Wednesday, May 23, 2012
5/1/06, Opinion-Editorial, printed in the Kalamazoo Gazette (Michigan)
“Replace ‘death for apostasy’ rule with Quran’s true teachings”
By Ayesha ManglaWolfgang Lugauer, in his recent letter, “Moderate Muslims should speak up,” rightly questions how Islam, a religion that professes to teach peace and tolerance, could also condone the concept of death for any man deciding to leave it.
Death for apostasy or blasphemy has been occurring in Afghanistan for a long time. It has surfaced in the news now because a Christian was threatened to be put to death. Those ``moderate'' Muslims should come forward and speak out against this barbaric Shariah code, which is against the teachings of the Quran, which clearly states that ``there is no compulsion in religion.'' [2:256].
The main source of Islamic law is the Quran, the word of God. The teachings of the Quran are interpreted and demonstrated by Holy Prophet Muhammad. Thus, the Quran, Hadith, which are the recorded sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, and Sunnah, his recorded actions, become the three sources from which Islamic law is derived. The Sunnah and Hadith are used to clarify matters that are in the Quran. If they contradict the teachings of the Quran, then the word of the Quran gets precedence. Any other source conflicting with the Quran is rejected because of the very fact that it was written many years after the demise of Prophet Muhammad. The Quran, however, has remained unchanged since its inception.
Although the Quran does prescribe the death penalty for murderers, it does not do so for apostasy. On the contrary, it says, ``Surely those who believe, then disbelieve, then again believe, then disbelieve and then increase in disbelief, Allah will never forgive them nor will He guide them to the right way.'' [4:138]. The Quran also states, ``On account of this We prescribed for the Children of Israel that whosoever killed a person -- unless it be for killing a person or for creating disorder in the land -- it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whoso saved a life, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.'' [5:33].
In contrast, the Shariah law condemns the apostate to death. There is a striking similarity between this barbaric provision with the Biblical statement, ``Anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord, must be put to death. The entire assembly must stone him. Whether an alien or native-born, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.'' [Leviticus 24:16].
In essence, the Shariah code is a violation of human rights, decency and civilized behavior. It is inherently prejudicial to women, non-Muslims, and freethinkers and that its laws and their execution go against the spirit, ideals, and teachings of Islam brought by our beloved Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Quran.
Although claimed to be derived from the Quran, there is nothing "divine'' about this Shariah code. It is based solely on the misguided legal opinions of medieval Muslims regarding the "sayings'' and ``actions'' of Prophet Muhammad. Exposing the un-Islamic nature of the Shariah code should be the duty of every "moderate'' Muslim, and would be the first step to abolish the violation of human rights in the name of Islam. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has always been in the forefront of condemning such idiocy for more than 100 years.
The ignorance of the Muslim masses, and the vested interest of the Mullah leading them, is sustaining this absurd, outdated, and un-Islamic Shariah code. The Muslim community in Afghanistan and beyond can replace this with the true teachings of the Quran and the conduct of Prophet Muhammad by accepting their correct interpretation put forth by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad who claimed to be divinely guided in accordance with the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad that the Messiah and Mahdi (the Guided One) would bring back the true teachings of Islam and restore its famed glory.
If you have more questions and want to learn more about true Islam, you may log on to www.alislam.org and click on "ask Islam.''
Ayesha Mangla resides in Portage and often writes about Islam.
Editor's Note: The Kalamazoo Gazette is the primary source of news and information for the residents of Kalamazoo County, Michigan. It reaches 60% of adults (age 18+) in Kalamazoo County on Sunday.
Comments (0)
Write comment