Retract This Blasphemy

Hazrat Ali (alaihissalam) is the most respected personality in Islam after the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Not only Muslims, but enlightened people all over the world see him as a beacon of light. For instance, the Christian writer George Jordache has written a book 'The Voice of Human Justice on this one aspect of the many-faceted munificence of Hazrat Ali (a.s.).

However, there are some who present themselves as Muslims, but are so overcome by hatred for the Holy Prophet & his AhleBait (upon all of whom be peace) that they utter blasphemous remarks about these holiest of personalities.

On 12th June 2008, one such person Israr Ahmed uttered words to the effect that (naudbillah thumma naudbillah) Hazrat Ali (a.s.) once drank wine and under its influence he misread a verse while leading congregational prayers. Utterance of such nonsense for one made pure by Allah (verse 33:33) is something for which Allah shall appropriately penalise this person in this world and in the hereafter. We, therefore, leave it to Allah to deal with this blasphemer who is beyond redemption.

However, we find it sad that QTV, a component of ARY network, is the one that aired this blasphemy.

You will be aware that this reprehensible act of QTV is not only a misdemeanour that can result in cancellation of its cable TV license in Pakistan by PEMRA, but is a cognizable offence under section 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code.

We expect ARY and QTV to immediately retract this blasphemy, give equal time to a scholar who respects Ali (alaihissalam) to present the real picture, and to ban Israr Ahmed from future appearance on ARY Network.

If this does not happen, we will take this as a signal of your approval of and participation in Israr Ahmeds blasphemy, and shall be left with no alternative but to call for boycott of ARY groups businesses worldwide by those who love Ali (alaihisslam), and to ask PEMRA and law enforcing agencies Pakistan to initiate necessary action against the transgressors.