Position of the Holy Qur’an on Punishing Blasphemers
Qur’an 33:58 Reads: Verily, those who malign Allah and His Messenger — Allah has cursed them in this world and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them an abasing punishment. According to Shemeem Burney Abbas – one of the finest Islamic scholar to have worked this earth – several examples of unbelievers’ calumny and mockery of Prophet Muhammed are indicated in the Qur’an, but it never obliges the Prophet to punish those who mocked him. Rather, the Qur’an tells Muhammad to allow the punishment of blasphemy to God, as justice will take its course after death.
Based on the above, the punishment for blasphemy according to the Qur’an is in the hereafter, not in this life. And Allah is the one who gives that punishment. I hereby ask those who clubbed Deborah to death where it is written in the Qur’an that they should react in such a way in Defence of Prophet Mohammed?
The Killing is an Attack against Christianity
It is unfortunate that in broad day light, a female was beaten to death with sticks, and was set ablaze on the allegation of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed. It is even more surprising that such barbarity took place within the premises of a “higher Institution of learning.” Is there no security? Are there no people who could defense her? Is the school a Sharia court? I still cannot imagine what I saw in the ugly video I watched of Deborah’s murder.
If a Muslim is killed like that in a Christian institution for blasphemy against the Christian faith, will the Islamic Society accept that? An authentic Islamic student should defend his or faith with the knowledge of Islam and not by killing another. The killing of Deborah is painful and disgraceful. Is that what religion stand for?
From all indications, Miss Deborah was not killed on ground of any blasphemy. She was killed to send a clear message to Christians in Nigeria. This type of killing did not start today. Nigerian Moslems in Northern Nigeria have killed too many Christians to make the point that Nigeria is an Islamic country and belongs to them. This particular killing is not about any blasphemy. It is politically motivated. Unfortunately, these killings have continued to occur because those responsible for them are not held to account by the authorities. Will this particular killing be swept under the carpet also?
Actions to be Taken Immediately
That Institution where this most heinous crime is committed needs to be permanently closed down with its license withdrawn. That cannot be an intellectual environment. And all those students whose images are clearly on display in the heinous act, especially those who boast of being responsible for setting her ablaze, must be brought to book.
An immediate conference to review the religious status of Nigeria has to be made. Is Nigeria still a secular pluralistic state or an Islamic State? The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) should react to this! This is not the time to keep quiet. The body of Christ in Nigeria needs to come together to demand justice for Miss Deborah.
Postlude
The irony from reports doesn’t even indicate she made any blasphemous statement against Prophet Mohammed. To opine that an “academic” social media platform should not be turned into “religious” platform isn’t blasphemous!
The killing of Miss Deborah is a national shame. The world is watching to see how the government will react to it. This is totally unacceptable! Let any Muslim scholar that sees this post kindly tell us what Islam teaches about blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed. This is the time for Christian leaders in Nigeria to act. Many more people will be killed if this killing goes unanswered.
