Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, Saudi Arabia recently began carrying out its punishment of 1000 lashes for liberal activist Raif Badawi. According to newspaper reports, Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes, 10 years in prison, and a stiff fine for founding an online forum that "violates Islamic values and propagates liberal thought". The Quran advocates maximum freedom for the people -- freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom to travel, and freedom of economy (Quran 2:256, 10:99, 88:21-22). No Compulsion in Religion [Quran 2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. Badawi allegedly insulted religious clerics. Even if Badawi had insulted the prophet Muhammad, God says the prophet Muhammad himself would have simply disregarded the insults and left the matter to God (Quran 33:48). [Quran 33:48] ... disregard their insults, and put your trust in GOD; GOD suffices as an advocate. Lashing people (in the name of Islam) for advocating the Quranic principles of freedom, displays both ignorance and defiance of God's laws in His proven scripture, the Quran. Unfortunately, "Muslims" have given Islamic justice such a bad name, that "Islamic Justice" throughout the world has become synonymous with "Gross Injustice." This is in contrast with the Quranic principles of equivalance, freedom and compassion. References: What Price A Great Nation, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix36.html Quran, Mathematically proven scripture of God, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/miracle/ Criminal Justice, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix37.html Islamic Justice Does Not Cut Off The Hand Of The Thief, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/1989/feb/page3.html Peace.