Sheer ignorance
The recent incident in Lahore’s Ichra Bazaar, where a young woman was harassed over wearing a dress falsely perceived as having Quranic verses printed on it, is a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation and prejudice. The Arabic language on the dress, as it turns out, had nothing to do with the holy scripture. Instead, it was part of a Kuwaiti brand’s Arabic calligraphy design.
The misconception that any Arabic text must be Quranic in nature is a result of widespread illiteracy and ignorance regarding languages and religious texts. This ignorance perpetuates the belief that anything written in Arabic should be revered or treated as sacred, often leading to unwarranted reactions and violence. This indicates just how important promoting education and cultural literacy is in our society, and just how widespread ignorance has become.
Thankfully, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shehr Bano Naqvi’s swift action saved the innocent life. Despite facing a highly-charged mob, ASP Naqvi skilfully de-escalated the situation, ensuring the woman’s safety and upholding the rule of law. Her swift and decisive action reflects the fundamental values of protecting human dignity and promoting societal harmony. While it is also commendable that the public and religious figures condemned the incident, the woman’s public apology is concerning. It reinforces a disturbing pattern where victims are pressured to publicly apologise for alleged offences, thus legitimising unjust behaviour. The proper course of action should involve holding those responsible for inciting such acts of violence. This would send a clear message that such tendencies will not be tolerated at any cost.
Islam places great emphasis on seeking knowledge and understanding. It is therefore incumbent upon us all to seek proper guidance on such matters. Blasphemy is a serious offence, but it must be approached with wisdom and care, ensuring that the accused receives a fair trial and that the evidence is thoroughly examined.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2024.
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