Archive for October, 2006

Sanctioning murder in the name of God


It’s okay to kill gays according to leading Imam, Arshad Misbahi, who is based at the Manchester Central Mosque. Manchester is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse gay communities in the UK as well as thousands of Muslims. For the most part, they co-exist quite happily without violence or intimidation, but the Muslim community seeking to engage with other communities in positive ways could do without leaders like Misbahi.

Misbahi confirmed his violently homophobic views in a conversation with Dr John Casson, a local psychotherapist. He was asked if the execution of gay Muslims in Iran and Iraq was an acceptable punishment in Sharia law, or the result of culture, not religion. He replied that in a true Islamic state, such punishments were part of Islam. No ifs, no buts. Certainly no apologies.

Misbahi was asked by Dr Casson, what would be the British Muslim view? He repeated that in an Islamic state these punishments were justified. They might result in the deaths of thousands but if this deterred millions from having sex, and spreading disease, then it was worthwhile to protect the wider community.

Read the full article.

Wednesday, October 25th, 2006