World outcry over insulting images

[nizamuddin]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Anger grows over Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) cartoon.

Gunmen briefly surrounded the EU's Gaza office in protest at the images. Protests have spread across the Muslim world over the publication in Europe of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. The drawings, first printed in Denmark, sparked a fresh row when they were re-run in several papers, leading to the sacking of a French editor.

Hundreds demonstrated in Pakistan on Thursday, chanting "Death to Denmark" and burning Danish and French flags. But one Jordanian paper has reprinted the cartoons, with an editorial urging Muslims worldwide to "be reasonable". Palestinian gunmen briefly surrounded EU offices in Gaza to demand an apology over the cartoons.

We fought for freedom of religion...France Soir's owner should be ashamed. Marcel de Vries, The Hague. Freedom of speech has its limits when it concerns others...How would it feel if Jesus Christ was the one insulted instead? Randa Ahmed Essa, Egypt

Cartoon row: Your reaction
Norway has closed its mission in the West Bank to the public in response to threats from two militant groups against Norwegians, French and Danes. Foreign Ministry spokesman Rune Bjaastad told the BBC News website the office would remain closed until further notice but no decision had yet been made on withdrawing staff.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak warned that the decision by some European papers to publish the cartoons could encourage terrorists. Afghan President Hamid Karzai also strongly condemned their publication, saying it was "an affront... for hundreds of millions of people". Hundreds of students demonstrated in the Pakistani cities of Lahore and Multan, burning flags and effigies of the Danish prime minister.

Free speech

The row intensified on Wednesday when France Soir, alongside the 12 original cartoons, printed a new drawing on its front page showing Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy figures sitting on a cloud, with the caption "Don't worry Muhammad, we've all been caricatured here". Publications in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain also re-ran the Danish cartoons to show support for free speech.

CARTOON ROW
30 Sept: Danish paper Jyllands-Posten publishes cartoons
20 Oct: Muslim ambassadors in Denmark complain to Danish PM
10 Jan: Norwegian publication reprints cartoons
26 Jan: Saudi Arabia recalls its ambassador
30 Jan: Gunmen raid EU's Gaza office demanding apology
31 Jan: Danish paper apologises
1 Feb: Papers in France, Germany, Italy and Spain reprint cartoons ??


In pictures: Cartoon outrage
Islamic tradition bans depictions of the Prophet or Allah.

France Soir's editor, Jacques Lefranc, was dismissed by the paper's French Egyptian owner in response to criticism from Muslim groups. But journalists at France Soir stood by their editor's decision on Thursday, printing a front page picture and editorial in which they strongly defended the right to free speech.

Jordanian independent tabloid al-Shihan reprinted three of the cartoons on Thursday, saying people should know what they were protesting about, AFP news agency reports. "Muslims of the world be reasonable," wrote editor Jihad Momani.

"What brings more prejudice against Islam, these caricatures or pictures of a hostage-taker slashing the throat of his victim in front of the cameras or a suicide bomber who blows himself up during a wedding ceremony in Amman?" The article in al-Shihan also included a list of Danish products.

MUSLIM CONCERNS OVER ART

1989: Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini calls on Muslims to kill British author Salman Rushdie for alleged blasphemy in his book The Satanic Verses
2002: Nigerian journalist Isioma Daniel's article about Prophet and Miss World contestants sparks deadly riots
2004: Dutch film maker Theo van Gogh killed after release of his documentary about violence against Muslim women
2005: London's Tate Britain museum cancels plans to display sculpture by John Latham for fear of offending Muslims after July bombings

Some Muslim countries are already boycotting Danish products after a paper there first printed the cartoons last September. Danish-Swedish dairy giant Arla Foods says its sales in the Middle East have plummeted to zero as a result.

In diplomatic protests, Syria and Saudi Arabia have recalled their ambassadors to Denmark, and Libya has closed its embassy in Copenhagen.

The caricatures from Denmark's Jyllands-Posten paper included drawings of Muhammad wearing a headdress shaped like a bomb, while another shows him saying that paradise was running short of virgins for suicide bombers.

The offices of Jyllands-Posten had to be evacuated on Tuesday because of a bomb threat. The paper had apologised a day earlier for causing offence to Muslims, although it maintained it was legal under Danish law to print them. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen welcomed the paper's apology, but has rejected calls to punish the paper, saying the government cannot censor the press.

[Jamil]

Outrageous, ..... why have censorship lets be done with it all ? I mean where's the common decency in society why not let have everyone just kill each other, if all the media think its okay to insult a world religion and its most venerable personality.

[Javed]

I recall the sikhs rioting outside a brimingham theatre when a sikh decided to make a play ridiculing the sikh religion. I remember the christians in uproar when there was an opera called Jerry Springer which showed Jesus in nappies. Each time these events stopped because of public pressure, this time because its muslims, after the danes, the french, italians and others decide to stick the boot in.

[suhayb]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

I have just heard about this and am not sure what to think. Obviously I find this whole thing insulting as a Muslim. However these people doing it are not Muslims and don't hold the same views we do. They will have to answer for their actions and will be judged accordingly. Unfortunately this sort of thing plays right into the hands of the extremists out there and once again they succeed in portraying Islam in a bad light

Yes we do have a right to protest and voice our objections to these blasphemous images but we need to show restraint I think in how we do this. I can't agree with the threats against people lives etc...

A question I would like to pose is how many of us get insulted when other religions are ridiculed or do we laugh and join in?

Our Beloved Messenger Muhammad Mustafa(Sallalahu Ta'ala Alaihi Wassalam) faced all kinds of criticism and insults but he showed tolerance and sabr to be the way to handle these tests. That's what all this is I think, tests from Allah(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and things like this will only increase as we draw nearer to Qiyaamat.

I hope my words are not taken to be insulting in anyway as I too was upset at reading about some of these images, I just think we need to show some restraint in our protests.

Fi Amanillah

[furqaan]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu, I agree with brother Suhayb.

We should voice our disgust, but not violently. There should be marches and demonstrations but peacefully.
Make ourselves heard in thousands in marches all over the country, they then will take notice and will listen.
Violence only breeds violence, innocent getting killed while the culprits get away with it again.

Solidarity is the key, make yourselves heard , get petitions drawn up, show them that their faith might not be strong enough for them to react, but we love our Islam and we love and respect our Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) to such an extent that we will defend any disrespect shown against Him (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), thats how strong our faith is, but we will do it in such away where we will be heard and respect will be gained, and they will have no choice but to listen.

Don't fall into the trap, they want us to fight so they can justify their barbaric killings around the world.

Violence will only stem more hatred against Islam and instead of being heard, there will be more insults and disrespect.
Pray to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) this is a sign of Qiyyamat, and as brother Suhayb has rightly said it will get worse.

[Hafeez]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

As a young European Muslim i was saddened and upset after the publication of those horrid cartoons of our beloved Nabi (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam)

I always bear in mind that all sources of media i,e TV.papers and radio are controlled by the kuffar and they will do they utmost to anger Muslims worldwide.

The kuffar want Muslims to protest violently this was their aim. One must bear in mind to keep ones dignity in these hard times.

In Jumm'ah salat today our respected Imam told us that whenever is put down and wherever it is oppressed and suppressed it shall rise stronger then ever before history speaks for itself brothers and sisters

[Surriya]

suhayb said:

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,


Yes we do have a right to protest and voice our objections to these blasphemous images but we need to show restraint I think in how we do this. I can't agree with the threats against people lives etc...

A question I would like to pose is how many of us get insulted when other religions are ridiculed or do we laugh and join in?

Our Beloved Messenger Muhammad Mustafa(Sallalahu Ta'ala Alaihi Wassalam) faced all kinds of criticism and insults but he showed tolerance and sabr to be the way to handle these tests. That's what all this is I think, tests from Allah(Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and things like this will only increase as we draw nearer to Qiyaamat.

I agree with you 100% brother. These are signs of Qiyammah and there is nothing we can do to stop it, we can't control these thing, and as all brothers have said, it will get worse.

Muslim's across the world are playing into the hands of the kuffr by displaying anger through violence and burning flags and shooting their guns.

Its come to a time in this country where we should be careful in what we say, especially with these new terrorism laws. Many young muslims are very angry and i'm afraid they might say something out of charachter and get into trouble.

Yes we have the right to be upset but we need to express our upset and anger peacefully as br furqaan has said.

[ashrafi chaman]

The kuffar want Muslims to protest violently this was their aim. One must bear in mind to keep ones dignity in these hard times.

Its a disgrace why is Blair quite on this thats what i want to know ?

[Shiraz Ashrafi]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Im glad Muslims have spoken out all over the world, this is not freedom of speech, if Muslims went round saying 'All Christians are killers and are corrupt", I highly doubt the western world would say 'oh, thats an interesting view, but since we believe in free speach, we will let you say what you want'.
Yes, I hope nothing happens that puts Islam in a bad light like killings or anyone getting hurt but honestly, what do these people expect? they know that there are extremists and they have themselves caused this , the UK and the USA have condemned these though, in the UK they are boycotting danish products and brands

[muzaffar]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The biggest problem with this medias freedom of speech message is that they (the kaffir) dont understand Islam, they dont realise how much we consume our faith on a daily basis, its our total and complete way of life and Nabi-e-Kareem (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) is at the pinnacle of our faith. Any insult goes to deep within the soul. Until they educate themselves, which is highly unlikely then sadly things will get worse. All what this will do is escalate things, as all i have heard on the radio and news today is, joe public say ''go back to your own countries if you dont like it'' and ''typical muslims'' and words to that effect. As if things werent tense after the July bombings, the newspapers now have the fuse to ignite this crisis deeper. They actually expect us to say nothing as if nothing happened, and if we do we are fundamentalists, or looking for trouble.

[suhayb]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

Yes we're in a tricky situation, how can we remain silent when they insult the very heart of our religion and why won't they respect our right to protest without branding us as extremists or as not having a sense of humour. The simple fact is to a Muslim these cartoons are not funny.

Fi Amanillah

[Ghulam Mustufa]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu


If you havent done so already please sign the petition condemning the orginal newspaper and Danish government for allowing this insult to happen. Please pass this link and get all freinds and relatives to sign also.

Please do not forget to support all other Petitions.

Jazak-Allah for your support once again.


Wa'assalam

[Ashiq e Rasool]

suhayb said:

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

Yes we're in a tricky situation, how can we remain silent when they insult the very heart of our religion and why won't they respect our right to protest without branding us as extremists or as not having a sense of humour. The simple fact is to a Muslim these cartoons are not funny.

Fi Amanillah

Well said!

It was a very sad day for me and I am sure for Most Muslims yesterday as first, the issue with the cartoons had angered and hurt us so badly that we felt helpless as to what to do.

Then the news of the Ship sinking in the red sea, they say it was carrying Haji's back from Saudi and had 1'415 passengers aboard, out of that they have found a few hundred alive.

And then to top it all I saw on the news,
Yesterday there was a protest outside the Danish Embassy from Muslim Protesters ( about a couple of hundred) had gathered outside the Danish Embassy and although it was a peaceful March , the slogans they were carrying were outrageous and insulting not only to the Non-Muslim world but to Muslims generally.

The Banners read, behead all those who Insult Islam, to Hell with freedom, and Lets do it the bin-laden way, Omar Bakri is coming back and the worst on was have you forgotten 9/11 and Europe watch out 9/11 is coming your way, all the news stations covered it, and I bet the media will have a field day.
To top it all they showed 3 Hijab wearing ladies writing them out as fast as they could, and distributing them.
Now I know they are only a minority, and most of them were from the All- Mujahiroon , who exploited the whole stuation (Extremist group run by Omar-Bakri) still most of the Non-Muslim community watching will not know that, and probably thinking we( Muslims) are all like that and tar us with the same brush!

The best way is to hit them where it hurts, sign the petitions and boycott their goods, and have marches, but do it peacefully were they feel ashmed, for calling us extremist, were they can back track their statements, and show them we are a very religious community who feel very hurt By anything which diminishes the Character of Our Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), we will not stand for it, we will voice our hurt and anger but not fall into the trap, were anger turns to nastiness and we give them amunition to fire back at us.

I urge you all to sign , as it is our duty as Muslims.

[simnani]

ashiqerasool said:

And then to top it all I saw on the news,

Yesterday there was a protest outside the Danish Embassy from Muslim Protesters ( about a couple of hundred) had gathered outside the Danish Embassy and although it was a peaceful March , the slogans they were carrying were outrageous and insulting not only to the Non-Muslim world but to Muslims generally.

The Banners read, behead all those who Insult Islam, to Hell with freedom, and Lets do it the bin-laden way, Omar Bakri is coming back and the worst on was have you forgotten 9/11 and Europe watch out 9/11 is coming your way, all the news stations covered it, and I bet the media will have a field day.

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

A very good post sister. I have heard from yesterdays protests, which the media concentrated on straight away, that they were organised by all the wrong repesentatives of Islamic Britain, ie, the salafies, hizb at tehreer and al muhajiroon. These ''supposedly banned'' groups and supporters of terrorism were at the forefront of this march with their threatening banners.

No wonder the British public feels no sympathy for us ordinary muslims when these heretics play into the hands of the media and the right wing groups like NF and the BNP.

These groups were doing exactly what we didnt want them to do, using the freedom of speech platform to preach terror and hate on the British public. The problem now is, the subsequent backlash will be felt by all the moderate sunnis, who will be spat upon, verbally abused or even assaulted by the disconcerting public. As if we didnt have it bad enough after the July bombings.

[Javed]

muzaffar said:

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

The biggest problem with this medias freedom of speech message is that they (the kaffir) dont understand Islam, they dont realise how much we consume our faith on a daily basis, its our total and complete way of life and Nabi-e-Kareem (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) is at the pinnacle of our faith. Any insult goes to deep within the soul. Until they educate themselves, which is highly unlikely then sadly things will get worse. All what this will do is escalate things, as all i have heard on the radio and news today is, joe public say ''go back to your own countries if you dont like it'' and ''typical muslims'' and words to that effect. As if things werent tense after the July bombings, the newspapers now have the fuse to ignite this crisis deeper. They actually expect us to say nothing as if nothing happened, and if we do we are fundamentalists, or looking for trouble.

Slight conflict of interests here ....

Freedom of speech is the liberty to freely say what one pleases, as well as the related liberty to hear what others have stated.

Freedom of religion means the freedom to chose one's religious beliefs without cohersion or intimidation and the freedom to openly practise those beliefs, rituals or traditions in the society in which one finds one's self.

[Akhtar Hussain]

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Dont these newspaper editors get it by now, Islam is not a religion which should be mocked, its not like christianity where everyone laughs at it, the christians dont care how their religion is portrayed because they dont practice it. Islam the is the only religion which is a way of life, this is what they are scared of!

[sunniboy]

akhtarhussain said:

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Dont these newspaper editors get it by now, Islam is not a religion which should be mocked, its not like christianity where everyone laughs at it, the christians dont care how their religion is portrayed because they dont practice it. Islam the is the only religion which is a way of life, this is what they are scared of!

Whether they think that they are right or wrong they are only interested in news and controversy, thats what sells news for them, morals make no difference.

[suhayb]

akhtarhussain said:

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Dont these newspaper editors get it by now, Islam is not a religion which should be mocked, its not like christianity where everyone laughs at it, the christians dont care how their religion is portrayed because they dont practice it. Islam the is the only religion which is a way of life, this is what they are scared of!

I believe no religion should be mocked, not only Islam. And we as Muslims should stand up when other religions face similar mockery.

Fi Amanillah

[shamshuddin]

suhayb said:

akhtarhussain said:

Assalamu 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

Dont these newspaper editors get it by now, Islam is not a religion which should be mocked, its not like christianity where everyone laughs at it, the christians dont care how their religion is portrayed because they dont practice it. Islam the is the only religion which is a way of life, this is what they are scared of!

I believe no religion should be mocked, not only Islam. And we as Muslims should stand up when other religions face similar mockery.

Fi Amanillah

The problem is most decent muslims do stick up for other religions, but they hardly get amention and are ridiculed if they do voice their opinion. I remember when the Jerry Springer opera was cancelled because of its depiction of Isa alaihi salam many muslims did join with christians protesting outside these theatres ...we just dont get the recognition or credit anymore.

[star]

shamshuddin said:

suhayb said:

I believe no religion should be mocked, not only Islam. And we as Muslims should stand up when other religions face similar mockery.

Fi Amanillah

The problem is most decent muslims do stick up for other religions, but they hardly get amention and are ridiculed if they do voice their opinion. I remember when the Jerry Springer opera was cancelled because of its depiction of Isa alaihi salam many muslims did join with christians protesting outside these theatres ...we just dont get the recognition or credit anymore.

I dont think it got cancelled, it went ahead. remember seeing him on telly on a interview about it. apparantly it got rave reviews. not my views b4 u all lynch me.

on the subject i think it is an insult and muslims hav a right 2 b angry as 2 insult the Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) in any shape or form is an insult 2 humanity as the Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam)is the light of humanity.u can spit or shout or swear at us,abuse us and even torture us but to bring our Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) who brought light into the world into it, of cause we r goin 2 get angry.but that does not mean 2 say we resort to their low standerds an hijack the situation 2 use it 4 extrmist purpose. more leaders shud speak out against the cartoons especially the rich oil countries.