The Islamic Center of Southern California expresses its deep concern for Abdul Rahman, a 40 year old Afghan gentleman on trial for his life in Afghanistan for committing the state crime of apostasy.  Rahman converted to Christianity 15 years ago in neighboring Pakistan while working for an Afghan refugee aid group. 

We believe this trial, as well as apostasy laws in Afghanistan and other so-called Muslim states mandating the killing of apostates, violates two fundamental tenets of Islam. 

1. Freedom of religion: The Quran states categorically and unequivocally, "there shall be no coercion in matters of faith." (2:256).  This cornerstone tenet of Islamic faith is violated when an Islamic nation puts on trial individuals for converting away from Islam.  Based on this verse, we see that faith is an intimate matter between a person and God.  There is no room for a nation, or a pseudo religious clergy, to take on a role that God has reserved for Himself in judging the relationship between a person and the Almighty.

 To quote from the recently released book "In Pursuit of Justice" by Dr. Maher Hathout and published by the Muslim Public Affairs Council, regarding apostasy, "The problem with the argument for punishment for apostasy is that it cannot be applied in any Islamic state without giving rise to the potential for abuse by the state itself.  Erroneously equating moral with political power in the determination of law has led to the political repression that we see in Islamic countries today." (pg. 157)

 2. Sanctity of human life: One of the paramount goals of Islamic law (Sharia) is the protection of human life.  And when it comes to protection of human life in the context of apostasy, there is an example from the life of the Prophet Muhammad that serves as the foundation for Islamic law. 

 During the Prophet's life a man by the name of Abdullah bin Sa'd was an appointed scribe to write down verses of the Quran when revealed.  Whilst in Medina Saad made the decision to revert to the pagan religion followed by the tribe of Quraysh in Mecca (from where the Muslims had fled persecution).  When brought before the Prophet (as the head of state in the Medina community) for committing apostasy, the Prophet pardoned Abdullah and allowed him to leave.

 The seminal question is if the Prophet decided to pardon a man (a Quranic scribe no less) for converting back to a system that eschewed God altogether (as opposed to Christianity where God is worshipped), then what justification does Afghanistan have in putting Abdur Rahman on trial?  What authentic religious teachings do so-called Islamic nations base their draconian apostasy laws in?

Again, we pray for the release and safety of Mr. Abdur Rahman, and urge the Afghan nation to re-consider their apostasy laws in light arguments made above.

Courtesy of The Islamic Center of Southern California (March 2006)