Asia

Islam, Blasphemy & the Nigerian State

The subject of blasphemy, as it concerns Islamic personages or symbols, has become more visible in recent times especially in countries or regions that pride themselves as adhering to the Islamic faith, no thanks to the attendant jungle justice that have been meted out to alleged ‘blasphemers’. Nigeria has a blotted history of violence arising from allegations of blasphemy. Blasphemy is regarded as the utterance of words or actions considered unworthy or impious in respect of beings or things that …

State of religious freedom in Pakistan considered “Dire”

Panelists at a religious freedom session on Pakistan called for reform of the nation’s laws, calling the situation for minorities dire. In June alone, 47 religious minorities were killed in Pakistan, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. The victims included an 18-year old Christian man tortured to death by police after he was suspected of kidnapping a Muslim woman, the commission said. “Basic law enforcement and legal reform are desperately needed,” Knox Thames, director of policy and …

Ahmadiyya Fiji Anthony Gates

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Fiji celeberates Prophet Muhammad Day

Chief Justice of Fiji Anthony Gates highlighted the importance of Prophet Mohammad‘s teaching during celebrations to mark the prophet’s birthday at an event organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama at the Fazal E Umar Mosque in Samabula, Suva. Justice Gates said If many were to follow those facets of Holy Prophet’s life the misunderstandings and carelessness that breed dissent and distrust would not give rise to conflict. “I see that the motto of the Jama’at is ‘love for all hatred …