Posted: 02/132012 8:01 am
Farzana Hassan, Author- The Huffington Post
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The Death Penalty for Tweets?
The sad case of Saudi writer Hamza Kashgiri facing charges for blasphemy
The fate of Hamza Kashgiri is now in the hands of rabid and bloodthirsty Saudi clerics. The young Saudi journalist accused of disrespecting the prophet Mohammad on Twitter was recently deported from Malaysia to his home country so as to stand trial for alleged blasphemy. The offense is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia.
Surely this appears like a scene from the desert landscape of seventh-century Arabia. One would have hoped that in the 21st century, dissident voices would come to be acknowledged as legitimate self-expression in all four corners of the world. Alas, such is not the case in countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, where the slightest perceived attack on religion can imperil the lives of freethinking individuals. Shameful!
In arresting Kashgiri, the country has obviously kowtowed to Islamist groups, especially the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This international Islamist outfit has taken upon itself to quash any legitimate criticism of religious practices.
Although the OIC’s UN resolution 16/18 employs a change in terminology from the original “combating defamation of religion” to “combating intolerance,” in essence its objectives remain the same — crushing any criticism of orthodox Islamic belief or practice. UN resolution 16/18 states: “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on religion or belief.”
But shouldn’t this wording work both ways? Why then are the Saudis so intolerant of this young man’s religious beliefs? Or is this provision meant to only prevent criticism of Islam?
As for Kashgiri, he was only expressing some very human doubts about his relationship with the prophet of Islam. His post, which was later deleted, had read:”I have loved things about you and I have hated things about you and there is a lot I don’t understand about you…I will not pray for you.”
His statements evoked a number of hostile tweets from enraged Saudi citizens. Presumably, the majority of people who tweet in Saudi Arabia are young. It is indeed shocking that so many young people in Saudi Arabia remain so unenlightened as to seek death for their fellow citizen who dares to disagree with the accepted religious narrative? Facebook was no exception. A Facebook page titled “The Saudi People Demand the Execution of Hamza Kashgari” also attracted more than 13,000 members.
But the question remains: How can one construe Kashgiri’s musings as deserving of execution even in the archaic world of Muslim blasphemy laws?
The man does not deserve to die for his opinions — and admittedly, this is not saying much. It amounts to setting the bar extremely low for what should constitute as tolerance.
Tolerance in fact demands that we take up this man’s cause and try to save his life from destruction at the hands of totalitarian governments.
Furthermore Malaysia, a supposedly moderate Muslim country, has partnered with Saudi Arabia in castigating this courageous young man. Demonstrations must be organized in front of both the Saudi and Malaysian embassies and consulates to highlight this sinister partnership.
Follow Farzana Hassan on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@FarzanaHassan1
Categories: Canada
I agree with the principle about “Tolerance” and the criticism of the Saudi regime in this case. But “The Huntington Post” must also agree that the US and EU are the biggest supporters of the same Saudi regime. And therefore are equally guilty of accepting the “intolerance” in that society. Why that criticism about the “American Values” has not been taken up side by side.
This article is seen as an attck on the “Islamic Values” by the Muslim World. Saudi Arabia is the Holy Center of the Muslim World, and OIC is the political representaion of the Muslim World. Any criticism which is not balanced will be seen with suspision.
MAV
Sweden
If someone says ‘I will not pray for you’ (meaning the prophet of Islam, peace be on him) this is really his own huge loss.
May we appeal to the Saudis to let Allah be the judge?
This guy has already made a fool for himself and is already suffering for it in this life.
May Allah be his guide…
Does Holy Prophet(pbuh), the biggest benefactor for mankind need anyone’s prayers? especially that of a confused person? If we pray (Darood)for in fact are praying for the Ummah and aal, that includes us too.
I agree with brother Raqfiq. This is a persons own huge loss. Disregarding the loved one’s of God is the most senseless act.
This person must have recited darood some times in his life. He should be asked what made him think that way. And all the thoughts that he had should be given an answer. Because all the accusation on this Holy being always prove to be absolutely wrong. So that other people like him who might have some questions get their answers.There is much need of a constant mention of His great Character.
Allah witnessed his piety and praised his manners by saying ” Innakaa la’alaa kholqin Azeem”. surely thou dost posses moral excellence.
Since, he was sent as a mercy to mankind.(21:108) He never revenged his person on anyone. Not a single incident can be quote. But there are countless happenings of pain that he received on daily basis. We have a lesson to learn from it.
The person should be told about his beautiful mesmerising character and charismatic personality. God says he is like a Sun for the people.(33:46,47)
Sun shines bright to show us way.The biggest benefactor for human kind.
This person and his kinds are either mentally sick or spiritually confused.
They needs a spiritual cleansing and uplift.
May Allah guide us all. Amen
And May Allah Bless This greatest Prophet of all and exalt his status ever and ever again.Amen
Punishing him by death will put a question mark on the understanding of the practice of the holy Prophet (pbuh, by today’s people. As this was not his practice. He always prayed for such individuals in return so that they took heed.
we have the example of Taif.
Besides a person who tries to disregard such a Holy being is already not alive.
The intolerance of these events, and even the comments on this article are appalling to say the least. How can anyone claim their religion to be one of peace and love whilst you answer dissent with the blade and noose?
The horrible apathy towards the life and death of anyone who is not your own is pathetic and barbaric; it deserves to be seen as nothing more that, the primitive practice of cowardly and uneducated men.
I have no sympathy for your god, your prophet or your scripture. I will also show your beliefs the same tolerance you have shown to those who are wise enough to think contrary to you. There is no quarter in this day and age for zealots and religious idiots.
Dear Mr. Woodward, may be you are an ‘occasional’ Muslim Times Reader and not a ‘regular’ one. Therefore kindly permit me to point out to you that we at The Muslim Times agree with you that intolerance should not be tolerated. In the Qur’an it is written: “There is no compulsion in religion”.
If you study Islam as presented for instance at http://www.alislam.org you will note that Islam as presented by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is different to that of the usual Saudi interpretation.
Please visit The Muslim Times regularly and I think you will then recognize which articles we are ‘re-posting’ for general information and which articles represent the True Islam.
I sense a condescending tone to your reply.
however, I will clarify that what I am saying is not necessarily those that have been written. My point is that my previous post, as I would assume from your perspective, idiotic, judgmental and unwarranted.
However these same attitudes are presented in fashion by the fundamentalist pro-religious. However the distinct difference between me doing such things and that of, say, 14000 Saudi’s of similar age is that my opinions become my own death warrant. I see no reason why that should be acceptable in any state. ‘Should’ does not change things.
either that, or I am troll who just wasted your time moderating a post ten days old 🙂