Stop Taking the Blasphemy Law into Your Own Hands; Mob Lynching Has No Place In Islam

By Dr. Ghulam Zarqani (Translated from Urdu by New Age Islam) 13 December2021 Live In Accordance with the Law and Order in All Situations, Ensuring Peace and Security Main Points 1. Man cannot see what he loves or cherishes being trampled under the boots of others because of his nature. 2. In recent years, harsh measures taken in the name of honouring the Holy Prophet have become a very dangerous situation. 3. Regardless of the defects or authenticity of the Blasphemy-related hadith, it is true that the addressees of the Hadith are the authorities, not the general public. 4. Our Ulama must pay attention to the unpleasant situation that has arisen as a result of the Blasphemy-case. ---- By nature, man is a gregarious creature that longs to be in close proximity to others. When the value and prestige of the one he loves, or the location where he lives, settles in his eyes to the point where, if someone else denigrates the honour of his devotional centre, he not only looks down on him but also raises his voice in protest. Take, for example, the instance of parents. Every one of us loves and respects our parents. Because of our bond, we don't want anyone to offend them, even though we don't expect anyone to appreciate them. We share the same love and affection for our country, and as a result of that love and affection, we hold the flag in high regard as the emblem of our country, and we don't want anyone else to desecrate it. It is apparent as day from this initial address that man, by nature, cannot see what he loves or values being trampled under the feet of others. As we arrive here, let it be noted that all Muslims around the world place a high value on God and the Holy Prophet in addition to their faith and love them most of all. As a result, Muslims who dare to demonstrate disrespect in this regard, not to mention others, will be despised, as is natural necessity of humans. However, in recent years, the kind of severe steps adopted in the name of honouring the Prophet have turned into a very perilous situation. For example, in Pakistani political party meetings, the slogan “man sabba nabiyyan faqtuluhu” is shouted repeatedly, implying that anyone who insults the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) would be killed. The above-mentioned slogan appears to be based on a hadith, which is not without merit, but it is also true that this hadith does not fit into the sahih category. This hadith is quoted in a number of well-known books, including the following: Al-Mu’jam al-Sagheer by Tabarani, Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat by Tabarani, Al-Shifa bi Taarifi Huquqil Mustafa, Taarikhu Dimashq by Ibn Asaakir, Imta’ul Asmaa’, Majmau’z Zawaid, Al-Firdaus bi Maathuril Khitab, Sharh al-Zarqaani alal Mawahib al-Ladunniya, Subulul Huda wal Irshad fi Seerati Khairil Ibaad, Al-Saarim al-Maslool ala Shatimi al-Rasool, and Fatawa al-Subuki by Imam Taqiuddin Subuki. It is important to remember that there are additional Ahadith that are related to this topic and should be remembered. Blasphemy is unquestionably abhorrent, as these Ahadith demonstrate. That is, despite the fact that the above-mentioned hadith is weak, it should not be ignored because of other Ahadith. Regardless of the flaws or authenticity of the aforementioned hadith, it is true in any event that the addressees of this hadith are the authorities, not the common people. That is, if someone commits blasphemy, a case will be filed against him in the court of the country, and if he is found guilty, he will be punished according to the laws and regulations in place, but it is not permissible in any way for the people to take the laws into their own hands and punish the guilty. When it comes to the Blasphemy case, an incident involving Hazrat Umar Farooq and a conflict between a hypocrite named Bishr and a Jew is frequently mentioned. The Holy Prophet ruled in favour of the Jew, but Bishr was unsatisfied with the outcome, and when he begged Hazrat Umar to renew the judgement, he was slain. Because Bishr did not agree with the Holy Prophet's verdict, Hazrat Umar killed him. Keep in mind that while the reality of the foregoing incident cannot be disputed, this action belongs to the entity known as Muhaddith, whose mission is to establish a true distinction between right and wrong. In terms of evaluating right and wrong, there is a considerable difference between us and him. If you don't believe us, look at the faces of people who assaulted Sri Lankan citizen Priyantha Kumara on a road in Sialkot, Pakistan, last week. Were they influenced by Islamic culture? Do they appear to be following the Prophet’s Sunnah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)? Are they making earnest efforts to follow the Islamic faith to the letter? Let us speculate as to what is wrong with this situation: they exploit the aforementioned behaviour attributed to Hazrat Omar Farooq as an argument while avoiding following in his footsteps on purpose. Let me state that individuals involved in this occurrence have no understanding of the nuances of Islamic law, because no one can be humiliated or set on fire after being killed, according to Islamic teachings. It is worthy of condemnation that persons who appeared to be defenders of the sanctity of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) a few hours ago are now degrading the Holy Islam with their own hands. This unfortunate circumstance requires the attention of our Ulama. They should keep in mind that they should not speak or do everything in public, but rather act wisely and be aware of what they are saying or doing. What kind of effects may be expected in both cases, and how will their remarks and actions affect society? No one is opposed to the protection and defence of the Holy Prophet's honour, but yelling the above slogan in public is not a good idea. Who doesn't know that in the Muslim community, unfamiliarity with Islamic law is common, and the trait of breaching Islamic teachings is seen at all times of the day and night? In such a circumstance, why should ordinary Muslims be expected to make their own decisions with justice and impartiality? The propagation of this hadith among ordinary Muslims is analogous to a child clutching a sharp sword in his delicate hands, whereby he can inadvertently damage himself and others. ---- Urdu version published in Inquilab December 10, 2021 Translated from Urdu by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi for New Age Islam URL: New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism