Influential British Imam Speaks Out In Support Of ‘Blasphemy’ Murderer
One of the main stumbling blocks for progression in many Islamic societies is the very real threat to those speaking out against religious orthodoxy present there.
Salman Taseer was a governor in Pakistan whose comments regarding the countries’ blasphemy laws earned him 27 bullets - courtesy of his own bodyguard, Malik Mumtaz Qadri.
Qadri was executed for this crime earlier in the week, which sparked a number of protests in support of the killer, not to mention thousands attending his funeral.
As abhorrent as support for this murderer may be, it comes as no surprise that you would find it in a place such as Pakistan, given its relationship and track record with blasphemy laws.
Closer to home, there’s often a fear that some Muslims may say one thing in public, yet hold a more sinister view in private. Well, it seems influential Bradford Imam Muhammad Asim Hussain at least has the decency to wear his extremist colours with pride.
In a Facebook post he praised the ‘martyr’ for their deed:
"dark day in the history of Pakistan; the day … Mumtaz [Qadri] was wrongfully executed and martyred in the way of Allah, when he did what he did in honour of the Prophet."
Hussain’s Facebook page has close to 140,000 ‘likes’. As reported by the National Secular Society:
Asim is described as a "popular Imam and speaker amongst Muslim youth in the UK" and is the founder of a registered youth charity that aims to give young people a "deeper, more positive awareness of their faith". According to his website he "tirelessly travels throughout the UK to inspire the youth to the way of Islam through his lectures".
Support for the fanaticism of Pakistani blasphemy laws, in British cities serves to remind people that bad ideas have no borders – and need combatting wherever they present themselves. This is a mind-set that belongs in the dark ages, yet enjoys representation in 21st century Britain.
Stephen Knight is host of The #GSPodcast. You can listen to The Godless Spellchecker Podcast here, and support it by becoming a patron here.