March 27, 2006

Fate of Afghan Christian awaits prosecutors Washington Post - The fate of a Afghan man who could face the death penalty for converting to Christianity, rested with prosecutors on Monday with expectation high the charges will be dropped and he will be released. Abdur Rahman, 40, was detained this month for rejecting Islam and converting to Christianity. Death is the punishment stipulated by sharia, or Islamic law, for apostasy -- abandonment of the faith. Koran 2:256, "There is no compulsion in religion." is abrogated by Koran 9:123, a later, Medinan verse: Oh ye who believe! Murder those of the disbelievers and let them find harshness in you. Malaysia: Pas Wants to Stop Muslims Quitting Islam The opposition Islamic party is planning to table a private Bill in Parliament to forbid Muslims from leaving the religion as it is convinced that there are thousands who are on the verge of doing so. Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) youth chief Salahuddin Ayub told The Straits Times that the party believes the situation is “very serious” and puts the number at more than 250,000. 7:40:28 AM