There is a relentless and concentrated effort to cruelly attack and denigrate the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This effort recently raised its ugly head in the US when a group of ill-advised individuals brimming with hatred held a cartoon exhibition mocking our blessed and beloved Prophet (pbuh). Despite feelings of utter disgust, the overwhelming majority of law-abiding US Muslims ignored the event. However, feeling incensed, two lone gunmen — supposedly belonging to Daesh (the self-proclaimed IS) — fired shots at the exhibition and were shot and killed by police. As a result, the US media shifted its complete focus to the shooting rather than the actual exhibition which was nothing more than an attempt to denigrate a man revered by billions of Muslims worldwide. Muslims, overwhelmingly, are against violent reprisals to such events. Reacting with violence is not the way forward and will not resolve problems. However, the offense caused by events such as this is truly immense. Who will hold those mocking the Prophet (pbuh) accountable? The feeble-minded people behind this contest provoke reactions and then cry wolf. When it is in their interests, they make high and mighty claims of freedom of speech and expression, but this is nothing more than a smokescreen to offend. I am sure they know little about what they speak of. Freedom of expression comes with responsibilities. Since when did freedom of speech involve provoking and offending over one billion Muslims across the globe? Freedom of speech and expression is one of the pegs on which free societies thrive. However, with that comes responsibilities. Even in Western countries — bastions of freedom of expression — there are limits to what can be said with laws that protect the rights of certain groups and individuals. This courtesy, however, is scantily afforded to Muslims who, despite being the underdogs, are relentlessly offended and the target of abuse under the smokescreen of lofty ideals such as freedom to express. The event's organizer, Pamela Geller, expressed her total ignorance and hardheartedness when she claimed that she had no regret in holding the event. “I will continue to speak in defense of freedom until the day I die,” she said. Her entire track record speaks volumes about her deep ignorance, hatred and dislike for Islam. To exasperate the situation further, Geert Wilders, a Dutch Islamophobe, was also invited to the event to express vitriolic anti-Islam sentiments. How did this “preacher of hate” even get a visa to enter the country? These people, I am sure, have probably never read about the Prophet (pbuh) or even tried to really understand Islam. They might as well have come to the 21st century in a time machine from the Middle Ages during the time of the Crusades. They continuously utter nonsensical words that simply promote hatred and increase tensions. There is, however, still hope and light at the end of the tunnel. There are many honest Americans who appeared on TV asking what the purpose of the exhibition was. One US woman speaking on TV underscored that events such as this could “actually make things worse” for the US and described the event as unnecessary and stupid. Rev. Franklin Graham said on US TV: “As a Christian, I don't like it when people mock Jesus (pbuh). The event in Texas was mocking Muslims. I am discouraged that people do this. We live in a society where there is no stability; we only attack each other. The people in Texas were wrong.” I and many others are sick and tired of the continuous mocking of our beloved Prophet (pbuh) in Western newspapers and media since the start of the Danish cartoon fiasco in 2005. This was closely followed by a series of cartoons published in major European newspapers, including Charlie Hebdo. Freedom of speech is a privilege and one of the fundamentals on which modern and free societies are built. It is a tool used by the media to support the underdogs, the voiceless, to bring to account the powers that be. It definitely is not a means to continuously offend people's beliefs and faith, especially when the adherents of this faith are perhaps some of the most downtrodden, weak and voiceless in society. Freedom of speech comes with responsibilities and the actions of these people in the West are highly irresponsible. Those who hate Muslims are a minority and are damaging the image of a peaceful and tolerant Europe and America. The rights of minorities, including Muslims, are protected within the West which is something that my Muslim friends from these countries tell me a lot about. However, the constant ridiculing of the Prophet (pbuh) under the name of freedom remains unresolved. There is no legislation to tackle this even though its repercussions are grave and involve the sentiments of over one billion Muslims worldwide. I am not in a position to tell Western governments what they should do, but please open your hearts and respect people's beliefs. The ignorant minority should not be allowed to take the lead and instigate hatred. If allowed to do so, we could see a clash of civilizations. Take a step back and contemplate what you are doing. Read about the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), especially the books by Karen Armstrong. Doing so would create a better and more peaceful world.
— The writer can be contacted at [email protected]. Twitter: @anajeddawi_eng
