Remembering the forgotten: pray today for Asia Bibi
Christian Solidarity Worldwide are holding 24 hours of prayer today for Asia Bibi – the first woman facing the death penalty in Pakistan. Their advocacy officer shares the urgency of this call to prayer:
I woke one morning during summer with a terrifying thought:
I’D FORGOTTEN ASIA BIBI.
I realised my mind had been overwhelmed with work. In a meeting, overcome with guilt, I confessed to my colleagues that I’d forgotten her – and wondered; had we as an organisation FORGOTTEN Asia Bibi?
The Christian Aasiya Noreen, also known as ‘Asia Bibi’, is the first woman facing the death penalty in Pakistan following a false blasphemy accusation. Asia was working in a field and asked to fetch water. Some Muslim women objected, saying that as a non–Muslim she was unclean to touch the bowl. A few days later a cleric accused her of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Her fate was sealed.
In Asia’s case, ‘insulting the Prophet’ according to 295–C of the blasphemy law carries the punishment of the death penalty. She has been in prison since 2009, languishing in solitary confinement and away from her husband and children for the past seven years.
When the world heard of her story there was outcry and shock from all corners. Many spoke on her behalf: governments, NGOs and even the Pope advocated for her release.
The blasphemy laws are highly divisive; they give power to people to take the law into their own hands; to make false accusations against other Muslims and Christians; to settle personal scores and to grab land.
Blasphemy is a dangerous and tragic business due to widespread misuse of the law.
Asia’s final appeal hearing in the Supreme Court will take place this week, on Thursday 13 October. If she is acquitted, I imagine provision is in place to immediately remove her and her family from Pakistan, as it would be certain death if she stays.
Our contact, who has access to Asia, told me she has an incredibly strong faith, and I am inspired by her faithfulness.
Right now we need to pause. To remember. To pray. To intercede for her more than ever.
That’s why today (12 October) CSW are holding 24 hours of prayer for Asia Bibi. Wherever you are in the world, we’d like you to join us. Together let’s remember Asia Bibi and cry out to God for justice for this innocent woman of faith.
Source 24/7 Prayer International