Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Protection of Minorities in Pakistan

The Pakistani rulers had presented deceased Minorities Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti on a platter before the assassins. A certain section has pushed forward the cause of assassination as violation of the laws of derogation of Prophet-hood, as if their blame on the slain. Bhatti was certain to be slain, but the government did not pay any attention. Bhatti had never uttered a single derogatory word to any prophet, whereas, numerous people heard him praising the holy Prophet Mohammad . He had only asked for such an amendment in the dignity of Prophet-hood laws, through which no innocent person could falsely be implicated.

Adequate Security Arrangements
Bhatti got threats not for his personal opinions but for the sensitive task of collecting diverse opinions from Muslim clerics and minority leaders without providing him adequate security arrangements, in spite of his repeated requests. This assignment entrusted on the directions of President Asif Ali Zardari pleased Western powers, but endangered his life. The government should have taken more precautions after former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer's murder. Who killed him? Was it the handiwork of Raymond Davis's henchmen, or the Taliban's, or some other Islamic enemy? It has to be ascertained but strongly. No one has claimed responsibility so far.

Religion prescribes strict responsibilities for the protection of life and property of minorities. However, prayer cannot be made for the non-Muslim departed soul, whereas the descendants of Bhatti deserve our sympathy and condolence. His killer should be arrested forthwith. One should also follow the limits prescribed by God. In Muslim jurisprudence, the punishment for killing a non-Muslim subject is the same as the punishment for killing a Muslim subject.

According to the Prophet, if a Muslim persecutes any non-Muslim, or snatches away his rights, or takes away anything away from him without his consent, or put pressure on him beyond the capacity of his tolerance, then on the day of resurrection, he (prophet) will give evidence against him. In the Caliphate period of Hazrat Ali, a non-Muslim was killed by a Muslim. Hazrat Ali prescribed retribution for him, but the brother of the slain said that he had pardoned him. Hazrat Ali was not satisfied with the statement, suspecting intimidation from the assassin's relatives. But his brother emphasized that he has taken the compensation money. Then only Hazrat Ali released the culprit and pronounced that 'the blood of a minority subject in our state is as precious as the blood of a Muslim subject and his compensation is also the same.'

Malicious Propaganda
Agents such as Pervez Musharraf are busy to please their US and the Western masters for an innovative Islam. God willing, they will not be successful in their nefarious plans, but it is our responsibility to introspect and remove the shortcomings in our personality and for the pleasing of the Almighty must strive hard to protect the minorities in Pakistan.

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