Posted by Masih, who was arrested for the first time in 2017, got into a verbal fight with a customer at his motorcycle repair business who wanted his fee waived because he was a religiously devoted person. Masih stated that he was a Christian and would not consent to the fee being waived.
“He refused to pay the full amount when Ashfaq asked for payment, saying he was a poor sadhu (religious devotee) and that Ashfaq should honor him,” according to the report.
Masih allegedly said, “Jesus is the true prophet,” which led to the “guilty” verdict for insulting Mohammad.
As blasphemy, the statement “I follow only Jesus” was constructed as “I refuse to follow Prophet Muhammad.” The Session Court supported this.
Masih’s hearings have been repeatedly postponed or canceled over the past five years. He was permitted to attend his mother’s funeral in 2019 because she had passed away. Masih embraced his family while still in handcuffs, according to a tweet.
Judge Khalid Wazir gave Masih, a husband and father, the death penalty later in 2022.
As Ashfaq Masih fights to overturn the verdict, prayers for him, his family, and other Christians who are being persecuted around the world are crucial right now.
“The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are persecuted for righteousness, and they are blessed.” 11 “Blessed are you when people, because of me, insult you, persecute you, and falsely say everything evil against you.” 12 Because they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way, rejoice and be glad because your reward in heaven is great. 10–12 (Matthew 5:5)