Bridging
gap between Islam, West requires respect
Asad Raza
In September 2005, Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published a series of highly
provocative caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad
(Peace Be Upon Him — P.B.U.H.), which caused a furor amongst Muslims around
the globe. There were massive protests and rallies, some peaceful, some violent,
where people took to the streets to demonstrate their discontent with the publication.
Before the issue is addressed, it is imperative to understand first what the
word “religion” means to Muslims, in contrast to its perception by
people of other faiths.
Islam is more than just a religion in that it is a set of rules outlining the
code of life for its followers. Islam sets out certain guidelines, a moral code
and the emphasis in the existence of one God. In short, it is “a way of
life” for Muslims to abide by, just as the constitution and the judicial
laws are for citizens of a nation to respect and follow.
Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is the central figure in Islam, as is Jesus Christ
(P.B.U.H.) in Christianity. The difference is Christians consider Jesus (P.B.U.H.)
as the son of God, whereas Muslims consider Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) as a
simple and modest human being who laid out the foundation of Islam through his
generous, modest, peaceful, honest and merciful nature; a paradigm that has been
in several volumes, known as the “Ahadith,” or “Sayings of
the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.).”
He is also credited for relaying God’s message in the form of what Muslims
today regard as their book of guidance, the Quran.
In my personal view, the reactions to the cartoons in certain instances were
propelled to an exaggerated state, and violence was most certainly unwarranted.
However, it is absolutely rational for Muslims to show their protest using economics,
diplomacy and peaceful rallies.
The right to freedom of speech should not be exploited to serve malignant propaganda.
There should be a distinguishing line between what should and should not be morally
and socially acceptable.
As United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan wisely said, “I also respect
the right of freedom of speech. But of course, freedom of speech is never absolute.
It entails responsibility and judgment.”
In seven European nations, denying the occurrence of the Holocaust is punishable
by law. Any public display or mockery of Jews or the Holocaust is severely reprimanded
by the media. In fact, when Prince Harry donned a Nazi costume at a fancy dress
party, he was reported to the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons.
However, defaming Islam and its distinguished icons unfortunately falls under
the umbrella of freedom of speech. Just as the Jews were persecuted and killed
during the Holocaust, millions of Muslims died during the invasion of the barbaric
crusaders, the invasion of the Mongols and during various wars with European
colonialists, defending their religion and their lands.
These people died to defend their faith, their families and a message the Prophet
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) delivered to them. Do you not believe the dignity of this
peace-loving man is valuable to Muslims? Where is the justice, I ask?
I encourage the campus community to actively participate in condemning the printing
of such irreverent publications. Let us all join hands and work together toward
achieving global peace and tolerance, which is exactly what Prophet Muhammad
(P.B.U.H.) envisioned for this world.
Mutual respect for other people’s beliefs, values and cultures will go
a long way in bridging the gap between the
Muslim world and the West.
Asad Raza is a senior electrical engineering major.
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