BECOMING THE SUBJECT OF RIDICULE

BECOMING THE SUBJECT OF RIDICULE According to the Anglican Church, Christianity is the official religion of England. In ancient times, England had a law that punished blasphemy against religion, established in the 17th century. This law was based on the idea that an attack on religion would be seen as an attack on the State (Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol. 2, p. 75). Currently, this law pertains explicitly to Christianity. However, some British Muslims, particularly some Indian Muslims residing in Britain, have been advocating for its extension to include Islam. The purpose would be to enable a legal case against Salman Rushdie to be brought before a British court. The writer perceives this demand as entirely absurd and devoid of genuine leadership. Those who call for such a case to be registered know that such laws hold no practical value in the present circumstances. Furthermore, it represents a clear example of shallow thinking. Muslim countries already have laws against the desecration of Islamic figures and Islam itself. Should Muslims then broaden the scope of these laws to include Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism, allowing adherents of these religions to file lawsuits against Muslims for insulting their faith? If Muslims themselves cannot grant this right to others within their own countries, it is illogical to expect it in other nations. Such thinking undoubtedly reflects the