Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm
In the bible, the Old Testament warns: Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people (Exodus 22, 28). It was forbidden to insult or attack a prophet: “Touch not my anointed and to my prophet, do no harm” (Psalm 105, 15). The Lord said to Moses: “If anyone curses God, he will […]
In the bible, the Old Testament warns: Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people (Exodus 22, 28). It was forbidden to insult or attack a prophet: “Touch not my anointed and to my prophet, do no harm” (Psalm 105, 15).
The Lord said to Moses: “If anyone curses God, he will be held responsible; anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord must be put to death. The entire assembly must stone him; whether an alien or native born, when he blasphemes, he must be put to death’’ (Leviticus 24, 13-16). This law empowered Jezebel to falsely accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king (1 King 21, 13) for refusing to give the vineyard of his inheritance to King Ahab. She ordered the mob to stone Naboth to death.
The action of Jezebel was condemned by Prophet Elijah. God himself avenged by letting Ahab and Jezebel die in battle. Today, the modern generation condemns any act of killing in God’s name. Even though Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5, 17), he preferred to die for the sins of the people. The Torah (the law revealed to Moses) is filled with specific punishments for specific sins, but the death of Christ on the cross satisfies the divine wrath that is directed at our sins.
Jesus was falsely accused of blasphemy by the teachers of the law when he told the paralytic “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2, 5). For them only God can forgive sins. Jesus healed the paralytic to define his real and true identity. Jesus was also falsely accused of blasphemy during his trial for accepting that he is “the Christ, the Son of God” (Mathew 26, 63-65; John 10, 33-42).
The Roman government could not kill Jesus on the evidence of blasphemy against God. The only reason that could convince Pilate was Jesus’ affirmation that his kingdom is not of this world and that he is a king. Even at that, Pilate washed his hands as a sign of his innocence about the blood of Jesus.
Jesus did not order his disciples to kill those who insulted and killed him. Even while he was dying with serious pains, he prayed for his executioners: “Forgive them father, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23, 34). The attitude of Jesus towards those who cursed and killed him was an example for all who would be his disciples and followers. He thus ushered in a new age that must reject viciousness and violence because God is powerful enough to defend himself. Paul and Timothy did not order the execution of Hymenaeus, Alexander and Philetus who blasphemed and led some church members astray (2 Timothy 2, 17-18).
Muslims believe that God always plans better so we should allow God to decide the fate of those who insult the prophets of God. However, since the killing of US Ambassador Chris Stevens in Libya, the print and electronic media is filled with comments about Islam. Some think that the action is in line with the teaching of Islam while others think that killing of innocent people for the crime committed by someone else is not right. Some people have even gone to the extent of thinking that Islam is a violent religion. These comments call on Muslims and those who love Islam to politely present the stand of the Qur’an on issues like this.
Islam teaches that God punishes those who curse the prophets and desecrate places of worship: “Yet it is just that he should punish them; for they have debarred others from the Sacred Mosque, although they have no right to be its guardians” (Qur’an 8:34). Muslims are requested to allow God to judge and not be tempted to take laws into their hands: “Do not allow your hatred for those who would debar you from the Holy Mosque lead you into sin. Help one another in what is good and pious, not in what is wicked and sinful. Have fear of Allah for he is stern in retribution” (Qur’an 5:2).
After the Battle of Uhud in 625, God revealed to the prophet, Muhammad (SAW) that he would be tested and that he should be patient with those who test him: “You shall be bereaved of your possessions and dear ones and be subjected to the insults of the pagans and of those to whom the scriptures were given before you. But if you endure with fortitude and guard yourselves against evil, you shall surely triumph” (Qur’an 3:186). The root of the word ‘hurtful’ in Arabic is (aa-dh-aa). This can be translated as ‘annoy’ and ‘insult.’ According to “the dictionary of the Holy Qur’an, edited by Abdul Mannan Omar”, published by Noor Foundation, 2003, page 19, the word (aa-dh-aa) signifies a slight evil or anything causing a slight harm’. Allah tells his prophet that he has to take the insults and not retaliate. Allah reveals that if he is patient, then he will find a great strength.
After the Battle of the Trench in 627, Muhammad’s power increased in Medina. This is reflected in Sura 33 that shows Muhammad (SAW) to be very powerful. Yet the Qur’an says: “Those who insult God and His Messenger will be rejected by God in this world and in the next. He has prepared a humiliating punishment for them” (Qur’an 33:57). “Those who undeservedly insult believing men and women will bear the guilt of slander and obvious sin” (Qur’an 33:58). “An agonizing torment awaits those who insult God’s Messenger” (Qur’an 9: 63). All this is indication that any form of violence in places of worship and on persons who know nothing about those who insult God and the prophet like the case of the cartoon that was published on September 17, 2005 in the Danish newspaper of Denmark is not acceptable to God. The reaction to this Cartoon in far away Denmark claimed many lives in Nigeria. This is not the true teaching of Islam.
The 55-year-old Nakoula Basseley who made the controversial film that ridiculed Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has sent a passionate appeal to American security seeking protection following death threats he received after the release of the film.
Religion is being accused of the cause of violence in the world and many people think that the world will be a better place without religion. We really need to ask ourselves again if a good God can really permit his followers to kill innocent people and destroy properties in his name. Islam is synonymous with peace, compassion and mercy.
Rev Fr (Dr) Omonokhua is Director, Mission and Dialogue, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja