Asian Image, a news site for British Muslim and Hindus, has run an editorial which concludes: “So, whilst we may well moan of Islamophobia, let’s face it, the biggest threat to Muslims are in fact other Muslims.”
The article follows the murder of Glasgow shopkeeper Asad Shah for “disrespecting Isalm“and the killing of a Rochdale Muslim leader by fellow Muslims for “practicing black magic”.
Read the editorial here.
The idea that one deserves to die for blasphemy is something that has been common in Muslim culture for many years.
Recently, Tanveer Ahmed was sentenced for the brutal murder of Asad Shah. The case heard that Ahmed was incensed over the beliefs held by Mr Shah. He then travelled to Glasgow to brutally murder the family man and shopkeeper.
What was shocking was he held no remorse for the killing.
This belief that one will be rewarded in the afterlife for upholding the name of Islam in this way is clearly a major issue within the Muslim community not only here but worldwide.
Individuals are being taught that blasphemy should be punishable by death. Speaking up against such incidents is the job of all the imams and religious leaders in this country. But you are unlikely to hear clear condemnations.
To condemn this is to some way suggest that you agree with the opposing view.
Which isn’t the case at all but you will find most Muslims will not publicly speak up about blasphemy in case they themselves get drawn into the argument. It is an argument you are unlikely to win.
In this case Ahmed clearly did not feel that Mr Shah had the right to follow his own beliefs.
Sadly, I have spoken to many people who do agree with that.
You have Imams and religious leaders who will publicly talk of Islam being a religion of peace but privately condone the killing of individuals who are deemed to have blasphemed. Even if the case is unclear we will condemn them.
What is just as worrying is that in the UK we now have groups and individuals who are have learnt the benefit of keeping quiet on particular issues.
This is not just a Muslim problem though as all religions have similar questions to answer.
As a Muslim you are more likely to be abused for your belief by another Muslim on social media than you are from a non-Muslim. This can be anything from Eid celebrations to simply commemorating the Prophet’s birthday.
One only has to view the opinions of the next generation of ‘Islamic experts’ on social media who will spend hours and days encouraging their army of followers to spread this narrative.
Read the rest of the article here.
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