However, surely China could have delayed it’s decision a little and allowed for further investigation in order to come to a sounder conclusion.

Regards

ISLAMASAURUS

There’s no reason to assume that the Chinese penal system, though fraught with inadequacies, lacks any concept of personal responsibility. The Chinese authorities pointed out that Mr Shaikh had no previous record of mental illness. Really, if the best his family was able to come up with is that he was duped and bi-polar- the man was by no means anything other than culpable. That they couldn’t come up with anything better speaks volumes.

I feel sorry for Imperial. It’s a fine institution and a great shame that it can turn out such specious arguments- albeit indirectly- as yours. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more compelling argument against formalised education than you.

And secondly, I’m pretty disappointed with your argument. A grad student should be able to understand the distinction between insanity and mental illness, i.e. that there is some sort of spectrum involved. Scientists often fail to appreciate the many shades of grey entailed by moral dilemmas like these. Unfortunately.

And before you jump on every socialist bandwagon that takes your fancy- you should bear in mind that any discussion of ‘inalienable rights’ or ‘justice’ is ideologically charged. You should make some effort to understand the terms of the discussion before you make a fool of yourself.

Injustice is prevelant and we should prepare ourselves for worse to come as the final age gallops forward, the world pacing towards the end of the timeline.

It’s quite clear that more could have been done to reach a sounder conclusion with regards his mental state. Although, we move ever closer to injustice and further from justice, we must not get disheartened as justice will prevail as has been promised, all we can do is speak out.

Nice post and well done for speaking out for something which will be quickly forgotten:

“When any one of you sees anything that is disapproved (of by Allah), let him change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his heart, though that is the weakest (kind of) faith.” [Muslim]

Your comments on the other hand, are not relevant to the case of Akmal Shaikh.

Even a severe case of bi-polar syndrome can’t excuse a crime of this sort.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The Pen is lifted from three (i.e., their deeds are not recorded): a child until he reaches puberty; an insane man until he comes to his senses; one who is asleep until he wakes up.” [Recorded in Abu Dawud #4403, and Ibn Majah #2041]

Independent eye witness accounts strongly suggest that Akmal Shaikh was suffering from delusional behaviour well before travelling to China. Further, it would not have taken much effort on the part of the Chinese authorities to confirm his mental condition whilst he was in their custody.

If Allah does not punish mentally ill people for their crimes, neither should we.

The world hasn’t lost anything by the death of Akmal Shaikh.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “Seek among your weak ones, for you are given provision and help only because of the weak amongst you.” [Abu Dawud]

Akmal Shaikh was a vulnerable man who needed help. One less of such an individual means we are one step closer to destruction. I fear the lack of mercy and compassion in your comments are evidence to that effect.

These silly details shouldn’t distract us from the man’s crime; spreading fasad is a captial offence.

And it ain’t punished with lethal injection, neither.