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Attack on Christian homes in Lahore is against God's commands in Quran

Terrorists in Lahore, Pakistan, attacked and burnt dozens of homes in a Christian neighborhood. The attackers were retaliating against allegedly offensive comments against the prophet Muhammad by a Christian man. The attackers (who are not really Muslims, though they are acting under the guise of Islam) mistakenly termed this offense as a "blasphemy" to justify their indignation and belligerence.

The International Community of Submitters condemns such attacks on innocent victims as unQuranic and against God's religion of Submission (Islam).

Not surprisingly, the terrorists do not know what Submission (Islam) says about blasphemy, nor on how to respond to it. To begin with, no one can blaspheme against the prophet Muhammad. This is because the Quran consistently says that the act of "blasphemy" is when humans commit gross idol worship (e.g., Quran 5:64, 17:40, 53:19-23), instead of worshiping and honoring God Alone. The term "blasphemy" is only relevant in context of God, not man. God be praised, far above having partners.

Even if someone did insult the prophet Muhammad out of ignorance, the Quran told the prophet Muhammad to disregard their insults and utter peace (25:63, 33:48). Should we not act like the prophet Muhammad would have if faced with insult? Should we not have countered any perceived insult with a "peace be upon you"? Countering the bad with good is a consistent theme in the Quran (13:22, 28:54).

Assaulting someone because of an insult is wrong. Further, burning the homes of innocent people (completely unrelated to this so-called "insult") and ransacking and stealing their property is simply a criminal act. And to do so because of religious differences violates the basic Quranic principle of freedom of religion.

No Compulsion in Religion

[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.

Absolute Freedom of Religion

[18:29] Proclaim: "This is the truth from your Lord," then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve. ...

Unfortunately the terrorists and their misguided leaders do not follow the Quran, and make up their own laws in contradiction to God's assertion that the Quran is complete, perfect and fully detailed.

If insulting God is not a capital crime punishable by death, how is insulting a mere servant of God more serious? Nowhere in the Quran does it say to kill those who insult God. Instead, God says to disregard those who speak from ignorance, and utter peace (25:3, 33:48).

[Quran 25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace.

[Quran 33:48] Do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites, disregard their insults, and put your trust in GOD; GOD suffices as an advocate.

Random acts of violence to stir fear and terror among innocent people are condemned in Islam. In fact, all acts of aggression are forbidden by God in the Quran. Unlike what the fanatics and terrorists would like the world to believe, Islam (Submission in English) like all the other religions of God, promotes peace, love and harmony among the people.

[Quran 2:190] ... do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors.

[Quran 5:87] ...and do not aggress; GOD dislikes the aggressors.

[Quran: 7:199] ...You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant.

[Quran 8:61] If they resort to peace, so shall you, and put your trust in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.

[Quran 10:25] GOD invites to the abode of peace, and guides whomever He wills in a straight path.

Terrorists put their own opinion above the laws of God as seen in His word (the Quran). By doing so they also think their opinions are above the opinion of God and His messenger, the prophet Muhammad. It is the terrorists who have committed idol-worship and are the ones guilty of direspecting God Almighty.

[Quran 49:1] O you who believe, do not place your opinion above that of GOD and His messenger. You shall reverence GOD. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

[Quran 5:50] Is it the law of the days of ignorance that they seek to uphold? Whose law is better than GOD's for those who have attained certainty?

The word “Islam” simply means “submission (to God)”. It is an inclusive religion with three minimum requirements for salvation: belief in God, belief in the Last Day, and leading a righteous life.

[Quran 2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who
(1) believes in GOD, and
(2) believes in the Last Day, and
(3) leads a righteous life,
will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[Quran 49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

Peace.

Editorial, March 2013