Freedom in Pakistan?

A Christian woman in Pakistan was just recently arrested for “blaspheming” Muhammad. Her relative brought the accusation against her after they had a minor domestic dispute, according to Compass Direct News. Now she could be sentenced to death or to life imprisonment with a large fine. Pakistan has blasphemy laws against injuring religious feeling, defiling the Koran, and blaspheming Muhammad. Assist News explains that after an accusation of blasphemy has been made, Pakistani police can imprison people without evidence and without investigation. Pakistanis commonly use the allegation of blasphemy to settle personal grudges against Christians.

To me this country’s legal system sounds highly repressive. But would it sound repressive to a Muslim? The answer seems to be no. Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner write in their book Unveiling Islam,

Muslims believe as long as they are faithful to Allah they will live in peace and security instead of suffering persecution at the hands of oppressors. They will not have to practice faith in secret. It is paradoxical, however, that to earn this religious freedom Muslims believe they must deprive religious freedom to others. . . . The Islamic theology of prosperity is vitally important to a symbiotic relationship with Allah. Thus, politics and religion are inextricably linked. When Allah gives success he expects his faithful to expand his kingdom politically and spiritually. Political success is intrinsic to eternal security, although no guarantee of it. (35)

If the religion is doing well, the country will be doing well, and vice versa. It is logical, then, for a Muslim government to enforce its religion. I am struck, however, with the difference in theology between Islam and Christianity. Jesus never guaranteed Christians political or social success if they followed Him. Quite the contrary—He said that Christians would suffer.

I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. –John 17:14
Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! –Luke 6:22
I have said these things to you, that you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. –John 16:33

As Christians, we can allow others religious freedom because we know that God is ultimately in control, even if people disagree with us or insult us.