Kuwait death penalty law for blasphemy

"...to the Muslim gurus out here:..."

(I consider myself a student not a guru)

“…1- A friend told me killing yourself is haram in Islam..2- Killing another soul is haram in islam.. If true, clearly Islam does not support killing….”

IT IS MENTIONED IN THE QURAN

Because of that We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. And indeed, there came to them Our Messengers with clear proofs, evidences, and signs, even then after that many of them continued to exceed the limits (e.g. by doing oppression unjustly and exceeding beyond the limits set by Allâh by committing the major sins) in the land!. (Al-Ma'idah 5:32)

O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allâh is Most Merciful to you. (An-Nisa 4:29)

And whoever commits that through aggression and injustice, We shall cast him into the Fire, and that is easy for Allâh. (An-Nisa 4:30)

“…How come, you can kill for following reasons:… 1-if your wife cheat you can kill her and you dont get punished…”

As fathima has already replied – it is not permissible to take law in your hands both for husband and for wife

“…2-you can suicide bombing? this is killing yourself..

do u get to go to heaven too? (it is confusing)…”

Not heaven, but surely suicide will land you in hell

As per prophet muhammad's (PBUH) Tradition ---

Hadith - Bukhari 7:670, Narrated Abu Huraira

The Prophet said, "Whoever purposely throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, will be in the (Hell) Fire falling down into it and abiding therein perpetually forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, he will be carrying his poison in his hand and drinking it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever; and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in his hand and stabbing his abdomen with it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever."

I guess a lot of it has come into the system due to culture and not due to religion.

As I told you,our Prophet,who's example we are commanded to follow, never beat his wives.Should my man dare to even raise a twig on me in rage I will walkout,but that's cos I know we will InshaAllah never wait till it gets that bad. Divorce has been made easy for us for a reason, though of course many women and men tend to abuse that ease.

Just a lay woman with enough knowledge of the religion to say:

1If your wife cheats on you,you certainly cannot kill her. If you do you are a murderer and will likely get the death penalty. What you can do is divorce her.

2 Suicide bombing is haram and worse than killing yourself because not only did you take your life but you also killed/maimed others. Plenty of righteous Muslim scholars have spoken against this abominable evil act.

3I believe I answered that already in my posts here. There is no evidence that the Prophet ever put to death anyone for blasphemy alone. He only applied the death sentence when it involved murder and looting. but he has pardoned many others despite them committing blasphemy even whilst he was the ruler of Mecca.

Yes a lot of laws carried out in the name of Islam are man made,twisted,taken out of context and completely misquoted. And as time goes by sadly this will keep going from bad to worse. Muslims will divide into more sects than even Jews and Christians. This has been prophesized and is already happening. Trials after trials are befalling Muslims because of among all things the going astray and evil actions of people who call themselves Muslims yet change the words of God and the Prophet.We Muslims believe that until the coming of Jesus(peace be upon Him), who will slay the anti Christ and take over the ruler ship, we will not see the Muslim world ruled exactly according to the Quran and Sunnah.

Yes MM....this was clarified yesterday. It is the acts by some people who chose to commit these crimes that are sometimes by Muslims, sometimes Christians etc....

I also learned that 'wife beating' is allowed in the Quran as last resort and the object that the husband can beat his wife with is as small as twig. It also must not be on the face and must not leave a mark. There is nothing in the Quran to allow a wife to beat her husband. I have been told that this may be because if she hits him, as he is stronger, he will hurt her more.

I still believe however that a husband should not be allowed to lay his hand or any object on his wife.

PG, MT & MN,

the stuff you're bringing up is and isn't in the Quran. From my understanding, while these things (like beating your wife) are in the Quran, they've been taken out of context (mostly by Muslims themselves).

Did you just copy and paste this from your comment to me MN?

MN - If you can't answer the questions...don't opt for the easy way out and insult other people for inquiring about a religion. If you are Muslim, shouldn't you be spreading the good word of your prophet and explain to Non-Muslims.

How can he provide evidence for a QUESTION????

MN - Oooops really? But why is it that I hear these questions being asked by non-muslims all the time?

This is not a question this is a bigoted false ignorant statement you made on something which you had no knowledge of. Your statement is the manifestation of hypocrisy on this forum.

produce your EVIDENCE! If you have none, say so, and be silent.

PG - Good questions. I would be looking forward to hearing some good responses to add to my little knowledge on the subject.

to the Muslim gurus out here:

1- A friend told me killing yourself is haram in Islam

2- Killing another soul is haram in islam

If true, clearly Islam does not support killing.

How come, you can kill for following reasons:

1-if your wife cheat you can kill her and you dont get punished

2-you can suicide bombing? this is killing yourself.. do u get to go to heaven too? (it is confusing)

3- capital punishment for blasphemy

I want to know Where God told Moslems they can kill for these situations. Is it Mentioned anywhere in Koran? Is it mad made?

Does anyone feel credible enough to answer?

And it's a pleasure to be of help to anyone of you..truly! Anything to stop misconceptions and bashing ruining meaningful discussions here on QL.

And MT, you are perfectly right in asking in questions openly. Much better than those who remain silently seething, believing all what they are told. A real teacher!

Yes lovely Fatimah....everyone should take a leaf out of her book, including myself!

If you are talking about fatimah then i agree...

"...Blashpemy is a point of view and gets abused. ..."

I have answered this point already, all laws are abused however we still have laws. If you can point out one law which has not been abused ??

no your alright... I have my answers from a very helpful, informative Q'ler who really embodies a true genuine person and practices what she preaches. :)

Regarding your query on Quran permitting wife-beating, homour killing etc. you can open another thread so that we don't deviate from the discussion in this thread...

"...No one deserves to be killed. Humans have no right to destroy what they can't create. And permission must be taken from God the Almighty before killing anyone. ..."

So according to you killing of terrorists like Bin laden was wrong ??

"...Now Corporal Punishment is not necessarily DEATH. Isn't it?

Most of the time I have seem the overly religious kind of people resort to what we call beating around the bush using misinformation and diversion. I hope you are not resorting to that here...."

So whats your point here ?? It was not said "ALL other religions" - it was mentioned "other religions" because i had quoted from old testament regarding capital punishment for blasphemy and had provided reference for the same....and this is applicable for both jews and christians.

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: [Book of Leviticus 24:16]

and the verse quoted above has no possibility of misinterpretation and hence no question of diversion or misinformation.

Also, it was you who had boasted that:

"...I understand perfectly that all religious scriptures except the ones related to hinduism ,sikhism and buddhism prescribe death penalty for blasphemy..."

However i had quoted from hindu scriptures which disapprove of your claim...and now instead of accepting this proof you are trying to accuse me of misinformation....

No one deserves to be killed. Humans have no right to destroy what they can't create. And permission must be taken from God the Almighty before killing anyone. So go find him first and get his written approval with a stamp ;)

Happy to hear this,they deserve it

MT - Your posts have been taken out of context and it's normal on online forums like these.If I was you, I wouldn't mind giving such a detailed explaination. Afteral, we are what we are :)

Btw,What's your fav word? ;)

Anyway....big thanks to my habibtee FathimaH who took the time to explain a lot of things to me about this today x

So sad as it seems you can't just genuinely ask a question about a religion without people jumping on the band wagon and making stupid nasty analogies about a people. sticks and stones....and all that jazz MN.

I also happen to be very good friends with lovely genuine people who follow the Islamic faith and respect them greatly. So please MN do not call me bigoted. I have many questions regarding every religion not just Islam.

Also if you are going to copy and paste my comment MN...don't miss out the most important part that I wrote....

"Please correct me if I'm wrong as I do not have knowledge of the full Quran and its teachings.

Thanks."

@B.E. - I feel this issue is linked to the responses given to this forum about blasphemy.

How many times do I need to remind people that conversations sometimes spin off at points to other things in close relation. emmm like "disinformation" B.E..... enough said!

Is it grammatically correct?

Britexpat - Ok lemme try that one -

Many online debaters use and rely on disinformation to bring people around to accept their viewpoint.

How's that?

Disinformation :O)

Brite - Disingenious is oneof my fav words from my school vocabulary classes ;) Thanks for using it. What is your fav word? Let me know so that I can use it in my next post :)

MT: Along with this...am I correct in saying Islam through the Quran allows;

Stoning/floggings (some for rape Victims)

Wife beating

Honors killings

All of which I believe are far from peaceful

____________________________________________________

This is not a question this is a bigoted false ignorant statement you made on something which you had no knowledge of. Your statement is the manifestation of hypocrisy on this forum.

At least when I and others enquire/criticize or scrutinize some aspects of the Islamic faith we know what we are on about. You just talk bullox gal.

I think you're being rather disingenious here. The topic is blasphemy, so let's stick to it.

As far as aspects of religion are concerned, there are many things which can be taken out of context and used to belittle all religions.

Each religious book is open to interpretation and can be used by those who wield power to crush their enemies or settle personal scores.

Christianity in Kuwait is a minority religion, accounting for 10-15% of the country's population, or 350,000 people.

The denominations include, but are not limited to, the following:

140,000 Catholics in Kuwait. There is a cathedral in Kuwait City, which belongs to the Vicariate Apostolic of Kuwait.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Kuwait

This is not the point .....the point is tht Islam is said to be a peaceful religion. I asked if the following things are condoned in Islam;

Stoning to death/flogging

Wife beating

Honour killings

nomerci - Yes it is....what with all the so many of them with different brands around.

Ah...tricky that!

nomerci - Not necessarily. You need to be specific on which God you are referring too.

Insanity

You said - "In Islam, a person who has committed blasphemy can either be killed or crucified, or his opposite hands and feet can be cut off, or he can be exiled from that land. On the other hand, in other religions there is no other option except capital punishment. Islam at least has four options of punishment for an act of blasphemy."

Now hold on there! Please read what you quoted from Manusmriti:

“If a man born of a lower class intentionally bothers a priest, the king should punish him physically with various forms of corporal and capital punishment that make men shudder.” [Manusmriti 9:248]

First of all the verse above has nothing to do with Blasphemy. If it has,probably it's your own interpretation. Secondly, it gives clear options when it says - "punish him physically with VARIOUS FORMS of corporal and capital punishment". Now Corporal Punishment is not necessarily DEATH. Isn't it?

Most of the time I have seem the overly religious kind of people resort to what we call beating around the bush using misinformation and diversion. I hope you are not resorting to that here.

So, to make a long story short...If I ever go to Kuwait, muttering "OMG " is not a good idea then?

Britexpat - Yes it is upto the countries to enact but at the same time the international community has the responsibility to prevent another Darfur or Kosovo to happen.

Countries cannot be left to decide for themselves at all times and there has to be a global voice against measures which have the potential to harm people.

I do not agree with the laws regarding "denial of holocaust". I also believe that this blasphemy law is over the top. However, in each case, it is up to the country to enact the laws, whatever their motives.

People who are killing in the name of religion are doing a good job and I dont think we need the governments to get involved and contribute to the religious death toll.

Again insantity you are mixing things up. Rushide was a British Citizen and was given protection from the UK government. It is also possible to deny the holocaust in the UK, it is not against the law! Shall we blame Qatar for the obvious wrong doing of the Kuwaiti parliment? Of course not.

Blashpemy is a point of view and gets abused. Academic studies on early Islam routinly get attacked by religious leaders with their own agenda and the people responsible accussed of blashpemy. That is one way to stifle debate and retain power, threaten people with death.

Then MS you might as well go ahead and tell us where exactly in the Koran it prescribes stoning and honor killing? Can you?

"...What blasphemy to one person may not be blasphemy to another. Some consider it their own point of view or in America...freedom of speech..."

Definition of Blasphemy is very simple and clear to all people and there is no room for misinterpretation. So a person choses to stay in a country should know the laws and follow it.

Here, Western countries are being considered as a standard against which freedom of speech / womens right etc etc. is being measured.

The problem is there is no principle which the west follows. On one hand they grant asylum to salman rushdie on the other hand they prohibit people from speaking against holocaust.

Just 2 yrs back islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik was denied entry to UK though he always voiced his opinion against terrorism (http://peacetimes.net/2010/06/dr-zakir-naik-banned-in-canada-follows-the-footsteps-of-uk/)

On one hand US projects itself as a champion of human rights and then it is perpetuating grave human rights violation in guantenamo bay.

On one hand US and west say they are against terrorism and then they support state terrorism against paleastine

On one hand they say they are champions of democracy and on the other hand they support dictators as long as they are serving their interests.

Give me 1 example where west is adhering to any principles and is practicing what it is preaching ???

Jeez! Some lots will just rather beat around the bush here! I wonder why nobody I on this particular forum is addressing Fatimah’s post. Sounded quite intelligent and convincing to me.

Nope not fox news MN

Lol PG out of my whole comment u chose to discuss that.

Freedom of speech...how ironic.

MT: MT: umm so stoning, honor killing and death sentence for blasphemy. Which Quran is that MT? Fox Now’s?

MT let's not Americanise everything around us. What freedom of speech?

'

In Kuwait, they must feel very threatened to lose the grip of holding Islam together without spreading fear among people.

It's like God gave you life, But they don't mind taking it without consulting God. God Authorised Kuwaitis to KILL another being if they speak bad about God.

Just like fasting Ramadan but sleeping till half an hour before the who gets fatter contest :)

There are Good/balanced Moslims out there. They just are not the ones ruling i guess.

I don't think European countries can jail a country LP.

"I wouldn't say it's quite as stupid. Generally people who deny the holocaust are supporters of the Nazi cause or .."

I don't think that the Iranians support the Nazi cause! But they deny the holocaust.

What blasphemy to one person may not be blasphemy to another. Some consider it their own point of view or in America...freedom of speech.

Death sentence is not suitable 'punishment' if there is to be a punishment.

Yes the rapists, murderers etc.. I could understand more if they were to get the death penalty as they are a danger to society. The supposed criminals of blasphemy are not.

Along with this...am I correct in saying Islam through the Quran allows;

Stonings/floggings (some for rape Victims)

Wife beating

Honour killings

All of which I believe are far from peaceful

Please correct me if I'm wrong as I do not have knowledge of the full Quran and its teachings.

Thanks.

Huh?

MISS MIMI: They claimed an extra 5.73 million on life insurance while they were at it as well..

"In Islam, a person who has committed blasphemy can either be killed or crucified, or his opposite hands and feet can be cut off, or he can be exiled from that land."

I find it very worrying that you find any of these an appropriate response.

From the Holy Koran:

Translation to English by Yusuf Ali.

YUSUFALI: Say: O ye that reject Faith!

YUSUFALI: I worship not that, which ye worship,

YUSUFALI: Nor will ye worship that which I worship.

YUSUFALI: And I will not worship that, which ye have been wont to worship,

YUSUFALI: Nor will ye worship that which I worship.

YUSUFALI: To you be your Way, and to me mine.

Surely God can defend himself? Why does the government need to do it?

Frankly I think denying the deaths of 6 million people who can no longer defend themselves and who died horrific deaths is far worse than insulting a supposedly all powerful deity who can surely defend himself.

Also,

In Islam, a person who has committed blasphemy can either be killed or crucified, or his opposite hands and feet can be cut off, or he can be exiled from that land. On the other hand, in other religions there is no other option except capital punishment. Islam at least has four options of punishment for an act of blasphemy.

"Even in so called democracies and liberal western countries if a person accuses someone wrongly/baselessly he can file a defamation suit against him."

The punishment for defamation is a fine. It's not even jail time. It's not death!

There is a huge difference between a fine and death.

"...Big difference between sending someone to jail for a couple of months and killing them insanity..."

Big difference in their crime also MM; if a person does not beleive in god and denies his existence he is a kafir but he is not performing blasphemy.

If a person openly abuses god then it amounts to blasphemy.

So if you compare with just denying holocaust being a crime then you realzie that islam is more tolerant than your european counterparts.

"...I also notice you use the same justification as a dictator, to preserve peace you need to punish the people .."

Even in so called democracies and liberal western countries if a person accuses someone wrongly/baselessly he can file a defamation suit against him.

This is not allowed in the name of freedom of speech. If someone abuses anyones mom or sis and calls them with vile names and writes novels about them then no one will accept it in the name of freedom of speech.

For muslims islam and prophet and his family are very important and if someone abuses or uses vile language then it cant be tolerated.

As I have mentioned earlier there are ways to discuss anythign with respect; If for example a non-muslim does not beleive in a verse from Quran he can put forth his arguments against it in a nice way; but if someone calls it for example "satanic verses" nauzobilla then he goes out of the limit of civilized discussion and it will be treated as blasphemy.

Big difference between sending someone to jail for a couple of months and killing them insanity.

"...I wouldn't say it's quite as stupid. Generally people who deny the holocaust are supporters of the Nazi cause or .."

Again we should not have different standards; If generally speaking nazi supporters deny holocaust then similarly enemies of muslims and islam abuse our religion and prophets and anyone doing so should be punished.

"Only certain countries in Europe make denying the holocaust a crime so you cannot generalise. (That law is as stupid as death for blasphemy)"

I wouldn't say it's quite as stupid. Generally people who deny the holocaust are supporters of the Nazi cause or belong to right wing fascist groups, which these countries, namely Germany, Austria, former Czechoslovakia, Belgium, Romania, Poland, etc, were all some of the most effected by World War II, and it's not just Holocaust denial that is illegal but rather anything to do with supporting the Nazi cause.

Also, it is rarely enforced.

At least these countries can prove that the Nazi's have had an adverse effect on them, resulting in the deaths of millions.

What kind of catastrophe has blasphemy caused?

Only certain countries in Europe make denying the holocaust a crime so you cannot generalise. (That law is as stupid as death for blasphemy)

I also notice you use the same justification as a dictator, to preserve peace you need to punish the people that seek to undermine the legitimate government/religious authority etc.

I believe Assad is using that justification in Syria now, the same as ghaddafi did in Libya and many more before them.

Actually most countries don't have or use the death penalty insanity:

Of the 194 independent states that are UN members or have UN observer status:

* 42 (22%) maintain the death penalty in both law and practice.

* 97 (50%) have abolished it.

* 7 (4%) retain it for crimes committed in exceptional circumstances (such as in time of war).

* 48 (25%) permit its use for ordinary crimes, but have not used it for at least 10 years and are believed to have a policy or established practice of not carrying out executions, or it is under a moratorium.

"...Islam is always said to be religion of peace...yet it so blatantly allows, accepts and is comfortable with death/murder...."

If you need to maintain peace then you may need to reign in miscreants and they need to be punished as per their crime.

According to you :

what should be the punishment for raping a women ??

What should be the punishment of a terrorist or a murderer??

Even death penalty exists as per the laws of most of the countries in the world and most people agree that this is justifiable for heinous crimes. Europe is also having laws where denyign holocaust is a crime.

Hence I dont know why people are having so much problem when Islam is asking for death penalty for extreme blasphemers.

Also as fatima rightly pointed out and gave examples where even big crimes did not result in death penalty.

Please! Don't judge an entire faith based on a few points.

Islam does give out the death penalty but they are for only extreme cases specially those that involve murder and oppression of others. Many times our Prophet has freed people, yes even those who insulted him and his family.

Ex: The story of the Ifk. Where people accused the wife of Muhammad of committing adultery when she was in fact completely innocent. Non of those people were put to death, even when it became clear that they had wronged.

And how about the story of the Jewess who poisoned the Prophet. As long as it was only he who was affected he never put her to death but when the poison killed another only was she killed.

Then there was a man who enraged at how the booty was being distributed, stood up and accused Muhammad of being unfair by warning him to fear Allah. Though the people were enraged and demanding that he be punished, the Prophet let him walk free.

And how about the time when the people of a certain town abused our Prophet so bad, and even threw rocks at him. When asked by an angel if he wished to cause death for them all, the prophet said no and instead prayed for their guidance. Now, how can anyone say Islam is a blood thirsty faith?

God gave us free will and that free will should be allowed to question, deny and challenge him and his prophets.

MT. Well we all have learnt a great lesson today from Insanity about the religion of peace.

Haven’t we? (-:

After reading Insanity's comments;

The thing I don't get is that Islam is always said to be religion of peace...yet it so blatantly allows, accepts and is comfortable with death/murder.

"...I understand perfectly that all religious scriptures except the ones related to hinduism ,sikhism and buddhism prescribe death penalty for blasphemy ..."

Manusmriti, the Law book of the Hindus, it says:

“If a man born of a lower class intentionally bothers a priest, the king should punish him physically with various forms of corporal and capital punishment that make men shudder.” [Manusmriti 9:248]

Thank you very much for exposing the religion of peace for what it’s Insanity (-:

Insanity - "So my point is lets discuss in principle whether blaspheming a religion is a grave crime or not and whether this deserves the strictest of punishment"

Please share your views.

"There are decent ways to express your views and there are ways which is out of the realm of decency..."

How do you prove that?

"..in countries where this law has been applied,it has often been used to settle political and personal disputes and vendetta..."

In India dowry law has been used to settle personal scores; you can search article 498a on google and find for yrself.

So as I said any law can be misused, be it against terror, against rape et all. So my point is lets discuss in principle whether blaspheming a religion is a grave crime or not and whether this deserves the strictest of punishment.

Also you mentioned "...most effective deterrent to the religion being questioned and ..."

Islam does not discourage asking questions; nor does it support forcing it down the throat. As i said earlier it is the way you question that is important.

There are decent ways to express your views and there are ways which is out of the realm of decency...

Insanity - My question is not with the rulings of the scriptures per se. I understand perfectly that all religious scriptures except the ones related to hinduism ,sikhism and buddhism prescribe death penalty for blasphemy as it is the most effective deterrent to the religion being questioned and insulted. My question and reservation is on the grounds of implementation only. In countries where this law has been applied,it has often been used to settle political and personal disputes and vendetta.

How does a government implement such a harsh punishment? In the absence of proper investigations,this law might become the equivalent of inquisition.

"however suppose if your neighbour abuses your family members and calls yr parents/relatives with the vilest of names what kind of punishment would you want for him??"

Who cares? I'd just ignore him/her.

"...Insanity: thank you for the fanatical Muslim viewpoint...."

You are most welcome....however suppose if your neighbour abuses your family members and calls yr parents/relatives with the vilest of names what kind of punishment would you want for him??

Will you remain quiet because democracy permits freedom of speech ??

"...You see the beauty of Democracy is that it also gives Lonny heads and scum bags idiots the right to express themselves. .."

Thats why you are alive LoL -:)

I don't believe blasphemy is a crime at all. Everyone has a right to express their opinions.

"...I think execution or crucificton as you say is the penalty can only be handed down on God's approval. He should sign the documents to give such a judgement validity...."

Ok..so you should use the same principle for terrorists and rapists.

".........My worry about this law is how do you prove that someone has blasphemed? Are people going to be arrested because someone says "Oh, they blasphemed" or are they only going to execute people who've written down their blasphemy's? There are far too many ways this law can be abused...."

Any law can be abused, even laws which are made for grave crimes like rape are abused nowadays...

However first of all lets agree in principle that blasphemy is a grave crime and deserves punishment which has been prescribed by islam and being implemented in kuwait.

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Since when was the holocaust a religion? Denying the holocaust isn't blasphemy in the slightest....

Insanity: thank you for the fanatical Muslim viewpoint.

You see the beauty of Democracy is that it also gives Lonny heads and scum bags idiots the right to express themselves. ( the right to Kill others in the case of Kuwait)

Truly Blind fanatics give religion a bad rep...

David Irving denying the holocaust is not blasphemy. That is a really strange thing to say.

I think execution or crucificton as you say is the penalty can only be handed down on God's approval. He should sign the documents to give such a judgement validity.

My worry about this law is how do you prove that someone has blasphemed? Are people going to be arrested because someone says "Oh, they blasphemed" or are they only going to execute people who've written down their blasphemy's? There are far too many ways this law can be abused.

If you have genuine questions related to Islam and its commandments there is a way to ask them and also there is a way to agree to disagree.

Now if someone starts abusing Islam and our prophets, our books then it is not a constructive criticism, it is not going to benefit anyone and on the contrary it may cause lot of political problems and it may start a vicious cycle (wherein there is a slanging match between 2 parties leading to worse things). Hence Islam provides the best solution to mankind in this matter also by nipping the problem in the bud and making blasphemy a grave crime punishable by death.

Also, islam asks muslims to practise the same w.r.t other religions:

And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allâh, lest they insult Allâh wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair­seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do. (Al-An'am 6:108)

http://www.islamicvoice.com/April2006/QuestionHour-DrZakirNaik/

The punishment for blasphemy in most of the major religions is death. It is stated in the Old Testament of the Bible, which is the authority for both the Jews and the Christians:

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: [Book of Leviticus 24:16]

Regarding the punishment for blasphemy in Islam, it is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an:

“The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter;” [Surah Al-Maidah 5:33].

In Islam, a person who has committed blasphemy can either be killed or crucified, or his opposite hands and feet can be cut off, or he can be exiled from that land. On the other hand, in other religions there is no other option except capital punishment. Islam at least has four options of punishment for an act of blasphemy.

Blasphemy in modern times:

A Danish illustrator Christopher Zieler submitted a series of unsolicited cartoons dealing with the resurrection of Christ, to Jyllands-Posten. However, the cartoons of Christ were turned down by Jyllands-Posten on the grounds that they could be offensive to readers and were surely not funny.

A British historian David Irving was recently given a three-year sentence on charges stemming from two speeches he gave in Austria in 1989 in which he was accused of denying the Holocaust. (The Times of India, February 24, 2006). The report urges us to contemplate why is “freedom of expression” conveniently forgotten when it comes to topics that may hurt a section of this world?

Many people dont realize how much the various sects in Islam have affected much of the Muslim world. Historically wars have been fought between various groups all claiming to be Muslims.

Kuwait, much like the rest of the lands governed by Muslim rulers, know the threats of various sects and to avoid possible turmoils and revolting, have come up with many laws even in the past. Clearly this blasphemy law is one of them. Does anyone honestly believe this law is aimed at the regular Muslim man/woman? Nay, rather it's aimed at those who have some power and can pose a threat to the ruling family. Specially when you take into account the mentioning of those speaking ill about the Prophets's wives.

Anyone knows that in Islam belittling the Prophets companions is a huge sin ,but not considered blasphemy. And there are certain sects in Islam that actually think its obligatory to humiliate certain members of the Prophets family and friends. These sects have in the past brought down governments and caused turbulences. And it is them at whom these laws are aimed at.

The government of Kuwait are clearly trying to avoid any possible chances of trouble and have hence imposed this law. Now if anyone is to try anything against the government, squishing them will be made easy by implementation of this law.

So to say its killing in the name of God is certainly not the case here.

Moza: There is a widely prevailing misconception about God sanctioning death for apostasy/blasphemy /infidelity, etc.

however, as Fatmiah rightly pointed out, There is not the least ground for such a supposition in the Muslim faith

Moza and MN - Both of you are right and wrong at the same time ;)

Well I'm presuming that god would be pleased if kuwait kill people in his name, otherwise why would they do this?

mozaismyhero : Are you serious? I do not ...

Are you serious? I do not advocate anyone attacking another persons beliefs but the death penalty? What is this, 1425?

So you kill the unbelievers as they said they do not believe in the teachings of Mohamed. When you get to heaven God says 'the commandment not to kill in this respect does not apply, great job defending me the omnipotent one as I get a little upset when people say bad things against me.

-----------------------------------

What are you on about?

Using religion to converge people's thoughts and strength is an old trick. First, conjure up an image in the minds of people of a non existing entity and then project yourself as his agent.

Now, anyone questioning the entity's existence will be deemed as challenging the agent....by making it an offence punishable by death, the government is infact making its place more secure against dissidents. That's because the state would be leveling such charges against dissidents irrespective of what they revolt against.

Moza - It depends on which deity you talk to. There would be special concessions if you talk to the authorized deities. Some deities are more powerful than others and they know the people who make decisions.

So the people that believe in deities are classified as insane and will be locked up or does it just depend on which diety you talk to?

Yes MM I was kidding. Goodmorning!

You're kidding right BB? Life in mental institutions isn't nice ANYWHERE in the world, and I highly doubt it's nice in a place where people's response to having children with disabilities is to lock them in a room for 12 years.

MM - Life in ME Jails is quite nice. They give you three square meals a day,clean bedsheet,pillow,slippers and good health care. Iám assuming that the same facilities would be provided at the mental institutions too.

The law is for the protection of the people (from the government). See, how far we've come. Now it's the other way around.

Hmmmm. Guy in the UAE was just put in a mental asylum for life for blasphemy....not sure which I would prefer, death or life in a Middle Eastern mental institution... Screw that, kill me please.

KR - What if you are summoned?

Their country,their rules...in this life I have no plans going back to Kuwait so I give a damn.

Blue Bull, Parmesan and Tomato sauce have been added.Fresh Basil is on the waiting list for admission.:)

Nomerci - Thanks for reminding me of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and his Garlic balls ;) I had almost forgotten my religion :))

Damn :(

TIGHT SLAPS. Yup.

Are we talking slaps or smacks and possible caning here ?

The next person who insults the flying spagetthi monster gets to tight slaps.

Hrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrph!

We of the Flat Earth Society take exception to your remarks..

Will they also give the death penalty to those that say the earth revolves around the sun and that the earth is not flat like they did hundreds of years ago?

Moza Looolll - But why is he looking like that? Or is it just a joke?

Forget blasphemy did you do this today?

http://failblog.org/2012/05/04/funny-facebook-fails-failbook-have-you-shown-token-appreciation-for-your-lord-and-savior-yet-today/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+failblog+%28The+FAIL+Blog+-+Fail+Pictures+%26+Videos+at+Failblog.ORG%29

Moza - Yes it is totally acceptable. Infact it is desirable. Otherwise how will people know that the value of God is more than the value of all humans combined.

No one has answered yet. Is it acceptable to kill in gods name?

Prism - Read it again please ;)

MUSLIMS PRAY TO THE - GOD OF IBRAHIM

CHRISTIANS PRAY TO THE - GOD OF ABRAHAM

JEWS PRAY TO THE - GOD OF ABRAHAM

HINDUS PRAY TO THE - GOD OF BRAHMA

---------------------------------------

ALL PRAY TO THE SAME GOD.

THE GOD OF MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS, JEWS, HINDUS,PLANTS, ANIMALS, STARS, UNIVERSE , ETC.. IS SAME. ONLY THAT THEIR CORRESPONDING PROPHETS LIVED IN A DIFFERENT PERIOD OF TIME.

-------------------------------------------------------

BUT ALL HAVE A COMMON PROPHET:

ABRAHAM = IBRAHIM = BRAHMA .....

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WANT PROOF? SEE WORD "BRAH" IN ALL OFF THEM.

LAW ACCEPTABLE;

BUT EXCUSE SHOULD BE GIVEN FOR MENTALLY INSANE.

Specially after all these years.Knowing the situation in Kuwait and the government, there must be some deeper political related motive behind such an extreme measure rather than a religious one.

No doubt in Islam, as a Muslim, it is a sin to mock any aspect of the religion and we are warned that it is something that can take us out of the fold of Islam BUT there is no death penalty for such a sin. In fact during the time of the Prophet such things did take place, and except for warning those who did them, sternly, that what they did was wrong and can cause them to go astray, the Prophet never even ordered them to be jailed!

I don't know how BB concluded:

"People who hurt the sentiments of others must be punished by the state with death. It is definately going to teach good moral values and ethics to our future generation and will also lead to advancements in science and technology".

There can be various other ways in which the sentiments of another person can be hurt by an individual, and that is not what this bill is all about.

Are you serious? I do not advocate anyone attacking another persons beliefs but the death penalty? What is this, 1425?

So you kill the unbelievers as they said they do not believe in the teachings of Mohamed. When you get to heaven God says 'the commandment not to kill in this respect does not apply, great job defending me the omnipotent one as I get a little upset when people say bad things against me. However I can't let you into heaven as you did not kill enough unbelievers and blasphemers in my name. Sorry of to hell you go'

It is fine, when it comes to Making Cartoons of Prophet Mohommad (PBUH), Burning Quran???

I beg to Disagree with moza, in my opinion Kuwaiti Parliament has done a Good Job...

On a more serious note:

T's clear that this law has being politically motivated.

The Islamic faith does not even remotely hint at the death sentence for those blaspheming against it or Islam.

But Unfortunately, The extremists groups in the Kuwait govt are abusing democracy by introducing such ridiculous laws which they believe is their knock out in the political fight against their long time opponents The Shies opposition.

I beg to disagree BB , sort of a stalinism.. Like the one believes the one doesnt also deserves to be respected not punished !!!!!.

In fairness, fucking crap.

Insulting his wife - would that be his 6 year old wife??

Such bullshit.

I would go further, those that pass such laws should be jailed for crimes against humanity. This is a law that will be abused for political gain and for settling scores.

This is shocking beyond belief. God does not need more humans to kill in his name.

What's next? Fourty lashes for passing gas!

Most of my country would be put to death if our govt had that over there LOL

theres nothing to be shocked about

Shocking, God must be pleased humans kill in his name and obviously he cannot defend himself.

These people are not human that passed this law

His (PBUH) WIVES?

Mandi

the toughest penalty for the blasphemy is good