Epigraph:
"To punish someone for their words is to admit the weakness of one's own
faith." —
Carl Sagan
Blasphemy in the Quran: A Divine
Perspective on Tolerance and Justice
A
prevailing misconception among many Muslims is the belief that only they are
destined for God’s Paradise, while all others are condemned to Hell unless they
embrace Islam. This assumption fosters a sense of exclusivity that often
translates into religious arrogance. A stark example of this is the insistence
on calling non-Muslims who embrace Islam reverts rather than converts—as if
Islam were humanity’s original faith and everyone must simply return to it.
This perspective reflects both pride and ignorance.
Yet, this
exclusivist mindset is not unique to Muslims. Many among the present-day Jewish
community hold a similar belief—that they are God’s chosen people, assured of
salvation regardless of their deeds. However, when we turn to God’s own words—in
the Old Testament, the New Testament, and ultimately the Quran—we see a
different reality. The Divine does not judge based on labels but on individual
deeds and circumstances:
"But
those who believe and do righteous deeds—We do not burden any soul beyond its
capacity—those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein
eternally." (Quran 7:42)
The
sanctity of life, irrespective of religious identity, is paramount in God's
justice. He declares:
"Whoever
kills a soul—unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if
he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved
mankind entirely." (Quran 5:32)
This verse
clearly affirms the universal value of human life, not restricting it to
Muslims alone. Even in matters of animal sacrifice for sustenance, believers
are required to invoke God's name, signifying that life, in all its forms, is
precious to Him.
Blasphemy:
God’s Response in the Quran
One of the
most debated topics in religious discourse today is blasphemy. In various
societies, acts deemed offensive to religious beliefs—whether burning sacred
texts, ridiculing prophets, or making irreverent statements—have sparked
outrage, protests, and, at times, violent retribution.
But how
does God Himself respond to blasphemy in the Quran?
Surprisingly,
the Quran does not prescribe any worldly punishment for blasphemy. Instead, it
instructs believers to disengage and remove themselves from such gatherings:
"And
it has already been revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the verses
of Allah being denied and ridiculed, then do not sit with them until they
engage in a different conversation." (Quran 4:140)
If God—the
very Being who is supposedly being blasphemed—does not mandate retribution, who
are we to take matters into our own hands? The Quran’s consistent approach is
one of patience, tolerance, and leaving the ultimate judgment to God Himself.
This
understanding starkly contrasts with the violent reactions that sometimes erupt
in response to perceived blasphemy. Throughout history, we have witnessed
tragic incidents where individuals took it upon themselves to avenge what they
saw as insults to their faith. However, such actions are not sanctioned by the
Quran. The text itself testifies to God's forbearance—blasphemy is not an issue
for Him.
The
Need for Reflection
As
believers, it is essential to align our responses with God’s commands, rather
than acting out of emotional fervor or societal pressure. True faith is not
demonstrated by enforcing reverence through coercion but by embodying the
patience and wisdom that the Quran advocates.
If
blasphemy was truly an offense demanding punishment in this world, would the
Quran not have prescribed clear consequences? Instead, God asks us to step
away, trusting Him as the ultimate judge.
The
question remains: Are we following God's guidance or imposing our judgments in His name?
"[O
Prophet!] Continue to call to the path of your Lord with wisdom and with
sound advice and reason with them in a courteous manner. Surely, your Lord
knows full well who has drifted from the path of his Lord and also knows very
well those also who are guided." Qur'an (16:125)
- Aamir Yazdani
