A Norwegian fundamentalist preacher, Imam Syed Farasat Ali Bukhari, allegedly has gone on record saying that the punishment for Muslims who do not fast during Ramadan is to be beheaded.
While we are unable to verify these claims directly, we want to take the opportunity to clarify that beheading someone who does not fast is absolutely not permitted, and goes against the teachings of Submission (Islam) and God's word, the Quran.
The rule God lays down in Islam is "absolute freedom of religion" (Quran 2:256, 18:29).
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. ...
Therefore, not fasting during Ramadan, or not observing any other practice: e.g., if someone does not pray the Contact Prayers (Salat), or does not do the obligatory charity (Zakat), etc. is not punishable.
The logic behind this is: the religious duties are a gift from God to grow our souls. Therefore if one chooses not to pray or fast, the only victim is our own soul. No one else is a victim, so where is the logic for any punishment by society? If someone does not wish to join God's kingdom and grow their souls, that is their own choice.
Each person was given freedom of choice by God (Quran 33:72). So how can we punish someone for failing to observe a religious commandment when God says there is no compulsion in religion (Quran 2:256)?
To conclude, by punishing someone for not praying or fasting, we are the ones breaking God's law.
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