Perception of people about role of mullahs regarding blasphemy "a case study of Islamabad"

Abstract

Mullahs are considered crucial for the presence an(;/ zmplication of Islam in traditional society. Now through globalization, their role is changing with the passage of time from traditional one to modern one. Positive and negative aspects have been adopted by them in order to influence the opinion and behavior of people. This study was conducted to through the light on role of mullahs regarding blasphemy. This study measured the influence of mullahs on blasphemy laws and impacts of this influence on human rights and freedom of speech. The literature had put some lighton misuse of blasphemy laws by political and religiOUS leaders for their personal interests and rights of human are violated. Mob does not try to know the evidences behind blasphemy cases but reacts to blasphemer which is mostly influenced by hate speeches and fatwas of mullahs. Rational choice theory was used according to which mullahs take decision on cost benefit analysis. Quantitative research method was used to analyze the data. This study was conducted in Islamabad. The sample size for the research was 250 selected by random sampling. It was found in the research that mob is motivated by mullahs, freedom of expression is snatched from people under the shade of blasphemy. Mullahs use blasphemy laws for their personal interests and performing a negative role in molding the individuals' thinking especially in regard to blasphemy. Most of the time, mullahs define that either a person has committed blasphemy or not instead of judiciary which leads to biasness. People feel threat to discuss blasphemous issues as mullahs have taken discussion related to blasphemy as separate domain which only belong to them.