The latest Jesus and Mo strip, “fifty”, is a good one, and refers to a BBC article excerpted below. The “pedophilia” question refers to Muhammad’s youngest wife, Aisha, whom he married when she was six. (When the marriage was actually consummated is a vigorously disputed subject.)
Here’s the note that came with the email:
Today’s strip is in response to a story about the revoked death sentence of a Saudi-based Sri Lankan man who insulted Mohammed on Facebook.
From the BBC story:
The case sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka, spurring diplomatic efforts to seek clemency
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has set aside the death sentence handed to a Sri Lankan migrant worker over a comment he made on Facebook, Colombo’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said.
Anojan Sivarasa, 27, was sentenced to death in September after a Saudi appellate court convicted him of blasphemy against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad over his comment.
The case sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka, spurring diplomatic efforts to seek clemency.
Saudi Arabia’s top court set aside the sentence on Wednesday, Hemachandra said in a post on Facebook, where he thanked the authorities and legal teams of both nations for their efforts.
In late June, footage of a young Muslim man kicking a dog following Hindu pilgrims circulated widely on social media, triggering religious arguments online.
During the exchange, a user posted derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, leading Sivarasa to respond in Tamil insulting the Prophet Muhammad.
Although Sivarasa promptly deleted the comment and posted an apology video, a screenshot of it was brought to the attention of his employer and Saudi officials, leading to his arrest in July.
It is not clear if there will be further legal proceedings or whether Sivarasa will remain in detention, and for how long. He was initially sentenced to five years in prison as well as a fine of three million Saudi riyals ($0.8m; £0.6m) by the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court.
The death sentence came later, but is now revoked. It’s still ridiculous and barbaric treatment for insulting religion. I know of no other faith that would do something like this.
Oh, and the artist said this in his note to Patrons:
In other news, there’s a new Jesus & Mo book out! It’s a “best of” collection called The Chosen Ones – a selection of about 150 from 2005-2026. It would be a lovely Xmas present for the infidel in your life!
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Author, Jesus & Mo
PCC(E) : “I know of no other faith that would do something like this.”
Indeed, it begs the question – properly – assumes the premise – whether Islam is best characterized as purely a religious faith – or, rather – as has been argued by Dan Burmawi :
“Islam is not a religion. Islam has a religion.”
(I shared that a while ago one may recall).
There are books by e.g. Yahia Emerick that put Islam as more of a way of life.
Some call it Islamism.
Either way – it makes me wonder.
Anyone know what the man actually said?
Or is that verboten?
Hemant “The Friendly Atheist” Mehta has been covering the Anojan Sivarasa story.
/s