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Unjust, Un-Islamic & Un-Quranic Killing Mob disobeys God and Quran by killing man for alleged "Quran desecration"

News reports have detailed a mob lynching of a 35-year old man in Pakistan for alleged desecration of a copy of the Quran. Killing someone for "desecrating a Quran" (assuming they did in fact burn the Quran), has no basis in the religion of Islam (Submission to God). Such senseless violence goes against the laws in the Quran.

God tells us in the Quran, that we must respect the word of God (Quran 6:68). However, if someone disrespects the Quran or insults God, our job is to convey our disagreement in a peaceful manner. Aggression is strongly forbidden in Quran.

Respect for the Word of God

[6:68] If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people.

The victim, a 35-year old man, went to Heaven . However, the killers are guilty of unjustly taking the life of a human being. God has decreed life is sacred (6:151, 17:33, etc.). Thus, in supposed "defense" of the Quran, they disobey and disrespect God's commandments in the Quran.

The Major Commandments

[Quran 6:151] Say, "Come let me tell you what your Lord has really prohibited for you: You shall not set up idols besides Him. You shall honor your parents. You shall not kill your children from fear of poverty―we provide for you and for them. You shall not commit gross sins, obvious or hidden. You shall not kill―GOD has made life sacred―except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you, that you may understand."

[Quran 17:33] You shall not kill any person―for GOD has made life sacred―except in the course of justice. If one is killed unjustly, then we give his heir authority to enforce justice. Thus, he shall not exceed the limits in avenging the murder, he will be helped.

How does God tell us to respond to someone who desecrates a book? We can take a cue from the verses that tell us what to do if someone insults or disrespects God Almighty.

[Quran 7:180] To GOD belongs the most beautiful names; call upon Him therewith, and disregard those who distort His names. They will be requited for their sins.

[Quran 33:48] Do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites, disregard their insults, and put your trust in GOD; GOD suffices as an advocate.

[Quran 6:68] If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people. [6:69] The righteous are not responsible for the utterances of those people, but it may help to remind them; perhaps they may be saved. [6:70] You shall disregard those who take their religion in vain, as if it is a social function, and are totally absorbed in this worldly life. Remind with this (Quran), lest a soul may suffer the consequences of its evil earnings. It has none beside GOD as a Lord and Master, nor an intercessor. If it could offer any kind of ransom, it would not be accepted. They suffer the consequences of the evil works they earn; they have incurred hellish drinks, and a painful retribution because of their disbelief.

God tells all Muslims to disregard the ignorant people who insult God or God's revelations. If insulting God is not a capital crime punishable by death, how is burning His book more serious?

The criminals who broke God's law by this lynching, have put their own opinion above God's word, in Quran. And above the opinion of God and His messenger. They thus commit idol-worship and disrespect God and His word, the Quran.

[Quran 49:1] O you who believe, do not place your opinion above that of GOD and His messenger. You shall reverence GOD. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

[Quran 5:50] Is it the law of the days of ignorance that they seek to uphold? Whose law is better than GOD's for those who have attained certainty?

Unfortunately such mobs and their misguided leaders have distorted Islam and do not follow the Quran, and make up their own laws in contradiction to God's assertion that the Quran is complete, perfect and fully detailed.

God tells us that if people act out of ignorance, to disregard them and utter peace (25:3, 33:48). Countering the bad with good is a consistent theme in the Quran (13:22, 28:54). How is someone supposed to learn and improve if we do not give them a chance to hear the message of God and instead kill them or oppress them? It is completely illogical.

[Quran 25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace.

[Quran 33:48] Do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites, disregard their insults, and put your trust in GOD; GOD suffices as an advocate.

Editorial, December 2012