ISLAMABAD – Prominent Islamic scholar Javed Ahmed Ghamidi, while strongly condemning the brutal murder of Mashal Khan, has said that the current blasphemy laws of the country are against the Islamic teachings.
In an interview with a private TV channel, Ghamdi said, “Blasphemous law is against the Quran, hadith and even fika-e-hanifi. Allah has never revealed this law. This law is an insult to Islam too. The whole nation is responsible for Mashal’s death.”
He criticized religious scholars for not having educated the masses and plunging the country into this crisis.
“Our scholars and clerics have not paid attention to educating the masses. People are not taught how to behave and treat each other according to Islam. It is the responsibility of ulemas to tell people that their actions, provoking people in the name of Islam and spreading hatred, are against the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and Allah.”
He further said, “In case someone has committed blasphemy no one should be allowed to take law in their hands. The state should take action immediately.”
When asked what the state should do in such a situation Ghamdi said, “Our state is afraid of ulemas and emotions of people. If they take up this issue their seats would be in danger. But it’s time ulemas and politicians step forward to tackle this issue. They should tell the masses that blasphemy is against the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings, it is not Allah’s message or Islam’s message.”
