The family of a Pakistani Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy against Islam said Saturday they are hoping for a presidential pardon that could bring her home in time for Christmas.

The case against Asia Bibi — which started with a spat over a sip of water — has renewed calls for reform of Pakistan’s blasphemy law, which critics say have been used to settle grudges, persecute minorities and fan religious extremism.

President Asif Ali Zardari has asked for a report on the case and could issue a pardon even before a court issues its decision on an appeal against the verdict, said Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s minister for minority affairs.

Bibi has been in prison for the last 1 1/2 years and on Nov. 8 became the first woman sentenced to hang for blasphemy. Pope Benedict XVI has called for her release.

Dozens of Pakistanis are sentenced to death each year under the blasphemy law, which date back to the 1980s military rule of Gen. Mohammad Zia ul-Haq. Most cases are thrown out by higher courts and no executions have been carried out, Bhatti said, but the law is being examined to prevent what he said is widespread abuse by religious extremists and opportunists.   »»» WPHL (U.S.)

Pakistan’s blasphemy law has been used repeatedly as a convenient way for someone to punish a person with whom he has a disagreement. In villages where the administration of justice is seldom just, judges adopt a “Salem witch trial” mentality and consider the accusation to be proof of guilt.

The Prophet Muhammad never called for retribution against those who mocked or abused him. There is well known tradition that tells of a woman who lived in an upstairs room overlooking a path the Prophet frequently took. When he passed by, she would try to empty her garbage pail (some accounts say chamber pot) on him. One day, the Prophet was surprised that she did not come to the window when he passed so he knocked on the door and was told that the woman was quite ill and in bed. He went up to her room, comforted her and offered to do anything that might be helpful to her.

The Qur’an says: “Be forgiving, order what is right, and turn away from those who are vulgar.” (7:199)

According to the commentators, this verse tells the Prophet (and those who try to follow his example) to forgive injuries, insults, persecution and foolish taunts.

Under shari’ah, laws against slander and libel (whether ordinary or blasphemous) are to protect public order and peace and provide recourse to those whose reputation or dignity is damaged. Such laws may not be used to stifle religious opinions expressed in good faith and decent language.

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