A film in the making - Americans Together

It is time we bring fruition to the change we want, here is the first  step in working towards building a cohesive America, where no American is afraid of the other.  We have ventured in making a documentary to goad and to bring to conscious the things we need to do.  We hope to document all such efforts with an emphasis on Muslim effort.

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PAMELA GELLER - Reads Qur'an

Pamela Geller & Mike Ghouse at Fox Studios

Sean Hannity and Pamela Geller were presented a copy of the Qur’aan translated by Muhammad Asad on the Hannity Show on Friday, October 21, 2011. I am glad she had the time to read some pages from Qur’aan and write a blog about it, which I intend to respond.

It's a business for Pamela to misrepresent Islam. Her Blog has caused a few to read the Qur'an as well and a few have questioned her integrity and I appreciate them for writing to me about it. Thanks Pamela for the mis-statements..

Continued at - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/pamela-geller-sean-hannity-and-quraan.html

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Filming the Documentary

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Americans Together, a documentary

Americans together is a documentary about Americans working towards building a cohesive society, where no American would be apprehensive of the other and lives with a sense of safety, security and freedom.

We have begun on our plan to interview and present different perspectives representing full spectrum of America. I have started out with the heads of major Muslim organizations and will be reaching out to every representation of America. It’s my commitment to work towards building a cohesive America.

Adil Khan, Dr.Syyed Saeed of ISNA and Mike Ghouse

 


Chief Seattle (1854), a Native American said this perfectly, “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the webs, he does it to himself." This is the theme of the movie, what is each one of the 312 Million Americans doing to preserve that web... what are you doing about it?

1. What are you doing to preserve that web?
2. What are your initiatives?
3. What are the divisive issues?

4. How would you allay the prevalent phobias and fears?5. What is your vision for America?

<><><> 

Mike Ghouse at Cair Washington office

The Prophets, Messengers of God, Spiritual masters, Wise Men and Women and the Peace Makers believed in peaceful co-existence of humanity and consistently mitigated conflicts and nurtured goodwill amongst various groups. Their effort was to bring about a positive change and create a cohesive society where no one was to be apprehensive of the other.

Continued - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/americans-together-on-road-again.html

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GROUND ZERO VISIT

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Mike Ghouse praying at Ground Zero Center

I prayed for the well being of those who lost their lives and those who survived; those who are angry and those who are at peace; those who are hurt and those who are callous and those who want to bring goodness. I am deeply committed to the Unity Day USA and have been organizing the public event for the last 7 years, bringing Americans together.

PARK 51 MOSQUE

Imam Junaid delivering Juma Khutba at Park 51 Mosque

I spent half a day with Sharif El-Gamal in understanding the situation of Park 51 Mosque, he shared the breaking news and spoke at Juma Prayers; he wants to Deed over the property to a Muslim Trust. Now, it is upto the Muslim community to build the landmark center representing Mulims in America. My friend Adil Khan  joined me for the Juma congregational prayers at Park 51 Mosque. Insha Allah, the Muslim community center will be built there.

MLK STATUE INAUGURATION

MLK Statue unveiled in Washington DC



1



0/15:- Awesome speech by President Obama at the unveiling of MLK statue across Jefferson Memorial. I was desperately looking for Muslim presence to capture for the film, we have to be participants in everthing Americans.

OCCUPY WALL STREET

10/20:- I wrote a piece on Occupy movement In Dallas Morning News, however I missed going there and was happy to hear a conversation about Muslim participation and Friday prayers. The man was talking with Sharif El Gamal and as I was introduced the stranger recognized my name with Pluralism, it was a big surprise.

Mike Ghouse
Committed to building a cohesive Americawww.MikeGhouse.net

Filming Americans Together with a Focus on Muslims

PAMELA GELLER - Reads Qur'an

Pamela Geller & Mike Ghouse at Fox Studios

Sean Hannity and Pamela Geller were presented a copy of the Qur’aan translated by Muhammad Asad on the Hannity Show on Friday, October 21, 2011. I am glad she had the time to read some pages from Qur’aan and write a blog about it, which I intend to respond.

It's a business for Pamela to misrepresent Islam. Her Blog has caused a few to read the Qur'an as well and a few have questioned her integrity and I appreciate them for writing to me about it. Thanks Pamela for the mis-statements..

Continued at - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/pamela-geller-sean-hannity-and-quraan.html

# # #

Filming the Documentary

<><><>  <> <><><>  <>

Americans Together, a documentary

Americans together is a documentary about Americans working towards building a cohesive society, where no American would be apprehensive of the other and lives with a sense of safety, security and freedom.

We have begun on our plan to interview and present different perspectives representing full spectrum of America. I have started out with the heads of major Muslim organizations and will be reaching out to every representation of America. It’s my commitment to work towards building a cohesive America.

<><><>  <> <><><>  <>

Adil Khan, Dr.Syyed Saeed of ISNA and Mike Ghouse

Chief Seattle (1854), a Native American said this perfectly, “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the webs, he does it to himself." This is the theme of the movie, what is each one of the 312 Million Americans doing to preserve that web... what are you doing about it?

1. What are you doing to preserve that web?
2. What are your initiatives?
3. What are the divisive issues?

4. How would you allay the prevalent phobias and fears?5. What is your vision for America?

<><><>  <>

Mike Ghouse at Cair Washington office

The Prophets, Messengers of God, Spiritual masters, Wise Men and Women and the Peace Makers believed in peaceful co-existence of humanity and consistently mitigated conflicts and nurtured goodwill amongst various groups. Their effort was to bring about a positive change and create a cohesive society where no one was to be apprehensive of the other.

Continued - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/americans-together-on-road-again.html

# # #

GROUND ZERO VISIT

<><><>  <>

Mike Ghouse praying at Ground Zero Center

I prayed for the well being of those who lost their lives and those who survived; those who are angry and those who are at peace; those who are hurt and those who are callous and those who want to bring goodness. I am deeply committed to the Unity Day USA and have been organizing the public event for the last 7 years, bringing Americans together.

PARK 51 MOSQUE 

Imam Junaid delivering Juma Khutba at Park 51 Mosque

I spent half a day with Sharif El-Gamal in understanding the situation of Park 51 Mosque, he shared the breaking news and spoke at Juma Prayers; he wants to Deed over the property to a Muslim Trust. Now, it is upto the Muslim community to build the landmark center representing Mulims in America. My friends Adil Khan and Saleh Shariff joined us for the Juma congregational prayers at Park 51 Mosque. Insha Allah, the Muslim community center will be built there.

MLK STATUE INAUGURATION

<><><>   <> <><><>   <>

MLK Statue unveiled in Washington DC

10/15:- Awesome speech by President Obama at the unveiling of MLK statue across Jefferson Memorial. I was desperately looking for Muslim presence to capture for the film, we have to be participants in everthing Americans.

OCCUPY WALL STREET

10/20:- I wrote a piece on Occupy movement In Dallas Morning News, however I missed going there and was happy to hear a conversation about Muslim participation and Friday prayers. The man was talking with Sharif El Gamal and as I was introduced the stranger recognized my name with Pluralism, it was a big surprise.

Mike Ghouse
Committed to building a cohesive Americawww.MikeGhouse.net

Fifteen Tips for Muslim Men talking about "Women in Islam"

Some men assume that they are to lead the conversation and some even believe that they know it better. All that arrogance needs to be shed OR stripped

Mike Ghouse

Fifteen Tips for Muslim Men talking about "Women in Islam"Guidance for Muslim men on how to deal effectively with the stereotypes and misperceptions about women in Islam.


http://www.islamfortoday.com/15tips.htm

Sadly, some Muslim men make the problem of outsiders' perception of women in Islam worse without realizing it, instead of clarifying the issue. This is rarely, if ever, done intentionally. However, what’s clear is that some guidelines are necessary for brothers when talking about the issue of women in Islam. Here are some suggested tips:

1. Let the sisters speak

No matter how well-spoken, eloquent or intelligent a brother is, the bottom line is this: he is not a Muslim woman.
That means no matter how much you, as a Muslim man tell a non-Muslim woman how wonderful hijab is, it will be harder for her to accept this because you have never worn Hijab and you are not a woman.
Whenever possible, have sisters answer questions pertaining to Islam and women.

2. Be careful of mixing up the ideal with the reality

One non-Muslim writer once remarked how when talking to Muslims about Islam compared to the West, Muslims take the ideal of Islam and compare it to the reality of the West.
The fact of the matter is there are very ugly realities when it comes to the treatment of women in many parts of the world, including the Muslim world. Muslims must recognize the reality of domestic violence in the community, even though Islamic ideals would never condone such ugly behavior.

3. Don’t sacrifice speaking out against injustice in the name of protecting Islam’s "image"

"Tackle the issue and the image will take care of itself," advises Sr. Kathy Bullock, a convert to Islam based in California. Don’t fall into the tendency to ignore pressing issues for the sake of protecting Islam’s reputation.
In other words, if someone brings up the issue of honor killing in Jordan, acknowledge the reality but make it clear that this is a sin and a crime in Islam and as a Muslim you condemn it. This in itself is enough. Trying to justify or make excuses for it or covering it up is not going to score image points for Islam.

4. Don’t respond to unspoken accusations

A number of times, Muslims automatically start an apologetic tirade defending the status of women in Islam before a person has even said a word. Let the other person initiate questions, and answer calmly and confidently. You may be responding to an accusation that was never even in the person’s mind in the first place.

5. Ask WHY

Do this before launching an apologetic tirade against any accusation. For instance, a man in Spain once approached a scholar, saying he felt Islam was a man’s religion. Before rebutting him, the scholar asked him why he thought this way. The man replied that whenever he looked at mosques, he saw only men.
By knowing why, you can develop your answer accordingly, and tackle the issue head-on in an honest and direct way.

6. Agree with people as much as possible

Start off agreeing with a person. It will completely turn the tables on the discussion, as many people begin discussions on women in Islam assuming Muslims are completely against the notion of women’s rights.

7. If you don’t know something SAY SO

If a person tells you they’re from X country you’ve never heard of and Muslim women are treated in a horrible fashion what can you say about it?
I have never heard of that, and I don’t know are simple enough. Don’t start apologizing, or denying that it happens. Tell the truth.

8. Don’t be condescending

In Islam, looking down on a fellow human being is a sin, whether the person is a male or a female. Don’t think you know all there is to know about women in Islam, and don’t speak in this manner either. Allah does not love arrogance, and only Allah has full knowledge of all things.

9. Don’t interrupt

This is a problem in a number of cultures, men interrupting women and other men when they speak. Not only is this rude behavior, it takes away from your message. People are less likely to listen to you if you come across as a rude boorish individual. Don’t do this to others, especially sisters.

10. Don’t assume all Muslim sisters are the same

Just because your mom, who was born and brought up in a Muslim country, and has never had a problem with hijab does not mean that other Muslim sisters have the same experience.
Muslim sisters are as different as brothers, as are their experiences with issues like hijab.

11. Become more attuned to the "new Muslim woman"

Muslim sisters today are not the same as those of yesterday. Many Muslims sisters know more, and they prefer more interactive lectures as opposed to the passive style normally used. If you’re giving a talk, be ready to have interjections from Muslim sisters. Welcome these, don’t shun them.

12. Choose your words very carefully

If you’re doing a presentation on women’s issues in Islam or responding to a basic question, make sure to choose your words extremely carefully. Know the exact dictionary meaning, as well as the meaning in everyday usage. Words are extremely powerful, and they leave an imprint on the hearts and minds of people. You want that imprint to be positive, so be careful.

13. Actions speak louder than words

You can speak beautifully about women in Islam on behalf of the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA), but if throughout the year, sisters have been denied access to the prayer room, or the right to participate in decision-making in the MSA, then think of how silly your talk is.Make sure your personal and organizational behavior falls in line with your words.

14. Don’t stereotype all Western women

"Table dancers" or "cheerleaders" is how one Muslim sister described the way Muslims tend to stereotype all Western women. Let’s not forget: we hate it when Muslim women are stereotyped as oppressed, so we should not be doing the same to others.
And lest we forget, a growing number of Western women are becoming our Muslim sisters, and very practicing ones at that.

15. Seek women’s perspective on issues

You know mom, who loves you so much and makes your dinner? She’s a woman. Your sister in school? She’s a woman. If you’re blessed to be surrounded by practicing Muslim sisters in your home, take advantage of this by seeking their views on issues like hijab, domestic violence, community participation, and media stereotypes. There’s nothing like hearing the truth presented from those who truly live it.

Al-Awlaki’s death brings relief.

When Muslim organizations write about an issue that we agree with, we simply endorse them instead of writing a new press release.  No two people think alike, and no two organizations take the same stand. We believe in diversity and even among the members of our organization we accept the differences.

 I am pleased to share three press releases below, parts of which we wholeheartedly agree.  The bottom line is the bad guy is taken off the street and he can do no harm.

However, that is the not the kind of America we want where due process is derailed, we must hold President Obama responsible to uphold the law of the land. He cannot circumvent the law and set ugly precedents for future abuse. Ultimately it is  upholding the rule of law that offers safety to the citizens.

Mike Ghouse
World Muslim Congress
Dallas, Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR: Al-Awlaki's Calls to Violence Rejected by U.S. Muslims

        Civil rights group concerned about constitutional issues raised by assassination of American citizen

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/30/11) -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today reiterated that the calls to violence made by Anwar al-Awlaki, who has reportedly been killed in a U.S. drone strike in Yemen, have been firmly rejected by American Muslims.

In a statement reacting to al-Awlaki's death, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

"As we have stated repeatedly in the past, the American Muslim community firmly repudiated Anwar al-Awlaki's incitement to violence, which occurred after he left the United States. While a voice of hate has been eliminated, we urge our nation's leaders to address the constitutional issues raised by the assassination of American citizens without due process of law." [MEDIA NOTE: Because of the sensitivity of the issue, please use the statement in full.]

In a past statement following a call by al-Awlaki for Muslims to attack the United States, CAIR noted: "We repudiate Anwar al-Awlaki's call for attacks on our nation and urge anyone who may be swayed by his extremist views to instead seek out scholars and community leaders who can offer a mainstream perspective on the positive role Muslims are obligated to play in every society. American Muslims seek to promote justice and the general welfare through civic engagement and community service."

CAIR also repudiated hate-filled statements by al-Awlaki praising the 2009 killings at Fort Hood in Texas.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

- END -

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
……………………………………. …………………………..

Ramadhan Foundation

Contact: Mohammed Shafiq 07989 764624

Embargo: Immediate Friday 30^th September 17:00

 KILLING OF ANWAR AWLAKI IN YEMEN

Published: Friday 30^th September 2011 17:00

Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive of the Ramadhan Foundation comments:

“One of the greatest value of our countries is that every human being is entitled to a free and fair trial into the allegations against them, terrorists and extremists are no different. Anwar Awlaki has been responsible for preaching hatred and views that run counter to Islam, he should have been put on trial in an international court.

Al Qaeda’s ideology of violence and killing is evil and has no justification in Islam and we in the Muslim community abhor this ideology as our Islamic duty. Human rights should not be disregarded when it comes to alleged terrorists but the process of law should be followed. I am disappointed that the United States Government has increased this sort of extra judicial killing without referring to the legal system and that is very disappointing.

These drone attacks have no legal justification in international law and have killed thousands of innocent people including children. The United States must return to the rule of law and ensure that all alleged terrorists are put on trial and held responsible for their actions.

Islam forbids terrorist atrocities and the killing of innocent people anywhere in the world and we are proud that the British Muslim community is working hard to stop this ideology brainwashing British youngsters. The Ramadhan Foundation has been at the forefront of tackling this evil and will continue to do this work for as long the threat remains.

I am clear that these terrorists do not act in the name of Islam and the court is the only place where they can be held responsible for their crimes.

Time for the Obama Administration to restore justice and the rule of law.”

END

 Mr. Mohammed Shafiq

Chief Executive

Ramadhan Foundationmohammed.shafiq@ramadhanfoundation.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Death of Anwar Al-Awlaki should be cause for celebration in American Muslim Community

AIFD believes that there is a long road ahead but Al-Awlaki's death removes threat to American Muslim youth

PHOENIX (September 30, 2011) - Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, a devout Muslim and the president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) issued the following statement regarding the death of Imam Anwar Al Awlaki in Yemen:

"The death of Imam Anwar Al Awlaki marks the removal of one of the most significant threats to America and to American Muslim youth in particular. While his death will not mark the end of Al Qaeda or the threat that exists from militant Islamists, Al-Awlaki's death is an important step in the process. AIFD congratulates our military and intelligence apparatus for ensuring that this threat was removed.

Al-Awlaki has repeatedly proven a desire to commit violent acts of war against the American people. He has attacked our homeland on several occasions, the most successful of which was his influence on Nidal Hasan and the Fort Hood Massacre. There was no reason to be believe that Al-Awlaki would stop trying to inflict harm on the American people.

AIFD applauds the Administration's where-with-all to maintain its focus on Al-Awlaki, even in the face of pressure from its own advisors such as Mohamed Elibiary who sits on the Homeland Security Council and argued on Foxnews.com in April that 'it's a mistake to assassinate Anwar Al-Awlaki. The President made the right decision in removing Al-Awlaki

Now the Administration needs to look at rebooting the nation's strategy in dealing with counterterrorism. We must begin to focus on the ideological root of militant Islamist radicals and engage in the war of ideas or we simply face another Anwar Al-Awlaki down the line."

About the American Islamic Forum for Democracy

The American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. AIFD's mission advocates for the preservation of the founding principles of the United States Constitution, liberty and freedom, through the separation of mosque and state. For more information on AIFD, please visit our website at http://www.aifdemocracy.org/.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Gregg Edgar

Gordon C. James Public Relation
gedgar@gcjpr.com

Iran’s death penalty for Christian pastor violates treaties, Koran

Indeed there is absolutely no punishment for apostasy in Quraan; one is free to become a Muslim and free to leave the faith. After all no one is to bear the burden of the other, he alone is responsible for his belief.

A majority of Muslim scholars believe that there is no punishment for apostasy, but cannot their act together to issue a joint statement to put an end to this non-sense that keeps coming up every few years.  In the last decade there have been a few known cases, one was Lina Joy in Malaysia and the other was Abdul Rahman in Afghanistan, both were dismissed due to international pressure.  We need the same now for Youcef Nadarkhani.

Let people have the freedom to choose what they want to believe, it is really none of any one’s business, indeed on the day of Judgment, God is clear about it – you alone are responsible for your deeds. Prophet Muhammad told his own daughter that she will not get a free pass to paradise because she is daughter of the prophet; she has to earn it through good deeds.

In the comment section of the article some one brought up the abrogation theories and challenged the author. Indeed, in essence abrogation theorists state that God goofed up badly, he says one thing and then comes back and says, "Oh, I don't mean that, here take this new and improved verse and ignore what I said before." God does not make mistakes, what he says he means it. We have to go deeper and understand it rather than taking a short cut of abrogation.

I hope and pray that the Muslim scholars and Imams speak up and stop the misinformed from abusing the religion. Dr. Mohammad Omar Farooq has put together a site on the topic, please read it and if you are a Imam or a scholar, kindly sign it.  http://apostasyandislam.blogspot.com/

And I hope to put a petition to gether, unless some one has done it already, in which case we urge Muslims and non-Muslims to sign the petition and urge the Iranian clerics to release Yocef Nadarkhani.

Mike Ghouse
Committed to building cohesive societies
www.MikeGhouse.net
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Muslim leader: Iran’s death penalty for Christian pastor violates treaties, Koran

Rob Kerby, Senior Editor | 9:03am Sunday October 2, 2011
http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2011/10/muslim-leader-irans-death-penalty-for-christian-pastor-violates-treaties-koran.php#comment-50120

Editor’s Note: With its plans to execute Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, Iran’s Shi’ite Muslim government is violating not only international treaties, but the very teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, says an American Muslim leader, Harris Zafar of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.

As with Christianity, Islam has “denominations,” such as the Wahhabis, the Suffis and the Shi’ites, the largest being the Sunnis. Zafar is a spokesman for the Ahmadis, which emerged from the Sunnis in 1889, led by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad who said he fulfilled the prophecies concerning Jesus’ Second Coming, the return of the Muslim Mahdi, the return of the Hindus’ Krishna and the reincarnation of Buddha. His followers today claim tens of millions of members in 190 countries with most in India and Africa.

by Harris Zafar
Special to Beliefnet

In Iran, Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani faces the death penalty for the “crime” of leaving Islam as a teenager and converting to Christianity. A translated Iranian Supreme Court brief from 2010 states that 32-year-old Nadarkhani “is convicted of turning his back on Islam, the greatest religion, the prophesy of Mohammad at the age of 19.” While there is widespread public outcry of support for his specific case, some are speaking broadly about the punishment for apostasy. Many – Muslim and non-Muslim – mistakenly believe that Islam supports this barbaric practice.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Islam prescribes absolutely no punishment for apostasy. If one were to assume that Islam prescribes some sort of punishment for a person who chooses to leave Islam, that would invariably mean that Islam forces one to be a Muslim against their will. But chapter two of the Holy Qur’an emphatically denies this possibility, stating “there shall be no compulsion in religion.” This is an unambiguous declaration protecting freedom of conscience and choice.

Sadly, there are unfortunate souls within the Muslim world arguing that this verse only applies to non-Muslims, thereby meaning that only a non-Muslim cannot be compelled, whereas a Muslim can be compelled or coerced in matters of religion. This argument is patently absurd. Islam affords its followers freedom of conscience and religion, with no threat of coercion or compulsion in matters of faith. They are not answerable to any person or government in regards to their conscience.

The Quran is replete with this instruction that everyone has the fundamental freedom of religion. In Chapter 18, it says “This is the truth from your Lord; then let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve.” Why is this so difficult for these so-called Islamic “scholars” to understand? They spit in the face of the religion they claim to defend by not only violating these teachings but then falsely attributing their vile sense of justice to the tolerant faith of Islam. The allegation that Islam advocates the use of force to spread or maintain itself does not originate from a study of the sources of Islamic teachings. Rather, it originates from a study of the conduct of some so-called “Muslim” states.

In fact, we read more about this principle in Chapter 10 of the Holy Quran when God speaks to the Prophet Muhammad and instructs him to say to all people: “O mankind, the Truth has indeed come to you from your Lord. Then whoso follows the guidance, follows it only for the good of his own self, and whoso errs does so only to his own detriment. I am not appointed a keeper over you.” So if the Prophet himself is not appointed as a keeper to enforce faith over people, then who in the world do these governments think they are to appoint themselves as keepers over people? The only example of those killed were not because they left Islam but because they joined an opposing army at war with Muslims.

In addition to violating Islamic law, Iranian courts are also in violation of international law. In 1975, Iran ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 18 of which states: “No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion of his choice.” The U.N. Human Rights Committee recognized in 1993 that Article 18 ensures the right to replace one’s current religion or belief with another and forbids coercion that would impair this right.

As a state party to the ICCPR, Iran is obligated to defend the right of individuals to practice the religion of their choice and to change religions if they so choose. Even the Iranian Constitution states in Article 23: “The investigation of individuals’ beliefs is forbidden, and no one may be molested or taken to task simply for holding a certain belief.” Apostasy is not a crime under any of these codified laws.

Unfortunately, some jurists, including Ayatollah Khomeini (whose teachings hold a privileged position in contemporary Iranian courts), have ruled that the penalty for apostasy is death. But Islam, as well as international law (and even general human decency) dictate that Iran is committing injustice. I call upon the government of Iran to live up to the true principles of Islam and to let Mr. Nadarkhani go free and then to repent for making a mockery of not only their authority but also of Islam.

The author can be reached at hrzafar@gmail.com.

# # #

In the comment section it is worth noting these two links:
http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/34770/jizyah
http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/20327/apostate