Aasiya Hassan was decapitated by her estranged husband only a week after she served him with divorce papers. Hassan is native of Pakistan and was not considered overtly religious.

Asra Nomani, a Muslim journalist, activist, and author from West Virginia has challenged Muslims who say the killing has not link to Islamic teachings. She believes that a literal translation of a verse in the Quran in some mosques may lead to honor killings and murder, although Islam does not officially sanction killing or domestic violence.

"Well, it doesn't have anything to do with your interpretation of Islam that teaches you can't kill innocent people. But terrorism, violence, honor killing—they are all part of ideological problems we have in the community we need to eradicate," said Nomani.

An interpretation of a passage about wives reads, "As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them and send them to beds apart and beat them. Then if they obey you, take no further action against them."

24 February 2009