I received this FB Report this morning it was posted by a Robert Spencer - I cannot confirm the authenticity, accurracy or veracity of the story yet, but I add this for your perusal (Sic):
The Qur'an says there is "no compulsion in religion " (2:256) but Islamic law and the Qur'an itself are actually full of subtle and not-at-all-subtle means of coercion of non-believers (e.g., dhimmi status, the jizya tax, and of course, warfare). Add to that a situation where authorities, steeped in hatred of unbelievers (cf. Qur'an 98:6) are not accountable, and this is what happens.
"News Alert: Pakistan Christian "Burned", Wife "Raped", For Refusing Islam," from BosNewsLife, March 20 (thanks to DJM):
RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN (BosNewsLife)-- A Christian man was fighting for his life in Pakistan's Punjab province Saturday, March 20, after Muslim leaders backed by police burned him alive for refusing to convert to Islam, while his wife was raped by police officers, Christian and hospital sources familiar with the case told BosNewsLife.
Arshed Masih was burned Friday, March 19, in front of a police station in the city of Rawalpindi near Pakistan's capital Islamabad, following apparent death threats from his Muslim employer Sheikh Mohammad Sultan, an influential businessman, and religious leaders, said the Rawalpindi Holy Family Hospital.
His wife, Martha Arshed, was allegedly raped by police officers. Their three children -- ranging in age from 7 to 12-- were reportedly forced to witness the attacks against their parents.
"Both [Masih] and wife were rushed to the Holy Family Hospital and are under treatment," the hospital said.
He was listed in serious condition with about 80 percent of his body burned.
Local police officials said they were "aware" of the attacks carried out by Muslim leaders and apparently at least some officers and added that an investigation was underway. No arrests were reported yet late Saturday, March 19.
Sheikh Mohammad Sultan could not immediately be reached for comment and it was not clear whether he had been in contact with police Saturday, March 20.
Before tensions emerged about their Christian faith, Masih worked as a driver and his wife as a maid for the Muslim businessman since 2005, Christians said.
The couple apparently lived with their children in the servant quarters of Sultan's estate in Rawalpindi, a key trade and tourist destination. In January, religious leaders and Sultan allegedly asked Arshed to convert to Islam with his whole family. After he refused, the group reportedly threatened him with "dire consequences"
Arshed offered to quit his job, but the businessman allegedly said he would "kill" him if he were to leave.
He apparently also told Christian mediators that he would never allow the Christian family to live somewhere else.
This week tensions raised after Sultan reported a theft of 500,000 Pakistani Rupees (5,952$), according to a document seen by BosNewsLife.
The Christian family members were not named as suspects in the so-called 'First Information Report' from police.
Sources familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified for security reasons, told BosNewsLife that the businessman had offered the couple to drop the case if they convert to Islam or "else that both would not see their children again."
However, "Arshed refused to convert and stood firm in his faith. Arshed`s wife was raped by the police and he was burned alive," Friday, March 19, local Christians said, speaking on condition of anonimity.
The case comes at a time when church groups have complained about growing attacks against minority Christians by Muslim militants, often with the alleged support by local law enforcement officials and other authorities.
The Qur'an says there is "no compulsion in religion " (2:256) but Islamic law and the Qur'an itself are actually full of subtle and not-at-all-subtle means of coercion of non-believers (e.g., dhimmi status, the jizya tax, and of course, warfare). Add to that a situation where authorities, steeped in hatred of unbelievers (cf. Qur'an 98:6) are not accountable, and this is what happens.
"News Alert: Pakistan Christian "Burned", Wife "Raped", For Refusing Islam," from BosNewsLife, March 20 (thanks to DJM):
RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN (BosNewsLife)-- A Christian man was fighting for his life in Pakistan's Punjab province Saturday, March 20, after Muslim leaders backed by police burned him alive for refusing to convert to Islam, while his wife was raped by police officers, Christian and hospital sources familiar with the case told BosNewsLife.
Arshed Masih was burned Friday, March 19, in front of a police station in the city of Rawalpindi near Pakistan's capital Islamabad, following apparent death threats from his Muslim employer Sheikh Mohammad Sultan, an influential businessman, and religious leaders, said the Rawalpindi Holy Family Hospital.
His wife, Martha Arshed, was allegedly raped by police officers. Their three children -- ranging in age from 7 to 12-- were reportedly forced to witness the attacks against their parents.
"Both [Masih] and wife were rushed to the Holy Family Hospital and are under treatment," the hospital said.
He was listed in serious condition with about 80 percent of his body burned.
Local police officials said they were "aware" of the attacks carried out by Muslim leaders and apparently at least some officers and added that an investigation was underway. No arrests were reported yet late Saturday, March 19.
Sheikh Mohammad Sultan could not immediately be reached for comment and it was not clear whether he had been in contact with police Saturday, March 20.
Before tensions emerged about their Christian faith, Masih worked as a driver and his wife as a maid for the Muslim businessman since 2005, Christians said.
The couple apparently lived with their children in the servant quarters of Sultan's estate in Rawalpindi, a key trade and tourist destination. In January, religious leaders and Sultan allegedly asked Arshed to convert to Islam with his whole family. After he refused, the group reportedly threatened him with "dire consequences"
Arshed offered to quit his job, but the businessman allegedly said he would "kill" him if he were to leave.
He apparently also told Christian mediators that he would never allow the Christian family to live somewhere else.
This week tensions raised after Sultan reported a theft of 500,000 Pakistani Rupees (5,952$), according to a document seen by BosNewsLife.
The Christian family members were not named as suspects in the so-called 'First Information Report' from police.
Sources familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified for security reasons, told BosNewsLife that the businessman had offered the couple to drop the case if they convert to Islam or "else that both would not see their children again."
However, "Arshed refused to convert and stood firm in his faith. Arshed`s wife was raped by the police and he was burned alive," Friday, March 19, local Christians said, speaking on condition of anonimity.
The case comes at a time when church groups have complained about growing attacks against minority Christians by Muslim militants, often with the alleged support by local law enforcement officials and other authorities.
Did the Christian family report or shared the demand of their Muslim employees? I am very upset on this report yet if Arshed Masih had informed some Christian leader, things would have been different today. The only answer to such Muslims is "Bullet". Shoot these wild animals.
ReplyDeletegovernment of the country should take some actions against those people who are responsible for this violance.
ReplyDeleteThe facts and veracity of this incident must be verified.
ReplyDelete1. Please quote the FIR No
2. The place where this incident occurred.
3. Photographic evidence of the Episode.
Such incidents should not be allowed to happen in this Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Islam is religion of Peace and brother hood.
There is no force or coercion.
If all the silent majority speaks up than such incidents will not occur.
It is your silence which is dangerous and threatening.
Please raise your voice
Dr. Babur Zahiruddin
Social Activist
Dear Wilson,
ReplyDeleteSo Sad to hear this story, what is heppening ???, is any one doing anything about this, or is the world just going to sit and watch these horrible events take place, what are the human rights doing about this.
we should pray and take a postive action aswell . My heart goes out these people , if there is anything I can do let me know thanks.
God Bless
Mr Eric Masih
This is outrageous, prima facie.
ReplyDeleteinform the minorities Minister for redress. if he is a shoeshine like most of them, then we'll explore other avenues.
mohsin