or make fun of any religion , but if someone says anything bad about ours .. he or she is punishable by death … Man what arrogance…
Dr Zakir says that Islam is 100% a true religion . How does he know ?.. How do we know ?? If a Hindu or a Jew claims the same thing .. then why are they wrong when they are as sure as Dr Zakir about their religion ?? We cannot question anything in Islam .. Why???
What if you were Born a Hindu .. Do you honestly think you would have thought of Islam as the right religion ?
.Don’t you think laws written 1400 years ago should be written reviewed again based on today’s time and age ??
Sun is a star and there are eight planets in our solar system ..Our Sun resides in a galaxy called Milky way and in our Galaxy there are more than 2 Billion Starts like Sun each with a set of planets .. and then there are BILLION of galaxies like the Milky way …. SO DON’T YOU THINK A GOD .. WHO CREATED ALL THIS should have a sense of understanding Billion of times greater than us ..Does he really want to punish a poor woman with kid just because she utter some words that Muslims don’t like ???
Dear Brthr, very much surprised over the collective behaviour of columnists. R u the one having knowledge of everything. if respectable court put some decision it means it will be a proofs based not like that media report
While this article is well meaning, How can Zakir naik (or anyone else) argue for Bibi & religious freedom in a country that was formed on the basis of Religion and promotes further divisions worldwide on the basis of religion (including Kashmir)?
Blasphemy laws are only symptomatic of an ideological country, whose parliament casually bars non-Muslims from getting to top offices, and its Chief Justice (a most respected man in pakistan and by all accounts an upright man) openly wonders “should we accept if tomorrow parliament declares secularism, and not Islam, as the state polity”!!
To be a truly modern state, Pakistan has to find a more broad based and stronger basis for its nationhood than just religion and opposing ‘hindu’ India. When that happens, religion will indeed become immaterial and all laws will be thrown out.
@Muhammad Faran Hassan
The hypotetical case presented in the article, and its answer by a Christian, explaining why Mohammed is not a Prophet in his eyes, creates the application of 295-C. It is an articulation of views that defiles the sacred name of the Holy prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) because it denies his right in the pantheon of greats as the greatest from his role of a Prophet, saying he is not worthy of that title.
Why Zakir Naik? The examples and traditions of our Holy Prophet (pbuh) exonerates Aasia Bibi.
Nice article Fasi… All I know about Zakir Naik is preaching Islam, Ratofy the books without logic doesnt make you a scholar. People like Zakir Naik just tries to gain popularity by talking to people who themselve doesnt try to open a single religious book to verify what they have been taught about their religion (Islam, Hinduism, Christianity etc).I agree with Fasi that championing other religions or caste is part of his bread and butter. I myself is not good in terms of religious knowledge but my senses does work as who should be followed or not and whats right and wrong. By keeping a beard, wearing a cap, giving good speeches doesnt make you a scholar. The problems with Muslims specially in India, Pakistan etc is whenever someone keeping a beard & wearing a cap starts to give religious speeches in a self promotional way, they start following him
I would like to paste a video link below and would request you all to go through it (Without keeping in mind that you are Shia or Sunni). A video about a Munazzara between a Shia Scholar and Zakir Naik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr8Pe1Ll56w&feature=related
Well Fasi well written article…..!
There is a fine distinction between Blasphemy and freedom of opinion which most of people tey to mingle to for satisfaction of their false religious sentiments……For heaven sake get global…..get rational
Enjoyed it! Zaki is Goooooooooooood!
Zakir Naik’s “fond” mention and so-called spiritual followers always remind me of the blind followers of another lady from Pakistan, Farhat Hashmi…..and how she instantaneously and rather sheepishly disappeared from the country, leaving behind a culture of women’s dars ( read latest version of the coffee morning/committee party/gheebat session)…now while the lady sits and sips tea on her porch somewhere in canada, we in pakistan suffer the wrath of her so-called and self-proclaimed intellectually spiritual students….
@Muhammad Imran Khan
Dear the punishment for blasphemy is set by Islam and not by our own opinions. Harshness of a sentence described in a law is always dependent upon the degree of a crime and not upon the environmental, mental and physical conditions of a particular defendant. These variables have to be taken into account by the person who is sitting in the position of a judge and he can reduce the punishment keeping in view the conditions surrounding a particular defendant.
If I agree to your comment and we reduce the sentence of this crime, then we will open space for the ones who actually want to disgrace our Prophet (PBUH).
As far as your argument is concerned that such crimes are normally reported in rural areas where people are illiterate is again something which I don’t agree to. These rural areas are not some deep forest villages of Africa. Tell me will Zaid living in such a village ignore a person who is abusing Zaid’s father?? Will he not come out and fight with him? And are there not such incidents where such fights even turn into a deadly enemity?
Will you ignore a person who is scolding your family? I dont know your answer but surely I’ll not.
As a muslim I love my Prophet more than my parents. We are hypocrites, we fight with the people who have minor differences with us, but when it comes to religion or Holy Prophet then we start remembering rational thinking which is absolutely a subjective term.
Good job fasi!!!
Having said that would like to suggest you to use simple words to enable more people hold it up.
Also role of Ahmedi Dedat not clarified in the whole article after just naming him.
Aasia Bibi – needs to be freed and protected, any ‘Muslim’ who assaults/attacks her can be considered to be outside the fold of Islam according to sharia as I understand it
@Sahar :
link text
check out the reply on the Ban
@Umari Malik & M Faran : Good one
Mr. Fasi Zaka has written a good article and has highlighted the fallacy in the arguments of the Mullah section of our population. The manner in which the obvious flaw in their understanding of Islam has been brought out is commendable. Objectively speaking too Islam is one of the most liberal of religions but has, unfortunately for all of us, been portrayed as biased, myopic and self-centered. This is not Islam and this is not what our Holy Prophet taught his followers. In fact as Muslims we are forbidden from speaking ill of any of the Prophets of the other revealed religions because these people are also our Prophets. Mr. Zakir Naik may have an excellent memory but he does no service to Islam by propagating views such as those in the link(s) provided by Sahar. Today we need scholars like Mr. Javed Ahmed Ghamidi and Dr. Khalid Zaheer-both enlightened, moderate and persuasive. For those interested a small write up by Dr. Zaheer on the question of Muslim/non- Muslim interaction can be found here: http://www.khalidzaheer.com/essays/kzaheer/social%20issues/nonmuslim_friends.html
May Allah show us the straight path.
Very well written
another shameful event in our history as if everything else that we do is not enough.
how can dr.zakir naik save aisia bibi?????does he know the details of this case????does he know aisia bibi???has he met the woman???does he know the villagers???
i think fasi is very illogical and seems to be out of his mind that he wants dr.naik to save aisia bibi…..is dr.naik a judge that he can save the woman????you are degrading dr.zakir naik for an ordinary woman like aisia bibi…shame on you……!!!
Job well done. It’s about time we stopped dictating others how to live. We as a nation, becoming isolated and frustrated with each passing day. And our rigid attitude towards freedom of others, has a big role in making it that way.
@ Muhammad Faran Hassan…
Cudn’t agree you more…ABSOLUTELY True…thanks brother for providing us wid all the details related to 295-C etc…hope people learn some lesson instead of jus whining about blasphemy laws without even knowing its reason, importance & background…
i believe those who never had chance to read Islam they should refrain using their common senses while commenting about ISLAM as you don’t expect any one from non medical background using common sense operates on you while you go through Heart attack, surgery, operation etc
Fasi Zaka is awesome!
Great article.
Another point I want to add. There is a HUGE poster while coming from work on one of the busiest streets in Bangalore which says,”Read the Quran, the most popular book in the world”.
There are no protests here, no one tears down the posters.
Can you put up a poster in Pakistan in Lahore, which says,”Read the Bhagvat Gita, the answer to all your ills” or “Read the Bible, the book of the true Religion”?
Only a border divides India and Pakistan, but in every way we are different countries.
Mr. Fasi you are behaving same like other NGO activists and so called secular minded people… You just have hear / read news and start writing articles…. Please do your home work take Book of blasphemy laws… read it carefully and then write another article… Tell me by GOD have to read this law??…. If some authorities / group of peoples / mullas / judge are misusing this law you will say oh law is wrong law is wrong…. be open minded here if there is mistake and if she is innocent this mistake lies in system in people not in law…. There are hundreds of cases in which innocent people given death sentence by these judges… some goes in appeal get relief some dont… what you say that too…. READ BELOW and DONT MISGUIDE people…
“”Use of derogatory remark etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet: Whoever 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 the Holy prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.””
@ Cehyr
Mohammad Faran’s legal cut and paste doesnt exonerate someone who answers the question in the article. Apologies, if you are a woman, but you if you werent an educated internet using person, you could easily have been one of the village women.
@Muhammad Faran Hassan Nicely explained. Most of the replied against Muhammad Faran bring nothing in legal context to the discussion but they are self opinion.
@Singh, if Islam is on decline you dont need to worry about commenting here. You can go and enjoy the country which supported the Gujrat Massacre.
@The Only Normal Person Here is dictating how we should live in Pakistan
@Mohammed Abbasi’s fatwa is without any reference.
I pray these Blasphemy Law are made part of penal code in all the countries of the World.
Then, by law if a Muslim were to slaughter a cow, he would’ve to be put to death because of hurting the sentiments of Hindus, as that’s tantamount to Blasphemy of Hindu beliefs.
Similarly if a Christian/Hindu/Jew/Buddhist/Zoroastrian were to convert to Muslim, then they would be tried under the same law, i.e Death for conversion to another faith!
Only then will the Takfiri Pakistani Muslims(because of whom Islam is ridiculed inthe world) come to know the sheer stupidity of this Barbaric MAN MADE Law.
Great article….lucid…!
illogical babbling from pseudo-intellectuals is an impediment to social progress in this country. It makes the job of getting rid of archaic laws like the blasphemy law that much harder. Think about it, in a country where 97% of the people are Muslims, you think you’re going to “bring about change” by regurgitating outdated liberal theories and bashing “respected” people? But so-called liberals have never made much sense, nor had much currency, nor will they ever. Thank god.
It’s about talking in terms that makes sense to the people, sense that they can relate to. Muslims have to understand that even if she did say something about The Prophet, sticking your head in the sand and going ape#$ is not the way to go about things. It retards intellectual growth and makes people lazy thinkers to the point where even if someone said horribly false things about The Prophet in an environment where people have the right to the stupid, they wouldn’t have the intellectual capability to combat such views. Besides, there are a hell of a lot of other things to focus on don’t you think? This goes for the pasaddi-intellectuals and the self-styled defenders of the faith.
Muslims should UNITE to avoid such Cases that has raised in the shape of Aasia’s Story. If we still not open our eyes we should be ready for such things in near feature.
Everyone has freedom of speech but not at the cost of using bull aginst other person, sect, langauge orreligion.
Islam teaches to repespect every individual, sect, religion, etc., it doesn’t allow anybody to blasphame any person.
How would you treat if someone abuse your father, mother or siblings? Does one have freedom to abuse those? Never, this isn’t freedom of speech or religion, rather its unethical, immoral, albeit, illegal.
Khudara! Understand the matter, do seggregate the matters. Don’t amalgamate.
In Christian laws it is aid the whoever blasphame any prophet shall be hanged; where is the freedom of speech then?
If she did so, she bypassed her religions laws, Pakistan laws. A law law broker has to punished.
Cheers!
Farhan Hassan, excellent comments… Good job brother..
There is a bid difference between what is said during a debate and a deliberate insult. If it is difficult for person like Fasi to understand, then ALLAH HAFIZ!
@Muhammad Faran Khan & Muhammad Imran Khan
great job guys! keep it up.
@ Muhammad Faran Hasan: Excellent Write uP
As per this article (Fasi’s) perhaps we should make Dr. Zakir Naik the chief Judge of this country. Why not all the ‘educated liberals’ around here let the law take its course and decide what’s appropriate. What Fasi has claimed in this article sounds as if he had personally witnessed all the happenings when this incident took place between Aasia BiBi and the accusers
Every religio-socio-political commentator around here has a different tune to play how ever here is another point of view by Hamid Mir that I would like people to know http://www.jang.com.pk/jang/nov2010-daily/25-11-2010/editorial.htm
I also wonder that why no such article has yet appeared in ET as irrespective of been true or false it shows another side of the picture and as every independent news medium is suppose to show both sides of the debate to its readers/ viewers
Fasi quoted ‘Keep this in mind, Christians think Jesus as the greatest man while Muslims feel the same for Mohammed (pbuh). Now ask a Christian, “In light of your knowledge of Mohammed (pbuh), who is the best man who ever lived?”’
I believe this is a silly example to start with and does not fall in the Blasphemy category. Christ is God or part of God in Christian beliefs where as Islam portrays Muhammad (PBUH) the holy Prophet of Allah so how can you ask them to compare?
I strongly believe that the law should remain in place how ever for some one who abuses it should get a twice as harsh punishment. Some day may be some of ‘educated liberals’ would ask to abolish 302 (applied for murder) in a Penal Code because some innocent people get hanged
The web editor is condemnable for letting such diatribe as Mr. Farhan Hassan’s comments be posted on this web site. In fact he/she is an accessory to inciting of violence. I’m appalled that they allowed the last sentence:
“Hopefully there will be no knives and scissors in Fasi’s house because they kill so many people in the world.”
Surely, the editor could decipher the clumsy attempt to veil a threat. Appalling and disgraceful! Just like the damn mob outside the sessions court!
Really can see Fasi making the point about Aasia bibi without involving Dr. Zakir and his religious freedom in India but a good article. Also the idea of Dr.Zakir Naik effecting the thoughts of Aasia’s village people through international broadcasts seems t0o far fetched to me.
after reading the intro i was like whoa, fasi actually supporting someone that strongly? but as i read on i got to normal. fasi did approach the issue in a different way and provided something to think on.
it was a well written article
nice one
Well Dr Naik has been banned in the UK for presenting his view of jihad which the UK laws define as equivalent to supporting terrorism – so your premise is flawed or perhaps you conveniently chose to overlook that – would nt be well received at the British Council would it?
It is the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) – show some respect.
I Think Javeed Ch. has better explained it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0Kv9Q8oLUs
Islam is the true religion and the perfect way of life. This is not because Dr. Zakir or any blah blah scholar says it so, but these are the logics, reasons and teachings that make Islam as the true religion. Islam gives us the best possible procedures and guidance of each and every thing, from washing to eating to sleeping. From wearing the clothes or shoes, marriages, attitude to all people irrespective of their faith. How to stand, how to sit, how to laugh, how to cry, how to sneeze. You go into the most negligible thing a man can imagine and Islam has told us how to deal with it. And no logic and no science of today’s so called civilized man can deny any of these teachings or methods.
Now, it seems very interesting when the believers (though modern or we can say enlightened moderates) come up with the examples of Prophet’s holy life. (No doubt every single act of Prophet’s life is a code of life for us) But when such brothers of mine quote the incidents of Taif or for that matter the old woman who used to throw garbage, i respect all of their beliefs, but why stick to only these examples, Prophet PBUH, participated in many holy wars (Jihad) but now all my moderated friends don’t want to even talk about Jihad. These moderated friends are too worried about Asia BB, but have they ever been so worried for Dr. Afia. She is also mother, (as some one here has mentioned about 5 children of Asia BB). Asia BB has been convicted by a court according to law, if she or any body feels otherwise, still they can go to higher courts, i don’t understand making Islam as their point of conflict. Islam is very clear in its teachings, if the system is not working then please don’t blame islam.
And for the blasphemy laws, every muslim wants to be a GHAZI ILAM DIN’s follower. That’s why people of character like Allama Iqbal, Muahammad Ali Jinnah, Muhammad Ali Jauher were standing by the side of Ghazi.
shame on all pakistani muslims on such ruthless happenings
Fasi – how do you know she is innocent? Surely that is a legal matter to be judged on the bais of evidence.
As for mobs outside courts – even the Supreme Court had angry lawyers outside when judgments were passed and Aitzaz Ahsan said they should be lions – so are those judgments suspect too?
And if a law is abused by wrongful allegations then we need to look at that – but a blasphemey law itself per se is not objectionable.
Abid Minto:
You are absolutely wrong and this is a red herring. Zakir Naik hasn’t been ‘banned’ in UK, he has just been denied a visa. And that has been done due to the criteria that every country follows, where they routinely deny visa for politically controversial figures (US denied Visa to Indian Chief Minister Narendra Modi).
He is free to air his opinions through Video conferences or any other such means.
You see getting a visa to any country is not a fundamental right of a foreigner. The point this article was raising was – can UK or US or India ban freedom of religion in the name of Blasphemy.
The reality of the matter is – muslim nations all thru the world are intolerant of other religions. While they condemn any acts against muslims anywhere, they perpetrate worst possible discrimination against their own minorities.
Example – Pakistan’s ethnic cleansing of its Hindus. Where did the substantial Hindu population of Pakistan disappear??
Hamza:
The Floating stone he is showing in that show is a fake.
@ SUB
great share thanks a lot…people must know da other side of da story too…so everyone please check out dis article…
http://www.jang.com.pk/jang/nov2010-daily/25-11-2010/col4.htm
IF Aasia Bibi is INNOCENT thn why doesn’t she appeal in da highcourt against this decision.??? da REASON is…because she & all her supporters are 100% sure tht She’s GUILTY & CANNOT be proved innocent at any cost..as all da provided evidences hv no ambiguity to prove tht she truly committed da act of blasphemy…& above all, she has already admitted it herself infront of some ppl of christian community & investigation officer…
So instead of telling us fairy-tales like da above article…I wud suggest such “enlightened moderates” to research first on (295-C) blasphemy laws…plus in context of Shariyyah Laws…as the given examples in article which can subject christians to these blasphemy laws are ridiculous…the writer himself not clear abt these laws & their application!
Very well written article indeed underlining the irony of blasphemy law in itself..bravo
@Cehyr, The writer here is supporting “freedom of speech” here. So what if a ‘lowly’ christian does not think as high of our Prophet PBUH as us muslims? she doesn’t even get to speak her mind? People who witnessed the whole scenario and had the “sense” to bring the matter to the court should have explained why her belief was wrong, rather than treating her as an untouchable. All so “human” muslims! Funny nation we are though. Not many of us know much about Islam, about how the Prophet lived, but we do possess the right to award a death sentence just because some unlucky christian spoke her mind. The patience with which she endured those insults was more Islamic then the way every other Muslim around here behaved: including the judge who awarded the sentence.
As far as the evidences are cocerned, didnt the columnist say the judge had an angry mob waiting outside the court? Again, we are the nation who beat up judges and the lawyers and then post the videos on a global level. What level of justice can we expect from such an independent court anyway?
we should revew blasphemy law in pakistan. Islam is not so weak to be disturbed by such things
what i call blasphemy…….someone might call freedom of speech
bottom line……killing someone for voicing their opinions…. no matter how harsh or hurtful that opinion might be for some people….. is still downright wrong
Great comparison of Asia Bibi and Zakir Naik. Can anybody think of Zakir Naik speaking freely and ‘alive’ if India had the same kind of Blasphemy law?