Muhammad, the Man and
the Message in Sacramento
By Ras H. Siddiqui
 |
CAIR
President and a guest at the exhibition |
Life
of Muhammad exhibit at SALAM |
There have been many reactions
to the Danish cartoons that have dominated headlines around
the world recently. Protests and even violence have been reported
in countries such as Nigeria and Pakistan. But that has not
been all. What has conveniently escaped the news media is
“the other reaction.”
Impressive specimens of Islamic art |
Prophet’s
prayer of forgiveness |
Islamic
calligraphy at its best
|
Educated Muslims in the
United States and in a few countries in the western world
have sought a different path. Their aim is not just to react
to what many consider an affront to the Islamic faith, but
to fight back with facts about the religion and its Prophet
that the mainstream non-Muslim community may not be aware
of.
For example the Sacramento
Muslim community decided to respond by educating others through
an Art Exhibit and Open House. This event held at the Sacramento
Area League of Associated Muslims (SALAM) Community Center
on February 25 generated a great deal of curiosity amongst
the non-Muslim locals.
The cartoons have already generated much violence. But how
much do westerners really know about Islam and its Prophet
(Peace Be Upon Him)? The effort in Sacramento titled “Muhammad,
The Man and the Message” made an attempt to change perceptions
that have been established by the death and destruction that
protesters have left behind on camera and in the headlines.
The
glorious Quran displayed at the exhibition |
This California effort
was one that millions of Muslims who live in the United States
and in Europe could emulate instead of leaving things to ignorant
mobs in Muslim countries.
What happens under the “Freedom
of Speech” banner can be considered insulting to people
of any faith. But what should not be forgotten is that a wise
reaction to the insult is also covered under the same freedoms
that we cherish. It is time for the Muslim community to respond
with what they already have. That being a rich religion, a
deeply spiritual faith and a Prophet whose compassion cannot
be forgotten. As one banner at this outreach effort displayed,
let us leave forgiveness to Allah and show others that we
are a model community that any culture would love to have
in its midst.
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