I support this petition. It is time the Afghans join the modern age and abolish this cruel and asinine law. Certain basic freedoms are essential for a successful democracy, even in the Muslim world. We in the West should protest this injustice as vehemently as the Muslim world protested the cartoon controversy.
President Bush in Cleveland ... "I strongly believe that liberty is universal. I believe in the natural rights of men and women. That was part of our founding. And if you believe in that, if you believe in the universality of freedom, then I believe those of us who are free have an obligation to help others become free".
I strongly support this petition and urge Afghanistan's leaders to intervene on Rahman's behalf.
This situation, though, is an unfortunate and inevitable consequence of the current inherent contradiction between the Afghanistan Constitution's guarantee of freedom of religion and its affirmation of the over-riding governance of the principles of Islam.
Ultimately, this is the true problem that must be resolved by Afghanistan's leadership to forestall continuing similar crises in the exercise of true religious freedom in Afghanistan in the
future.
If this conundrum is not promptly and constructively resolved soon, Americans will quickly lose faith and interest in continuing the US' support of Afghanistran.
I am deeply disturbed by this trial. If Afghanistan does not respect Abdul Rahman's freedom of religion, then the United States should withdraw from Afghanistan. We should not continue to sacrifice the lives of American soldiers to build a nation that is descending into hateful theocracy.
If Afghan Law encompasses the teachings of Islam; then it must support 'freedom of religion':
Surah 2:256 – “There is no compulsion in religion…”
Surah 16:82 – “Then, if they turn away, your duty (O Muhammad) is only to convey (the Message) in a clear way.”
Surah 42:48 – “But if they turn away (from Islam). We have not sent you as a Hafiz (watcher, protector) over them (to take care of their deeds and to recompense them). Your duty is to convey (the Message)…”
Surah 88:21-22 –
“And so, (O Prophet!) exhort them, your task is only to exhort; you cannot compel them to believe.”
Prosecuting this man sends a 'wrong message' to a world that is in dire need of 'right messages'
The fate of Mr. Rahman resides in the hands of the Afghan people. The world is waiting for some moderate Muslims to stand up and be counted. Citizens of Afghanistan, here is your chance to lead the way.
I support this petition. The execution of this man would only serve to demonstrate, regardless of what Muslims claim, that Islam is not a religion of peace, but rather one of hatred and intolerance.
If this man is punished in any way, I am afraid that every American life that was lost to bring your country freedom was wasted. Please free Abdul Rahman, Citizen of Afghanistan.
Are Islam -the "religion of peace"- and sharia incompatible with democracy and freedom? Have Americans shed blood on Afghanistan's soil, become maimed, died and spent billions of dollars to rescue Afghanistan from barbarism only to watch Afghanis embrace, of their own volition, medieval barbarity? The freedom to practice our own belief in our own conception of God is the foundation of our liberty. If Afghanistan's leadership cannot protect this right of its citizenry, then we have been on a fool's errand and should leave.
If you kill this man, or so much as harm a hair on his head, you desecrate and destroy the very reason for which your government exists and the free world fought.
"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg."
Thomas Jefferson
I support this petition. We have and continue to spill blood on your soil so Rahman and others would have the simple rights that were denied to them by the taliban. Do not murder this man.
I support this petition. Will your country join the rest of the world in the 21st century? Americans fought for the freedom of Afghanis. Don't let it go to waste.
Freedom of religion must necessarily maintain the freedom to accept or reject beliefs based upon the dictates of one's own conscience. By threatening a person with death for rejecting its beliefs, Islam shows itself to be cowardly -- unwilling to compete in a marketplace of ideas. If you feel the need to maintain a death penalty for conversion or prosteletizing, what does that say about the state of Islam? Are adherents motivated by love of God or by fear of authorities?
I support this petition. The die is cast. There will be more to follow whether you execute Rahman or not. You must evolve with the times and let the people choose.
