A Solution for the Danish Cartoon Publications
By: Jennifer Fayed
The insulting cartoons featured in a Danish newspaper demonstrating several images of Islam’s prophet Mohammed that were released in September of 2005 caused lots of controversy. Later, the publications in Norway and New Zealand newspapers have also caused major uproars not only in the Middle East but around the globe. There have been violent protests in the Middle East of burnings of a Danish consulate in Beirut, Lebanon also embassies of Norway and Denmark were burned in Damascus, Syria. These images have caused more chaotic protests in Southeast Asia yesterday (02/06/06). Those images are such an insult to the Prophet Mohammed (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Those cartoons of the Prophet are so offensive not to Muslims but also insulting to Islam.
As Muslims we must take this time and reflect and instead of taking action violently we have to speak out and protest in a constructive peaceful way. The method that our fellow brothers and sisters in Islam are reacting around the globe isn’t what Islam teaches us. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) solved conflicts in a practical and beneficial way. Burning the buildings of countries that insult our religion is not the way to solve dilemmas. The Prophet who showed us to value and protect Islam didn’t burn or hurt the people who treated him the worst. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) taught us to control our anger.
Abu Huraira narrated: The prophet of Allah said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." (Volume8, Book 73, Number 135)
When we are faced with such calamities we have to be wiser than the kufar (non-Muslims). Yes, what the Europeans did by portraying our Prophet in such dishonor is unacceptable, I agree; however, it is crucial that we learn that there is an appropriate approach for us to express our anger; we’re not doing anything by taking part in protests that will only escalate anger and hatred for Islam. This is the path of shaytan.
It was narrated Sulaiman bin Sarad: Two men abused each other in front of the Prophet while we were sitting with him. One of the two abused his companion furiously and his face became red. The Prophet said, "I know a word (sentence) the saying of which will cause him to relax if this man says it. Only if he said, "I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the outcast.' “So they said to that (furious) man, 'Don't you hear what the Prophet is saying?" He said, "I am not mad." (Volume 8, Book 73, Number 74)
Yahya related to me from Malik that Yahya ibn Said said that he heard Said ibn al-Musayyab say, "Shall I tell you what is better than much prayer and sadaqa?" They said, "Yes." He said, "Mending discord. And beware of hatred - it strips you (of your deen)." (Book 47, Number 47:1.7)
This second hadith states that fixing relations is better than to remain enemies and to be vigilant of hate because it will lead us astray from religion. This shows that we are going about this in the wrong way. Using violent outbursts to try to solve a problem isn’t going to get us far. The reporters who drew and had any part of those dreadful cartoons are nothing more than ignorant individuals. Allah (swt) has made it clear in his book that at times it is better to be gentler than harsh with the disbelievers.
Allah (SWT) says: “And by the mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their fault), and ask (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). (3:159)
We should have protests that are calm and organized. If for any reason this is unachievable this would be a great opportunity for an interfaith dialogue on an international level if possible. Instead of viewing this typical behavior of the non-Muslims as an outrage and something that is intolerable. We should shed light on the larger picture of what these hurtful anti-Islamic publications might have intended. This might be a trial from Allah (SWT) to see how wise we are with our actions when in anger. This is a perfect opportunity for us to teach non-Muslims about Islam and how we honor and respect all the prophets and inshallah this negative situation may have a positive result for Muslims worldwide and more knowledge about Islam for non-Muslims. Let’s not let these reporters get the best of us. Let’s convey a solution for the slander of our Prophet (pbuh) and religion. Instead of arguing on the couch about how disgraceful this is to Islam, we have to take affirmative action and enlighten this problem with solutions of new laws being passed that protect the respect of all religions in the world.
Copyright © 2006 Jennifer Fayed Authorization is given by author to share and use for purposes of dawah (invitation to Islam)for non profit publications. If use is for other than non for profit purposes please contact author for other rights which are reserved.
8 Comments:
Assalam-u-alaikum,
Very nice article. It's true that Muslims are in such a situation which needs to be handled with more care and patience. This violence is harming all the muslim ummah and is portraying a wrong image of islam.
Thanx for sharing this with us,
Ma assalam.
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi
wa barakatu ,
Indeed sister , i think it is
high time that the muslims start
campaigning for "presenting Islam
to the Non-Muslims ".
Our great privileage: conveying the message of islam to other people....
"Thus We have appointed you a model community (ummah), that you may be witnesses against mankind, and that the Messenger may be a witness against you". Al-Qur'an 2:143
The prophet /peace and blessing of allah be upon him said :
"Convey for me (to the people) even it be single ayah (verse)". Bukhari .
In the Hereafter , Allah/swt will call the prophets/peace be upon them and peace and blessing of Allah be upon our prophet Mohammad , thus Allah/swt will ask prophet Noah /peace be upon him if he was a witness to his people , and he responds affirmatively to Allah/swt , and then Allah/swt The All Knowing will ask them if they were witness to the prophet/ peace be upon him , for delivering the message of Islam , and they deny , then prophet Noah/ peace be upon him asks for the testimony /(witness) of prophet Mohammed's (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) ummah (us) , and we respond that we were witness , through the Quran (the word of Allah/swt) , as revealed to our prophet Mohammad/peace and blessing of Allah be upon him .
Thus we are "bearing witness " in both this dunia/ world , and the akhira/ hereafter , and in order to fullfill our mission we need to make daawa (islamic propagation ).
O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islâm (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islâmic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitân (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.
He grants Hikmah to whom He pleases, and he, to whom Hikmah is granted, is indeed granted abundant good. But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding.(quran 2:269)
Wal hamdulilaahi wa salatu wa salamu ala sayidana wa nabiyana mohammad /saw
>> Those cartoons of the Prophet are so offensive not to Muslims but also insulting to Islam.
>> we have to take affirmative action and enlighten this problem with solutions of new laws being passed that protect the respect of all religions in the world.
Simple question for you from a Hindu. Would one of your proposed new laws also prohibit Muslims from constantly insulting polytheism and idol-reverence?
Insult and dignity swing both ways. Please publish an article that makes it clear you tolerate and respect one of the world's largest faiths which has, among other principles, the above 2 concepts at its core; and I'll respect you and your faith.
The problem with (much of) Islam and (many) Muslims is that you demand too much respect and are prepared to give none.
asalamun alaikum
this is the first time that i have the chance to know more about what people think about this issue i personally agree that if this problem can be solved without violence the better it is so as to let the other people know that islam is a peace loving relegion i on my part just decided to boycott all danish made articles from my household list.
Assalamo alaykum
Sister Jennifer, I appreciate your idea which is -mashaAlla- derived from our Islamic creed, the Quran and the prophet Mohammad's "peace be upon him" teachings, which unless we left them behind, we wouldnt have reached where we are right now.
As you mentioned the violent reactions which came about were not what we wanted. In fact, it could be as easy as to ask ourselves what would our prophet peace be upon him do in such a case?.
Nevertheless, the violent attacks in some countries like Lebanon, where I am originally from, were not representing the Muslims' reaction and intentions there. It is believed that there were some interventions from some opposition parties who intended to exploit this event for some personal benefits. For them, personal interests are more important than Islam.
The idea was making a very civilized and organized protest led by scholars and 'Imams', but what happened later was that some X-people did these violent actions. The Imams suffered a lot while exposing themselves to danger in order to stop those 'X' people, but it was not possible, and the situation finally went out of control. I dont know whether these scenes could be seen on the TV.
I do not deny that there were Muslims who participated in the violence, and I condemn them even more. Though not excusing, what do people expect from Muslims to do after having been insulted every day? Accumulation causes explosion.
1. Quran is insulted in the toilets of Guantanamo
2. Iraq is invaded, for what? Democracy? Freeing the public from dictatorial ruler?... Oil and Petrol?
3. Afghanistan is invaded..
4. Palestine... a long story
5. Al-Aqsa mosque was burnt
6. France rules against Muslim headscarfed girls
Quran, Mosque, Prophet and Muslims.. What is left?
Cound more and more.... what will happen to a balloon when it is extremely full of air?... explodes
Yet, I do not excuse the violence attacks, because our example and teacher peace be upon him was even hurt more, and his reaction was absolutely different.
So these attacks are undoubtedly condemned.
I would like also to point out that these actions took place after five months of the first publication. The period during which Danish official representatives did not show any interest or welcome to the complaints raised by the Danish Muslims, neither did they intend to make any apology.
Allah knows best.
Walakium Salaam Rahamatullah Wa'baraketuh Dear Brother Ayman
Jazak Allah Khairan for the email. I recognize all these things and it really is upseting. It infuriates me that the media usually spotlights when Muslims behave the worst and I consider this to be typical but subhanallah Islam still remains the fastest growing religion. Allah guides whom He wills and our reactions to certain situations are maybe some proof that we are living in the times when the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) mentioned that there would be a time that his Ummah would be weak. Allah Alim I'm not a scholar but with all the afflictions that we see Muslims experiencing in the world may nevertheless mean a wake up call from our Lord Allah to start submitting to him completely and to remember that this dunya is only a test and temporary abode. I ask Allah (swt) to really guide us and to reward us for our good intentions. Amin.
I will keep you and your family in my duas dear brother and inshallah we need to start making a difference in our communities even if it's the smallest form of charity which could be a smile to someone who is non-Muslim and this inshallah might spark a perception that Muslims are good people and inshallah might lead that person to learn about islam and maybe even become Muslim. Jazak Allah Khair for the email again and your feedback.
Your Sister in Islam,
Jennifer Fayed
Salaams,
Thanks for this wise and measured article.
Assalam alaikum Jennifer,
Je ne sais pas parler anglais mais une amie à moi m'a traduit ton article et je voulais répondre dans ma langue. Vous les musulmans, vous voyez toujours le mal partout. Dès que l'on touche à un cheveu de votre prophète, c'est le cataclysme, vous n'avez aucun esprit de dérision et vous prenez tout au pied de la lettre. jamais de recul. Tu dis que certains pays ont insulté ton prophète, alors qu'il ne s'agissait que d'informer la population de ces pays (qui d'ailleurs n'ont pas cédé aux appels de l'obscurantisme). Dans ces pays il est une religion que l'on se doit de protéger contre toute attaque: la liberté d'expression, est-ce un vain mot pour toi? En gros vous les musulmans, vous nous faites chier avec votre sensibilité dévotte. Est-ce que les Hindous, les Bouddhistes, les Catholiques, les Juifs, les Protestants s'insurgent en premanence contre de simples dessins? Alors il est temps de mettre de l'eau dans votre vin et d'arrêter de nous casser les bonbons.
Ma aslama dear sister in islam
Naima
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