The fate in Afghanistan of Abdul Rahman, the Muslim convert to Christianity who is threatened with capital punishment, continues to draw worldwide attention. Less attention has been given, however, to the origins of the situation. Free Internet Press yesterday carried one of the most complete accounts. The Daily Telegraph , Reuters , Washington Times and the Baptist Standard all add some details. Rahman converted some 15 years ago while living in Pakistan and working for a Christian group that was offering aid to Afghan refugees. His conversion led his wife to obtain a divorce, and her family took custody of the couple's children. Rahman moved around, living in Germany and Belgium. Finally, having been denied asylum in Belgium, Rahman recently returned to Afghanistan and attempted to obtain custody of his two daughters. Since Afghan courts give custody to Muslims over apostates, Rahman's father-in-law, in order to retain custody, informed the court about Rahman's conversion.
Radio Free Afghanistan today posted a detailed analysis of the issue of apostasy under Islamic law. It's author, Joyce M. Davis, points out that not all Islamic scholars advocate the death penalty for those who leave the faith. Meanwhile, pressure on Afghan president Hamid Karzai continued. A letter in Pope Benedict XVI's name was sent to Karzai by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano. BBC News today reports that the letter appealed to Karzai to respect freedom of conscience and religion guaranteed by the Afghan Constitution.
Conversion to other faiths is not a concern only to Islam or to Afghans. In the Indian state of Rajasthan, according to today's New India Press, the cabinet has just approved a bill that would impose a jail term of 2 to 5 years for "forceful" religious conversion. The bill would cover conversions through social boycotts, intimidating a person in the name of God, or any threat leading to personal losses. Encouraging a person to convert by promising financial assistance or personal profit would also violate the law. As Asia News reported earlier this week, India's largest political party, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, has repeatedly argued that Christian missionaries practice "terrorism" against tribal communities. Last Tuesday, thousands of Christians, joined by Muslims and others, marched to protest growing violence against Christians in Rajisthan.
