Dare We Call a Spade a Spade? A Theological Reflection on
History, Morality, and Divine Justice
History is a mirror: at times a source of pride, and at
times a cause for grief. But truth demands courage. We celebrate when the facts
are uplifting; when they are grim, we must not flinch from acknowledging them.
In all cases, history is a teacher—if we are willing to learn.
The incident of Mr. Ilm-ud-Din, who was hanged on October
31, 1929, for killing Mr. Mahashe Rajpal—a publisher of the controversial and
deeply offensive book Rangila Rasul—has sparked enduring debates across
generations. While emotions and reverence color the responses, we must analyze
such events through a theological and moral lens, guided by the Qur’an and the
Prophet’s life (peace be upon him).
1. Judgment Belongs to God Alone
Ilm-ud-Din and Rajpal: murderer and murdered. The fate and final
judgment rests with Allah alone, Who knows the secrets of the hearts. No human possesses
the authority or insight to declare someone's eternal fate. This is the domain
of the All-Knowing Judge.
2. The Sanctity of Life in All Moral Codes
Taking a life extrajudicially is universally condemned. The
act of vigilantism, no matter the motivation, undermines moral and legal
structures. It is not a heroic act but a transgression—one that every just
society must oppose.
3. Religion Complements Reason
God has gifted humans with reason and innate moral
intuition. Religion is not a replacement but a reminder (Arabic: Tazkirah)—a
reinforcement when conscience fails or culture corrupts. The Qur’an acts as a
divine refresher course for the human soul.
4. Moral Absolutes in Revelation
The Qur’an reiterates ethical absolutes: do not lie, steal,
slander, kill unlawfully, or commit adultery. Some actions, like shirk
(associating partners with God) and unlawful killing, are labeled as grave
sins—explicitly condemned and, in some cases, deemed unpardonable without
sincere repentance.
5. The Qur'anic Ethic on Killing
Allah says in Surah al-Ma'idah (5:32):
"Whoever kills a soul—unless for a soul or corruption
[done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely."
This is not just law, it is divine moral philosophy. The
gravity of unlawfully taking a life is likened to the annihilation of all
humanity.
6. Who Has the Right to Punish?
If one believes another has committed “mischief in the
land,” does that give the right to punish them individually? The answer, both
legally and theologically, is a resounding no. If justice is hijacked by
individuals, society descends into chaos. Even when institutions fail, the path
of vigilantism is not legitimized.
7. Judicial Gaps Do Not Justify Chaos
The inefficacy or corruption of courts—especially in
countries like Pakistan—is tragic but not a license for anarchy. The Prophet
(peace be upon him) taught patience and perseverance even in the face of
injustice, never advocating personal retaliation against blasphemers or
mockers.
8. The Prophet’s Example: Grace in the Face of Hatred
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was vilified in
ways beyond imagination—called a madman, magician, liar. Yet never once did he
retaliate with violence. Not once did he instruct his followers to harm those
who insulted him. Instead, he responded with silence, prayer, and compassion.
9. Upholding the Sanctity of Law
In a hadith, the Prophet advised that in times of civil
strife, it is better to isolate oneself—even if it means living in the
wilderness eating tree roots—than to take part in vigilante or guerilla
violence. The preservation of human life and societal order takes precedence.
10. Martyrdom is Not for Us to Declare
Only Allah knows the reality of hearts and deeds. We do not
have the knowledge to declare anyone a martyr (shaheed) or damned. The
language of divine judgment is sacred; to appropriate it is to "play
God."
Thus, I say with humility: may God bless Mr. Rajpal and Mr.
Ilm-ud-Din. May He bless Mr. Salman Taseer and Mr. Mumtaz Qadri. I do not claim
knowledge of their final outcome. I can only pray—for mercy, for justice, and
for understanding.
11. The Intuition of Love
We are born with a fitrah—an innate sense of right and
wrong, of compassion and dignity. The Prophets nurtured this, even loving their
enemies. Their mission was never revenge, but guidance.
12. Numbers Do Not Validate Truth
The truth is not a popularity contest. When Prophet Nuh
boarded the Ark, he had only a few followers. Prophet Lut fled with just his
daughters. Divine success is measured by sincerity and obedience, not crowds or
applause.
بات وہی چلے گی جس میں
دم ہوگا
نہ خاک باقی رہتی ہے نہ خاک
اُڑانے والے
Translation:
Only that which carries truth shall endure;
Dust, and those who stir it, both fade away.
Aamir Yazdani
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