GOD'S STANCE ON BLASPHEMY 12th December 2019

A few days back an incident in Norway sparked the sentiments of Muslims around the world. A person was seen burning a copy of the Qur’an in public. A young Muslim out of emotions and love of God and the Prophet Muhammad attacked the person. 

Over the years we have witnessed the burning of the Quran, cartoons of God's Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), and blasphemous acts sparking outrage and protests from the Muslims.  

Pakistan's famous incident based on retribution by a Muslim named Ilm Deen against a blasphemous act by a non-Muslim Mahashe Rajpal was ninety years ago. The recent famous incident is associated with the assassination of the governor of Punjab Mr. Salman Taseer who was murdered by Mumtaz Qadri, his bodyguard in 2011. 

We have to see what blasphemy is and how is it addressed by God in His Scripture. The word blasphemy means the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things. It comes under profane talk addressing God and His prophets or people revered by the masses in a derogatory manner. Basic human etiquette and morality entail not harming other people's sentiments in any way. Yet we see such incidents surface now and then. 

I would like to present verses from the Qur’an to see how God addressed these issues during the times of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

The first addressees of the Qur’an then, the Jews, used to misconstrue the word in a derogatory meaning. God asked the Believers to change the word to another which meant in simple English 'We beg your pardon':

Qur’an says (2:104): “Believers, do not address the Prophet as ra'ina (whereby the Jews, in their own accent, meant: Would that you would never hear, but call him unzurna) (meaning: Please speak to us slowly so that we understand), and then listen. The unbelievers will face a painful torment.”

God is stopping the Believers from staying away from those who mock God (His Messengers, Divine Book, and Religion): 

Qur’an (4:140): “God has told you (believers) in the Book that when you hear people disbelieving and mocking God's revelations, do not sit with them unless they change the subject. You will become like them. God will gather all the hypocrites and the disbelievers together in hellfire.”

Qur’an (5:57-58): “As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) believers, it is the fellowship of Allah that must certainly triumph. O ye who believe! take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport, whether among those who received the Scripture before you or among those who reject Faith; but fear ye Allah, if ye have faith (indeed).”

The hypocrites of Madinah during Messenger Muhammad's times announced that on return to their city, they would expel the Messenger Muhammad and His believers:

Qur’an (63:8): They (hypocrites) say: "If we return to Al-Madinah, indeed the more honourable ('Abdullah bin Ubai bin Salul, the chief of hypocrites at Al­-Madinah) will expel therefrom the meaner (i.e. Allah's Messenger SAW)." But honour, power, and glory belong to Allah, His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and the believers, but the hypocrites know not.”

The first addressees of the Quran, the Tribal Chieftains of the Quraish, used to openly declare Messenger Muhammad as a magician and a liar:

Qur’an (38:4): “And they (Arab pagans) wonder that a warner (Prophet Muhammad SAW) has come to them from among themselves! And the disbelievers say: "This (Prophet Muhammad SAW) is a sorcerer, a liar!"

Some used to openly protest and get enraged with the Messenger:

Qur’an (9:58): “And of them are some who accuse you (O Muhammad SAW) in the matter of (the distribution of) the alms. If they are given part thereof, they are pleased, but if they are not given thereof, behold! They are enraged!”

Some used to call him as someone who listens to everyone (without listening attentively):

Qur’an (9:61): “And among them are men who hurt the Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and say: "He is (lending his) ear (to every news)." Say: "He listens to what is best for you; he believes in Allah; has faith in the believers; and is a mercy to those of you who believe." But those who hurt Allah's Messenger (Muhammad SAW) will have a painful torment.”

Analysis: Not in a single verse within the Qur’an has God asked the Messenger or his companions to respond harshly to the ones who make a mockery of God, His Messengers, His Book, and His religion. Nowhere has God expressed His desire to exercise retribution against such perpetrators. On the contrary, God has asked to exercise complete restraint at all levels. 

God has declared the Qur’an as His Rope, as His expectations from us. Meaning whoever holds onto His Rope steadfastly shall not go astray. Qur’an (3:103).  God wants us to exercise complete restraint whenever and wherever God's verses, His Messenger, or His religion is being mocked at or, ridiculed.  

How do we respond then? Qur’an most succinctly guides us (16:125): “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.”

Aamir Yazdani