A Saudi blogger now faces the death penalty for blasphemy/apostasy in Saudi Arabia. One of his tweets on the Prophet Muhammad's birthday reads, “On your birthday, I will not bow to you. I won’t kiss your hands. I will shake hands with you as an equal, and smile at you like you smile at me, and talk to you only as a friend, nothing more.”
Thing is, as Muslims we bow to Allah, not to the creation of Allah. Hand kissing is a cultural thing that has nothing to do with faith. Hand shaking is much the same. The mutual smile is great. And isn't friendship the bond that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had with his companions?
Some quotes from Onislam.net's Facebook page where an online debate took place about this case: - " Execution of blasphemy was a political act to protect the then growing state in Medina. To go into more detail, some people have decided to disrupt the reputation of Mohammad's state by entering Islam, then leaving it only short after intentionally. As a result, the order has been established to execute anyone who steps out of Islam, preventing those who wanted to disrupt the reputation. Nowadays, no one will harm Islam if he steps out of it. These people shall be dealt with by debating and arguing rather than killing. Islam is not a forceful religion. Muslims would only harm themselves if they eliminate Hamza Khashgari." -"Those who are so quick to call for this man's death would do well to remember the example of the mercy of the Prophet (SAW). Even those who think they are so righteous that they have right to act as God and deprive this man of his life will have to stand before Allah on the last day and explain their actions....they might want to stop and think a bit first about whether it is better and more helpful to kill this man or to forgive him." - "I think he should face death penalty because why did he even say this in the first place and if he's a muslim shame on him" |
So many worse things have happened to the Prophet, such as stones being thrown at him till he bled, but he didn't levy a death penalty. Instead? He prayed for those who abused him.
If we believe that someone is doing something wrong when expressing an opinion, is punishment really the Prophetic solution, or is letting them be, praying for their guidance, and if need be, engaging them in intellectual discourse to make them understand the wrong doings which they committed; aren't all of these more akin to the Prophet's example?
Every time Prophet Muhammad is insulted whether by a Muslim or a non-Muslim, the response from many of the world's Muslims is to lash out, all the while the Prophet described the strong person as the one able to control themselves when angry.
I do not know the author personally but while I find his comments to be in poor taste, the ease with which some have charged him with apostasy is disturbing. Worse this trend of denunciation is commonly being voiced under the guise of religious purity.
Much to the displeasure of narrow- minded Muslims is the truth spoken in the colloquial adage: sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was never scared of words.
To me, the response by Arabia to Hamza’s words is no different to the perception of honor killings; there is no honor in them.
As this platform is open for all opinions, without taking sides. In a previous Have Your Say piece, readers differently commented on this case, you can check their opinions through this link. You are more than welcome to send your input by e-mailing the editor. |
My Message to Hamza
Echoing the words of Hamza, “(my fellow ultra-conservative Muslims) I love many things about you (e.g. that we believe in the One God without partners and that Muhammad is the last messenger) and hate others (pretty much everything else you believe in).” We are taught in the Qur’an to love and respect all God's Prophet's, but in doing so, we should also learn from their example.
If someone levies an insult, it is poor taste of their behalf and an illustration of weak character.
If we respond insisting on 'death' as a solution, it is we as Muslims who have transgressed the limits set by Allah, and Allah knows best.
