Not In The Name Of My Prophet
By: Syed Amaar Ahmad

I am writing in reference to Humaira Masihuddin’s article ‘Not in the name of my Prophet (PBUH)’ (Daily Times, December 30, 2010). Her article was a very well thought out narrative that challenges the very basis of the blasphemy laws within the framework of sunnah. We need more writers like her to come forward and take a stake in the future of Muslims since the fundamentalist and obscurantist mullahs have for far too long dominated the discourse on religion. There can be no doubt that the image of Islam has been immensely hurt by the merciless attitudes of our so-called ulema who insist on killing citizens for having allegedly committed blasphemy. If Islam is a religion of peace, which certainly it is, then the blasphemy laws that only seem to empower the mullahs must be repealed.