In April 2023, Pakistani YouTuber Muhammad Ali Mirza was convicted of blasphemy by a Pakistani court. He was accused of mocking the Islamic prophet Muhammad by calling him a chokra (bondsman or dancer),[1] and downplaying the legal status of Ahmadis (Qadiyanis) as non-Muslims.
Muhammad Ali Mirza | |
|---|---|
محمد علی مرزا | |
 Mirza in 2017 | |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Known for | Convicted for blasphemy |
Background and arrest
editMuhammad Ali Mirza is a Pakistani YouTuber known for several controversies. He has been the target of assassination attempts for his controversial statements.[2] Mirza was previously arrested on 4 May 2020 for spreading hate speech towards religious scholars.[3] He was later released on 6 May 2020.[4][5][6]
Prosecution
editThe charges made against Mirza were of mocking the Islamic prophet Muhammad by calling him a chokra (bondsman or dancer).[7][8] Barelvi Islamic scholar Pir Afzal Qadri offered a reward of 500,000 rupees for the assassination of Mirza, stating that he deserves to be killed for the chokra statement.[9] Mirza responded by claiming that he said the "Jews called the prophet a chokra", although this statement is not found in any hadith or works of Islamic history.[7] Other accusations made were him insulting the sahaba and the awliya. He reportedly made blasphemous remarks against Hazrat Aisha by declaring her a transgressor.[7] He also supposedly downplayed the legal status of Ahmadi Qadianis as non-Muslims.[10][11] Mirza also supposedly disrespected the Qur'an by purportedly comparing it to French abuses.[12] On 5 April 2023, a First Information Report (FIR) was officially filed against Mirza under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO) on the complaint of Humair Ali Qadri, the general secretary of International Ahle Sunnat.[13][14]
Section 295-C of the Pakistani Penal Code states: “Whoever defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by words, whether spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.”[15] As such, Mirza could face severe punishment under the blasphemy laws.[15]
Reactions
editNetizens were divided over their approach to the case.[15] Although some backed Mirza, a large amount of Muslims supported legal prosecution and held rallies against Mirza.[16] Pakistani journalist Imran Riaz Khan said the case against Mirza was registered for his criticism of the establishment.[17]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Meaning of chhokra in English". Rekhta Dictionary. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ Introvigne, Massimo (18 August 2023). "Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza: Moderate Islamic Theologian in Trouble in Pakistan". Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "مذہبی منافرت پھیلانے کا الزام، پولیس نے مذہبی اسکالر انجینئر محمد علی مرزا کو گرفتار کرلیا". Daily Pakistan. 6 May 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ "Cleric released on bail". Dawn. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ "انجینئر محمد علی مرزا کو ضمانت پر رہا کرنے کا حکم". Geo TV. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ "انجینئر محمد علی مرزا ضمانت پر رہا". Daily Pakistan. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Worthy-To-Be-Killed Engineer Mohammad Ali Mirza Another Victim Of Violent Sectarianism In Pakistan | New Age Islam Staff Writer". www.newageislam.com. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ Peer Syed Mufti Mushahid Hussain Shah (Official) (5 June 2022). Kya lafz e Chokra ghustakhi nhi ? | Engr. Ali Mirza | Mufti Mushahid. Retrieved 22 July 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Why did Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza get Arrested?". 9 April 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Blasphemy case: What did Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza actually say?". MM News. 8 April 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Blasphemy case registered against Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza". MM News. 8 April 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Booked Under 16 MPO". The Friday Times. 8 April 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Booked Under 16 MPO". The Friday Times. 8 April 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza booked over 'provocative' statements". Pakistan Observer.
- ^ a b c Web, Mirror (8 April 2023). "Social media cleric Engineer Ali Mirza faces blasphemy case". Minute Mirror. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ Okashah (30 April 2023). Rally against Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza in Lahore | Okashah.com @EngineerMuhammadAliMirzaClips. Retrieved 22 July 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Staff, Web Desk (7 April 2023). "Blasphemy case registered against Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, hardline cleric issues death fatwa". The Namal. Retrieved 22 July 2024.