Pakistan Christians die in unrest
Submitted by Ikram.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8179823.stm
It is a repeat sad situation. The video reminds one of the mob killings and burning of the mosques and houses of the Ahmadis in 1974. But there are differences now i.e. there is some police actually fighting the rioters, some mention of official inquiries, and the biggest of all (without being mentioned) that the victims will not be referred to the parliament to stand trial.
These zealots do not recognize that there is no precedence of any use of force to preserve the dignity of the Quran or Muhammad PBUH during the latter’s own time. There is no precedence of mob justice in the Book or Sunnah.
Alas! These zealots do not read their Book that they are trying to protect; else they might have acted otherwise:
49:6. O you who believe! if a wicked person brings you any news, examine it carefully, lest you should harm some people in ignorance and afterwards you may have to repent for what you did.
4:83. And when there comes to them news (a mere rumour), be it a matter of peace or of fear, they spread it around. But had they referred it to the perfect Messenger and to those in authority among them, surely those of them who can elicit (the truth) from it would have understood it (and could make correct deductions). And had it not been for the grace of Allâh upon you and His mercy you would all have followed satan, excepting a few.
Even though these believing zealots have the Book, the history is witness to the parallels in the Quran about them:
62:5. The case of those who were charged to observe (the law of) Torah but did not carry out (its commandments in its true spirit), is like the case of a donkey that carries (a load of) volumes (of Books; he neither understands them nor gathers any advantage from them). Wretched is the case of the people who cry lies to the Message of Allâh. And Allâh guides no unjust people to success.
Sorry to reiterate, but Wretched is the case of the people…
[The Holy Quran – translation by Allamah Nooruddin]
From Rashid Jahangiri:
Use of religion for political aims.
We all are well aware of how political parties in Pakistan has used religion for their political aims, and how Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement has been victim of their political tactics.
Ever since 1974, religious excuses has been used openly, boldly and much frequently for political and other sinister objectives by the powerful parties and movements in Pakistani society. Recently there have been incidents of murdering Christians, looting and burning their houses, in Pakistan. I am glad as evident from the following TV program, people have started questioning why religion is used for political purposes:
Live With Talat
http://www.awaz.tv/playvideo.asp?pageId=4746
From Ikram:
It is wrong to justify individual acts as instigation by political parties for their nefarious gains. This and similar incidents are a sampler of the rot that is in the mind of the peoples. Gojra and its nearby villages represent a simple random sample of Pakistani society in which all segments are proportionately represented, ranging from a common citizen, mullah, bureaucrat, aristocrat, government and minorities. We have not heard of a single righteous person who stood up for protection of the weak while all this was unfolding. The irony is that this was done in the name of Islam. It is a shameful day in Muslim history. By these criminal acts, they have themselves done more harm to Islam and Quran than any non-Muslim could ever dream of.
Quran admonishes the transgressing government and by extension the political parties and their office bearers:
11:96. And surely We sent Moses with Our signs and manifest strong arguments,
11:97. To Pharaoh and the nobles of his court, but they carried out Pharaoh’s bidding; whereas the bidding of Pharaoh was not at all right directed.
11:98. He (- Pharaoh) will lead his people on the Day of Resurrection and will land them down into the Fire, and evil is the arriving place to be arrived at (by them).
11:99. There was sent following after them a curse in this (life) and on the Day of Resurrection (they shall be the victims of it too). Evil is the gift which shall be given (them)!
As for the victims, their retribution has started to happen. The so-called Land of the Pure has already earned its divine wrath with no end in sight:
27:82. And when the judgment becomes due against them (-the unjust) We shall bring forth for them a (grossly) materialistic person which will rule over them…
I dare these defenders of Islam to follow the dictates of Quran when Lahore High Court Judge is conducting the inquiry:
2:42. Do not confound the truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth knowingly.
4:135. O you who believe! be strict observers of justice, bearers of true evidence for the sake of Allâh, even though it be against yourselves or (against your) parents or near of kin; (let neither of the parties) whether (the one against whom or the one in favour of whom you bear evidence) be rich or poor (weigh with yourself). (Bear in mind) Allâh is more regardful of them both (than you are), therefore, do not follow your low desires in order to be able to do justice. And if you distort or evade (true evidence) remember Allâh is Well-Aware of what you do.
5:8. O you who believe! be steadfast, upholders of the right for the cause of Allâh, bearers of true witness in equity, and do not let the enmity of a people move you at all to act otherwise than equitably. Be equitable (always); that is nearer to being secure against evil, and take Allâh as a shield. Surely, Allâh is Well-Aware of what you do.
[The Holy Quran – Translation by Allamah Nooruddin]
From Rashid Jahangiri:
Pakistan Penal Code Section 298 and Subsections A, B and C
Section 298.
Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent of wounding religious feelings:
Whoever, with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person or makes any gesture in the sight of that person or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
Section 298-A.
Use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of holy personages:
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 any wife (Ummul Mumineen), or members of the family (Ahle-bait), of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), or any of the righteous Caliphs (Khulafa-e-Raashideen) or companions (Sahaaba) of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Section 298-B.
Misuse of epithets, description and titles, etc., reserved for certain holy personages or places:
1. Any person of the Qadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves “Ahmadis” or by any other name) who by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation: (a) refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a Caliph or companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as “Ameer-ul-Mumineen”, “Khalifat-ul-Mumineen”, “Khalifat-ul-Muslimeen”, “Sahaabi” or “Razi Allah Anho”; (b) Refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as Ummul-Mumineen; (c) refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a member of the family (Ahle-bait) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as Ahle-bait; or (d) refers to, or names, or calls, his place of worship as Masjid (mosque); shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall be also liable to fine.
2. Any person of the Qadiani group or Lahori group (who call themselves “Ahmadis” or by any other name) who by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation, refers to the mode or form of call to prayers followed by his faith as “Azan” or recites Azan as used by the Muslims, shall be punished with imprisonment or either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.
Section 298-C.
Persons of Qadiani group, etc., calling himself a Muslim or preaching or propagating his faith:
Any person of the Qadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves “Ahmadis” or by any other name), who, directly or indirectly, pose himself as a Muslim, or calls, or refers to, his faith as Islam, or preaches or propagates his faith, or invites others to accept his faith, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations or in any manner whatsoever outrages the religious feelings of Muslims, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.
My comments:
There are no questions that above laws are draconian, especially when members of Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement (LAM) addressed as “Lahori Group” in section 298-B-2 are prohibited from reciting ‘Azan’ and in section 298-C are prohibited from calling themselves a Muslim. Unfortunately, the Qadiani Jamaat practice of using terms used for Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his wives, family and companions as mentioned in sections 298-A and 298-B, for Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (HMGA) sahib infuriated Pakistani Muslims and made all of us known as “Ahmadis” so much hated in Pakistan.
Link to Commission on Human Rights:
http://pakteahouse.wordpress.com/2009/08/05/civil-and-political-rights-including-the-question-of/#more-5319
From Ikram:
Another ‘blasphemy’ case
Quran does not need crutches of any law of the land for its protection from any adulteration or the so-called tarnishing of its dignity:
15:9. Verily, it was We, We Ourself Who have revealed this Reminder (- the Qur’ân); and it is We Who are, most certainly, its Guardian.
The blasphemy laws of Pakistan are only to protect the anxieties that emanate from the intellectual and moral petrifaction of the nation rather than any supposed indignation of the Quran. Any violence and that too in the name of Allah is admonished:
7:33. Say, `Verily, My Lord has forbidden all (acts of) indecency, open and hidden, and every (kind of) sin and aggression, which is never justifiable; and (He forbids you also) to associate with Allâh that for which He has sent down no authority, and to say concerning Allâh that which you do not know (that it is in fact said by Him).’
Intellectual decay precedes the fall of any nation. Ironically, the mullah infested Pakistan cannot even claim that it ever rose to begin with in its sixty years history:
7:34. For (the end of) every nation there is a term fixed, so that when their term comes, they cannot delay a single moment (to avoid it) nor can they get ahead (of it to escape from it).
[The Holy Quran – translated by Allamah Nooruddin]
From Usman:
Agreed that individual acts cannot be excused or justified on grounds of religious parties instigating the same; but the role of such parties and the extremist groups entrneched in Southern Punjab cannot be under-emphasized. These elements are key in instilling a certain mind set amongst the public and routinely whipping up public sentiments to further thier own designs.
Unfortunately the only large scale organised movement operating since 100 years to counter such groups by showing the true face of Islam has been marginalised in the country where it is needed the most. Some ppl have now started to subscribe to the Ahmadi school of thought on manny matters but such are usually branded Ahmadi sympathisers (despite many denials from them that they are not Ahmadis) and that is it then.
Credit must also be given to those Muslims who gave shelter to fleeing Christians and the 400+ witnesses who are going to the testifiy before the judicial inquiry. However, whether the witnesses are truthful and the inquiry fair, is some thing only time will tell.
From Rashid Jahangiri:
I would like to ask Lutf, T. Ijaz, etc.: what do you think about the practice of use of terms reserved for Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his wives, family and companions as mentioned in sections 298-A and 298-B (of Pakistan Penal Code), for Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (HMGA) sahib? Does the Qadiani jamaat realize that this infuriaties Pakistani Muslims?
From T. Ijaz:
stop writing ‘Hazrat’ for Mirza sahib. that’s offensive to many.
From Zahid Aziz:
“Hazrat” is of course not a title “reserved” for the Holy Prophet in the general Muslim view. On the other hand, Maulana Nur-ud-Din sahib has sometimes not even used this and written “Mirza sahib”.
All these titles, prefixes or suffixes, for the Holy Prophet or his companions, or later holy persons, are matters of usage and convention, and not really reserved by Islam for any category of persons.
“Hazrat” is merely a usage in the Indian subcontinent, with no real basis in Islam. To Arabs it doesn’t have the same connotation as to us.
But even those expressions with any basis in Islam are not really reserved by Islam for anyone. “Alai-hi salam” can be applied to any Muslim, as can “razi-allah an-ho”. Even “sallallahu alai-hi wa sallam”, according to the Quran and Hadith, could be applied to any Muslim.
It is purely due to usage and the association these terms have acquired that they are applied and restricted to particular people. It is not a requirement of Islam. However, it may be wise not to offend people unnecessarily.
From Ikram:
It is surprising that one who is so sensitive about the use of the word Hazrat (which is equivalent of “Sir/Madam” and in no way signifies prophethood, e.g. Shah Wali Ullah, Hazrat Maryam), is seemingly oblivious to and/or complacent with the use of the title “Maulana” for known criminals. Mirza Ghulam Ahmed does not need a title. His work is his greatest accomplishment.
Are we going to recognize the figures like Maulana: Rumi, Muhammad Ali Jouhar, Shaukat Ali Jouhar, (Deputy) Nazir Ahmed, Shibli Naumani etc. – at the same level as – Maulana: Fazal ur Rehman, Fazal Ullah, Soufi Muhammad, Aziz (of lal masjid)…after all these latter are “Maulanas” and the Pakistani press calls these (abettors of ) terrorists Maulana without a second thought.
From Rashid Jahangiri:
To say “stop writing ‘Hazrat’ for Mirza sahib. that’s offensive to many”
is not the answer to my questions. Should I assume your generation in Qadiani Jamaat is against such practices in your jamaat? If this is the case then are you people doing anything to dispel the impression among Muslims that Qadiani Jamaat considers HMGA, his wives, family and companions at par with Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his wives, family and companions?
FYI: Hazrat Maulana Noor ud Din has used ‘Mirza Ji’ for HMGA, in his book Fasal-ul-Khitab. This is the word that opponents of HMGA have used for him.
From T. Ijaz:
The point I was making is why you are so much worried about the sentiments of non-Ahmadis. This is the historical background and basis of the Lahori movement.
Mullah types of Pakistan don’t like Islamic expressions used for Promised Messiah and his family, but they don’t stop there. They don’t like the idea we call our prayer centers, ‘mosques’ and consider us using ‘Assalamo Alaikum an affront to their sensibilites.
They getting upset is their problem, not ours.
From Rashid Jahangiri:
T. Ijaz: Your complaint “They getting upset is their problem, not ours”, then please note that HMGA is on the record as instructing that the word “nabi” in his writings be considered deleted as it hurts feelings of other Muslims.
He wrote “…if other Muslims are displeased with these words and if these words give injury to their feelings…”. And: “Therefore, I have not the least hesitation in stating my meaning in another form for the conciliation of my Muslim brethren,…”
I will also request to please answer my earlier questions addressed to you in this thread.
From Zahid Aziz:
Sometime during the 1990s, the Qadiani Jamaat leadership instructed that the Jamaat must use raziy-allahu an-hu for all companions of the Promised Messiah including Lahoris such as Maulana Muhammad Ali. Since then I have sometimes received e-mails from their members saying “Maulana Muhammad Ali (r.a.)”, but still calling him hypocrite, coward, thief, etc.
So what value are these titles like “r.a.”, if you can call a person by this title, yet still regard him as a faithless hypocrite?
On another note, in the Quran we are told to pray to Allah in the words: “You are Maulana” (2:286). Yet all Muslims of the Indian subcontinent call human beings as Maulana, and many persons bearing this title are moral delinquents of the worst type.
From Lutf ul Islam:
Zahid sb,
I think those emailers are ignorant of the status of Maulana Muhammad Ali sb. (r.a). As an Ahmadi, I believe that the Maulana was mistaken on a number of matters. But I can never disrespect him in any manner whatsoever. This, I believe is also the official Jamaat position. We must not use individual cases to reflect on the behaviour of the whole community.
From Lutf ul Islam:
The terms “reserved” for Holy Prophet (saw) are the ones used for him in the Quran. His unique and exalted status among the prophets has been clarified by Allah Himself.
As for the childish Ordinance XX, I keep getting appauled by the level of ignorance of the law makers. Using the same law, Ahmadis were prosecuted to have used the word Hazrat or Huzoor. In the court of law, this was answered by many a couplets of urdu, where Hazrat/Huzoor was used for people who were not even remotely religious.
Any other words of honour unsed among the community are sanctioned by Sahih Hadith. The companions of Promised Messiah are called Sahaba by Holy Prophet (saw) himself. The use of words like Alyhis Salam or RadhiAllah anhu are also used because of the same hadith. As for Ummul Mo’mineen, the title is granted to the wife of a prophet. Promised Messiah (as) was a prophet, proclaimed so by the Holy Prophet (saw) himself. So I do not see any reasons why these words should not be used by the community.
The claims of Promised Messiah (as) infuriate the mullah followers anyway. It is their ignorance..
From Rashid Jahangiri:
@ Lutf:
Based on your above reply dated 8/10/09 I conclude, your Jamaat is not willing to dispel misunderstandings about HMGA, prevailing among Pakistani Muslims and by virtue of that among many Arab Muslims. Practical implications of this attitude are that opponents of HMGA will continue opposing him and never get to core of his teachings, writings and mission. This will only hurt the Qadiani Jamaat.
From Lutf:
Dear Rashid,
In my life so far, I have not seen any negative impact on the growth of Ahmadiyyat in the world due to the attitude and actions of our opponents. Persecution is to be expected in the path of spreading and defending the truth.
We can all see what is happening to the Pakistani muslims due to their opposition of Promised Messiah (as). Need I say more?
From Rashid Jahangiri:
August 11: We are Sorry, Mr. Jinnah
I wrote following comment on Pakistani Blog ‘All things Pakistan’ article:
Adil Najam:
You should also apologize to Mr. Jinnah and say sorry for not fulfilling his promise:
“….Hindus and Muslims would cease to be Muslims, not in the religious sense, because that is the personal faith of each individual, but in the political sense as citizens of the [Pakistan].”
As per Pakistan Penal Code Section 298 and Subsections A, B and C:
Muslims (reciters of Kalima Shadah) are NOT allowed to recite call for prayer (Azan), and call themselves Muslims.
Adil, till such laws remain on legal books of Pakistan, YOUR APOLOGY TO MR. JINNAH IS WASTE OF TIME, ENERGY, PAPER AND CYPER SPACE!!!
Link to blog article:
http://pakistaniat.com/2009/08/11/sorry-mr-jinnah/comment-page-3/#comment-190292
From Bashir:
I think the whole respectful speech thing is overrated. It will never work in a country like the USA. In england some distinguished people are called SIR, like Sir syed ahmad khan of india…..etc etc.
In the USA we are all the same, there exists no “royal family”. Even the president is called Mr. President. But Mr. is not like what the most muslims say. Most ahmadis kiss the hands of their high ranking members, I could never do that.
In other words, americans dont like to be flattering when speaking to any person. We wont call any person “sahib”, or “mian”, or any of these respectable terms.
People from the older way of life cling to these subtitles. Respect should be given irregardless of social position or the wealth of your family.
The social structure of the USA is just much much different than any other country on the face of the earth. We dont have royalty, and I am glad to be an american.
From Rashid Jahangiri:
@Lutf:
Fact is that after 100 years number of people who should be spreading teachings of HMGA are MUCH LESS than what they could have been, given the speed with which HMGA teachings were accepted by prominent and intelligentsia in society by the time of his death. It is because of misunderstanding about him, prevailing among Muslims that situation is otherwise. And I would say Qadiani Jamaat is not helping to dispel these misunderstandings.
From ikram:
CHARTER TO CHRISTIANS
(excerpted pages 143-146 from: Jihad in Islam, by M.Y.K., The Muslim Revival, Vol V, No. 2, June 1936, Lahore, India)
According to Futuh-ul-Buldan Balazari the charter of freedom of faith granted to the Christians of Najran and later on extended to the Christian subjects of Islam all over the world runs as follows:
“This is the document which Muhammad son of Abdullah, God’s Prophet, Warner and Bearer of glad tidings, has caused to be written, so that there should remain no excuse for those coming after. I have caused this document to be written for the Christians of the East and the West, for those who live near, and for those of the distant lands, for the Christians living at present and for those who will come after, for those Christians who are known to us and for those as well whom we do not know. Any Muslim violating and abusing what is therein ordered would be regarded as a violator of God’s testament and would be the breaker of his promise and would make himself deserving of God’s curse, be he a king or a subject.”
“I promise that any monk or way-farer, etc., who will seek my help on the mountains, in forests, deserts or habitations, in places of worship, I will repel his enemies with all my friends and helpers, with all my relatives and with all those who profess to follow me and will defend him, because they are on my covenant. And I will defend the covenanted against the persecution, inequity and embarrassment by their enemies in lieu of the poll-tax (Jizya) they have promised to pay.
“If they will prefer themselves to defend their properties and persons, they will be allowed to do so and will not be put to any inconvenience on that account. No bishop will be expelled from his bishopric, no monk from his monastery, and no priest from his place of worship and no pilgrim will be detained in his pilgrimage. None of their churches and other places of worship will be desolated or destroyed or demolished. No material of their churches will be used for building mosques or houses for the Muslims. Any Muslim so doing should be regarded as recalcitrant to God and His Prophet. Monks and bishops will be subjected to no tax (jizya) or indemnity, whether they live in forests or in the rivers, are in the East or West,. North or South. I give them my word of honour. They are on my promise and covenant and will enjoy perfect immunity from all sorts of inconveniences. Those who retire to the mountains and dedicated places, the produce of their cultivated lands will not be subjected to tax or tithe and in times of scarcity of food they will not be compelled to contribute anything in the form of grain. No military service will be taken from them, nor will they be required to pay jizya. Not more than 12 dirhams per annum will be taken from their merchants, landholders and from the wealthy among them. None should be harassed and tryannised for the payment of taxes. In religious controversies and disputations, they should be tathed to with civility and lenience. Let mercy overwhelm them wherever they may be and they should be protected from all troubles and injuries. He who broke God’s covenant and adopted a defiant attitude, will be regarded as His enemy and the violator of His testament. Every help shall be given them in the repair of their churches. They shall be absolved from wearing arms. They shall be protected by the Muslims. Let this document be not disobeyed till the Judgment Day.”
—–
Note:
1. Clearly, at least in Pakistan this covenant of Muhammad is repeatedly broken.
2. It is obvious that Jizya tax was in lieu of mandatory military service and actually was a easement for the non-Muslim citizens
– ikram