Muslim shopkeeper killed after posting Easter greeting to Christians on Facebook

A popular Muslim shopkeeper in Scotland has been murdered after he greeted Christians with a 'Happy Easter' message on social media.

On Easter Sunday, 40-year-old Muslim shopkeeper Asad Shah posted an Easter greeting on Facebook, which also encouraged readers to follow the example of Jesus, who is also considered a prophet by Muslims. Three hours after he posted the message, he was attacked with a knife outside his newsagents shop in Glasgow, according to Breitbart.

"Good Friday and a very Happy Easter, especially to my beloved Christian nation," Shah posted on Facebook. "Let's follow the real footstep of beloved holy Jesus Christ and get the real success in both worlds."

Aside from attacking him with a knife, the assailant also stamped on Shah's head. He was brought to the hospital in critical condition, but medics were unable to save him and he did not survive.

Meanwhile, Scottish police confirmed that a 32-year-old Muslim man has been arrested in connection with the Muslim shopkeeper's death. Authorities vowed to launch a full investigation into the deadly Easter incident, which is being considered a religiously prejudiced attack.

Shah was part of an Islamic sect called Ahmadiyyah which is being persecuted not only in the West but also in the Muslim world. The national constitution of Pakistan, Shah's home country, has been amended so that Ahmadiyyahs can be declared as non-Muslims, the report explains.

Friends have set up a vigil near Shah's workplace and thousands of people have showed up in solidarity, including Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Mourners were encouraged to bring daffodils and light a candle during the vigil. They also set up a Gofundme page for the family he has left behind.

Shah was a well-respected person in his community because of his conviction against hatred and violence. Twitter user Ehsan Abdoh-Tabrizi called him a "tolerant" Muslim who was killed by local extremists.