The Issue of Blasphemy

THE OBEDIENCE OR DISOBEDIENCE OF GOD’S COMMAND in the Quran. The Quranic revelation declared that this fabrication was utterly baseless, a false propaganda without any foundation. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2661) Nevertheless, the Prophet did not issue an order to kill all those involved in this false campaign of immorality. Although some Companions offered to take action against them, the Prophet did not permit it. Consequently, the perpetrators of the false tale of immorality were left alive. Their leader passed away naturally in Madinah. This sets the precedent established by the Prophet. Islam does not prescribe capital punishment for individuals who blaspheme the Prophet. It is important to emphasize that “hurting the sentiments of Muslims” is not a provision within Islamic criminal law. If Muslims choose to take such actions, they do so in direct disobedience to the teachings of the Prophet. Furthermore, if they carry out these actions in the name of Islam, they must realize that their attempts to punish the offender make them even more culpable in the eyes of God than the offender himself. Presentday Muslims who engage in such behaviour are driven by their own desires rather than obeying the will of God and following the guidance of His Messenger. Their actions reflect disobedience to the teachings of Islam. Writing and Speaking without Considering Reason, Law, and Shariah A Muslim scholar authored an article published in the ‘The Times of India’ (March 1, 1989) addressing the issue of