EDITORIAL: "Danish Cartoons: Islam vs. Freedom of Expression?"

[eat-halal guy]

Danish Cartoons: Islam vs. Freedom of Expression?


Sikander Ziad Hashmi, sunniforum.com


Cartoons are doing what so many couldn’t: Unifying Muslims across the globe.

On the other hand, a growing number of brave freedom-fighters, led by journalists, are standing up to “reaffirm the principle of free expression.” And non-Muslims are wondering why this unified outrage is a no-show when it comes to seemingly more important issues such as beheadings, honour killings, and suicide bombings.

As a Muslim journalist, that puts me in a tough spot, doesn’t it?

Well, not really.

Let’s get the facts straight. What exactly is the issue?

The Danish paper Jyllands-Posten printed a total of 12 cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad last September, one showing him wearing a headdress shaped like a bomb with the kalimah inscribed on it, while another had him saying that paradise is running short of virgins for suicide bombers. A Norwegian publication reprinted the caricatures in January and publications in at least four other countries jumped on the bandwagon in the last couple of days to express their support for the principle of free expression.

Muslim outrage has spurred protests, kidnapping and death threats, boycotts of Danish products, and diplomatic spats. Danish dairy firm Arla Foods has announced 125 layoffs as a result of the boycott; national leaders have jumped into the foray, and even U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has issued a statement in an attempt to cool the growing crisis. Editors have been sacked in what’s seen to be an attack on editorial independence.

Media reports are quick to point out that Islamic traditions ban depictions of the Prophet. Thus, the understanding is that the outrage has been caused by the seemingly blatant disregard for this “Islamic taboo” by the publications in question, which is why Reporters Without Borders and other journalists and non-journalists alike are resisting, if not fighting, this wave of rage.

I’m pretty sure many outraged Muslims will also point to that as the source of their outrage.

But I ask: Would Muslims express an equal amount of outrage had the Prophet been shown in a positive light based on his teachings, perhaps instructing a would-be terrorist not to kill innocents?

Probably not. Yes, there might have been some disappointment over the depiction of the Prophet, but it wouldn’t be anywhere near what we’re seeing now.

Thus, the main issue here isn’t the depiction of the Prophet, but rather, the depiction of the Prophet in an incorrect and dishonest manner.

As a journalist, I truly value our freedom of expression and as my colleagues on this message board know, I attempt to stand by that principle whenever possible.

We all know that the right to free speech is an integral element of a democratic society. Those of us living in democratic societies enjoy that right on a daily basis.

However, no right is absolute. There are always limitations and exceptions.

I can express myself by screaming, for as long as I wish, but not to the detriment of my neighbours. Similarly, I can publish whatever I want, as long as I don’t tarnish anyone’s reputation by spreading lies or promote hatred against anyone.

I can even publicly express damaging, unflattering comments about someone, as long as they’re in the public interest and I don’t do it with malice.

The cartoons of the Prophet , especially the one with his headdress shaped like a bomb, can be given three general interpretations in today’s context:

a) He was a terrorist.
b) He supported terrorism.
c) Islam is a religion of terrorism, since he symbolizes the religion

Anyone who is familiar with the life and the teachings of the Prophet knows that he was not a terrorist. There is no such thing as a terrorist Prophet and if there was, it would mean he and his followers would live to terrorize others, which we know is certainly not the case.

Yes, he did lead and fight in battles. But since when did fighting wars become terrorism? If that’s the case, any leader that takes his nation to war should be considered a terrorist.

As for the second interpretation, once again, anyone who is familiar with the teachings of the Prophet knows that he did not support terrorism. He forbade the killing of innocents and even ordered his followers not to kill birds and other living creatures unnecessarily. And even though the Makkans had terrorized him and his followers, he did not retort with the same when he conquered Makkah later on, nor did he let any of the followers terrorize anyone either, even as victors.

As for the last possible interpretation, once again, if anyone studies the teachings of Allah and the Prophet Mohammad in their entirety, they will know that Islam is not a religion of terrorism. It’s just not true. Yes, there are groups and individuals who attempt to justify acts of terrorism through Islam, but that does not mean that Islam is a religion of terrorism. If it was a religion of terrorism, Muslims throughout history would have been terrorists, which just isn’t the case.

Therefore, we can conclude that if the cartoons are interpreted as a) and b), they are slanderous and libelous, or if they’re interpreted as c), they promote hate by branding all followers of Islam as terrorists, and since no one likes terrorists, people will naturally be led to hate Muslims.

This issue is not about Muslims hating freedom of expression. Rather, it is about the abuse of the freedom to spread hate and fuel stereotypes.

There is no doubt that the cartoons were originally published with malice and spite, to spread stereotypes and provoke a group that has already been victimized as a whole for the actions of a few.

But that’s not the only reason for the outrage.

The level of love and sentimental attachment many Muslims have for and with Mohammad is unparalleled, and may in fact be very difficult to comprehend for non-Muslims.

Think of your dead parents or grandparents that you loved dearly. If someone were to slander them publicly and make a mockery of them, how would you feel? Would you not react angrily and defend them?

You probably would, except the chances of anyone paying attention may be slim, since you would be alone, or perhaps have the support of a dozen or two people.

For Muslims, their beloved prophet has been slandered and mocked. He is not here to defend himself, so his followers have taken on the task, out of their love and devotion to him.

What we see now is the result of compounded anger, which isn’t always expressed in the wisest manner, especially when emotions are running high.

The issue of incorrect attribution is an important one. If Osama bin Laden was the subject of the cartoons, hardly anyone would complain.

Thus, it must be understood that Muslims are not attacking freedom of expression. Rather, they are reacting to hateful, mean-spirited distortions.

As for the question about why Muslims are so sensitive about cartoons while they don’t speak out against other seemingly important issues, the fact is that these cartoons of the Prophet have struck a common, emotional nerve across the Muslim world, while unfortunately, there is no unanimous agreement on the other issues, with which some Muslims obviously do not have a problem since they take part in or support those actions, such as beheadings, honour killings and suicide bombings. It doesn’t make it right, but that’s the reason behind the muted or disjointed response.

Some have complained about the boycotts in response to the cartoons. What’s wrong with Muslims exercising their freedom of choice? Boycotting is a common tactic for expressing displeasure, even if it doesn't directly affect those at the root of the displeasure.

In fact, in 2004, a group of Americans residing across the border from the Canadian town of Nelson, British Columbia threatened to boycott the town if it went ahead with the construction of a monument to U.S. Vietnam War draft dodgers. The construction of the monument was a form of expression, yet the town was threatened with severe economic repercussions if it had gone ahead with the construction of the monument. It didn’t.

Publishing and protesting are both forms of expression, and they must both be exercised within reasonable limits.

Muslims deserve an apology. And they seriously need to learn how to contain their emotions and express their displeasure using non-violent means.

But as long as the incorrect analysis of the issue as a “freedom of expression vs. Islamic stigma” battle remains, I'm afraid the vicious cycle of publications and protests, and more protests and more publications, will continue.


editor@sunniforum.com

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[faqir]

In the 30s there were cartoons of Jews being put in newspapers showing them to be evil, stingy, communist types hoarding all the money, etc, etc. [ If you think I am making this up put the following in to Google "cartoons Jews 1930s " for some examples ]

What happened next? Can anyone imagine such cartoons being printed by the upholders of Freedom of Speech in the media today? But today the Prophet of over a billion Muslims is being depicted a "terrorist". Nobody will say this is "anti-semitic" or "racist" or "incitement to racial hatred".

[Abu.Talha]

Jazakallah brother Sikander

[Omar HH]

We keep complaining about Salafis but not about the Danish?

Qaradawi had some good stuff to say on this,

Wassalam.

[amatullah]

As salaamu alaikum

JazakAllah Khair for that article, sums it up pretty well masha Allah

I think the main point is that Muslims should be united and that we should protest these unacceptable acts in a peaceful manner. The picture I'm beginning to see Allahu 'aalim is that perhaps one aim of the perpetrators is to incite the Muslims so that they 'appear' to inforce the message of the cartoons that Muslims are 'terrorists' and that Islam is a 'violent' religion.

Sadly a newspaper in South Africa has printed the cartoons and the worst part is that the editor is Muslim. One gets a sense of disbelief...

Let us think what would the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) have done if he was alive? Could the Respected Ulema kindly educate us on how the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) dealt with taunts and insults from the Kuffar?

An extract from an article I came across:

"We must consider what happened when in Austria banners were raised of pictures ridiculing leading European personalities including Queen Elisabeth and President Jacques Chirac. No sooner did those banners appear than a wave of angry protest erupted from Britain, France, and from all over Europe. The banners were taken down in a matter of hours. Is it possible for any rational person to think that the feelings the Muslims have for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are any less than the feelings the people of Britain and France have, respectively, for Queen Elizabeth and Jacques Chirac?"

On a recent BBC poll a whopping 70 something % of viewers thought that the cartoons should be published while a mere 20 something % thought otherwise.

There have always been poeple ridiculing and mocking Islam, we should remember the verse that says something to the effect that Allah will perfect His light even though the unbelievers detest it

May we all remain steadfast on the Sunnah and may Allah Ta'ala help us in these trying times, ameen

[eTeacher]

Jazakumullah for that article Maulana Ziad.

It's also on www.jucanada.org

Could the Respected Ulema kindly educate us on how the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) dealt with taunts and insults from the Kuffar?

From Bukhari:
Volume 9, Book 84, Number 61:
Narrated 'Aisha:

A group of Jews asked permission to visit the Prophet (and when they were admitted) they said, "As-Samu 'Alaika (Death be upon you)." I said (to them), "But death and the curse of Allah be upon you!" The Prophet said, "O 'Aisha! Allah is kind and lenient and likes that one should be kind and lenient in all matters." I said, "Haven't you heard what they said?" He said, "I said (to them), 'Wa 'Alaikum (and upon you)."

sincerely,
-nazim

[timasi]

Dear Muslims,

I am a Christian and I love Jesus Christ for what he did for me. One of my co-workers, who is an atheist, had e-mailed me a bunch of caricatures of Jesus, which I thought were offensive. I understand that if you believe that Muhammad was a prophet of Almighty God, you would be offended. I do not understand one thing, and I hope maybe somebody can help me. If Mohammed was a prophet of a living God, then he is in heaven with God. God al Almighty, He sees and hears everything, and He is also absolutely powerful. Why do weak humans, who are nothing but a dust, are left to defend the prophetsí good name? If He is with God, then why would not God defend him? We all know how powerful God is, we all remember the Tsunami, that killed more then 200,000 people (majority of whom were Muslims and it took place in Christmas Eve). We remember the earthquake in Iran in 2004 that killed more then 100,000 people (once again, majority of whom were Muslims and it took place in Christmas Eve also). We remember another earthquake that shook Pakistan just recently and left more then 3 million people homeless and killed many (again, majority were Muslims). Now, if making fun of prophet is a big sin, that God will rain his judgment on the Danes and the rest of the Europeans, and if this sin is so great, then the judgment should also be proportionate. Are we going to see a huge Tsunami coming from the ocean and covering the continent of Europe?

Sincerely,
Timothy

[Salah ud Deen]

I know this is wrong, but after so much abuse of our faith, nasty attacks on our beloved Prophet(saw), I feel myself waiting to see what AQ and the salafi's do to these people. Not with dread either, but with a sense of "they had it coming." I also feel myself having a hatred for Christians as well due to all their unrelenting attacks on Islam. I don't want to feel this way, but it seems one can only take so much before they can't take it anymore.

[Muawiyah]

Dear Muslims,

I am a Christian and I love Jesus Christ for what he did for me. One of my co-workers, who is an atheist, had e-mailed me a bunch of caricatures of Jesus, which I thought were offensive. I understand that if you believe that Muhammad was a prophet of Almighty God, you would be offended. I do not understand one thing, and I hope maybe somebody can help me. If Mohammed was a prophet of a living God, then he is in heaven with God. God al Almighty, He sees and hears everything, and He is also absolutely powerful. Why do weak humans, who are nothing but a dust, are left to defend the prophetsí good name? If He is with God, then why would not God defend him? We all know how powerful God is, we all remember the Tsunami, that killed more then 200,000 people (majority of whom were Muslims and it took place in Christmas Eve). We remember the earthquake in Iran in 2004 that killed more then 100,000 people (once again, majority of whom were Muslims and it took place in Christmas Eve also). We remember another earthquake that shook Pakistan just recently and left more then 3 million people homeless and killed many (again, majority were Muslims). Now, if making fun of prophet is a big sin, that God will rain his judgment on the Danes and the rest of the Europeans, and if this sin is so great, then the judgment should also be proportionate. Are we going to see a huge Tsunami coming from the ocean and covering the continent of Europe?

Sincerely,
Timothy

That's quite an absurd argument to make, many natural disasters happen in christian majority countries. In poor christian countries such as those of South America and Africa natural disasters cause lots of deaths because of th lack of safety regulations, lack of infrastructure and emergency rescue services etc.

[timasi]

Muawiyah,

Do you think that disasters on our planet happen without God's knowledge? If this was the case, that we would be able to assume that God is not Almighty, that He does not control everything. We know, in fact, that this is not true. We observe the space, with its millions of stars, we look at how beautifully everything is created in our own planet, and we marvel at the wisdom and power of our creator. It has been made abundantly clear to us that God is Almighty, that He controls the universe and everything in it, including our planet. He stirs up the sea, and makes the earth rumble and shake, and when that happens, the only thing we can do is run for cover with our hearts full of fear. No matter what kind of infrastructure we build, He can destroy it. No matter what kind of safety we put in pace, he can still punish us if He chooses to. He certainly punishes people that call themselves Christian; just look at how many Hurricanes hit southern USA last year. How about hurricane Katrina, which demolished that city of sin, called New Orleans. Interestingly enough, last week a huge tornado ripped through it and destroyed what was fixed after the Katrina. It is clear that God does not want that city to be rebuilt.

So when we see a Tsunami killing 200,000 some people in a mater of hours, should it be an indication of God’s anger with these people. When we see an earthquake that leaves some 3 million people without homes, what does God try to tell these people? I think it is important for these people to find this answer, do you? Does Koran provide the answer?

Sincerely,
Timothy