The role of the scholars and government in preventing bloodshed that might result from blasphemy against the Prophet SAW.
From Abu Jabir Abdullah Penabdul
The role of the scholars and government in preventing bloodshed that might result from blasphemy against the Prophet SAW.
One of the most important tasks of these two great categories (government and scholars) is to ensure anything that will lead to bloodshed is avoided.
We need government at all levels to criminalize blasphemy because of its apparent negative effect on our drive to peaceful coexist.
The incessant cases of mob actions across the country could be attributed to the slow nature of our justice system. So government needs to be deliberate in strengthening its justice system so that the masses can have confidence in it.
The scholars also need to look at a balanced approach on issues lest it escalates and leads to many unfortunate events.
On sensitive issues like blasphemy, I am of the opinion that government should recognize the voice of our scholars who are known to stand for the truth and are elderly. Their wisdom and experience will help a lot in decision making.
When there is speed in passing on judgement on anyone guilty of blasphemy and there is punishment set aside for those that adopt jungle justice, we will have sanity.
In order to avoid the loss of innocent lives, we need scholars to calm the situation and government to take proactive measures.
When the deed has been done, our role should be in controlling the situation and not excavating it because the dangers of that means everyone including innocent people will be affected. Here, government needs to put in more effort in ensuring that a blasphemy law is passed.
People have over the years taken to jungle justice and this has led to more violence than solved. This is the main reason why government needs to be deliberate about the issues that trigger mob actions.
Our Shaykh @DrMSaniR_Lemo has made known his position on this issue. Where he stated what the government needs to do and the limit the scholars have in control mobsters.
As religious representatives we must strive to take hold of our emotions in moments like this because once we lose our emotional balance we can mislead a lot of people. It is always better to be calm and calculating in our response.
A sensitive issue as blasphemy against the Prophet SAW is something that government should take extremely serious. Only government has the instrument to prevent these repeated cases of blasphemy and mob actions.