Issues and Questions

Freedom of Expression or Freedom to Abuse

By Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi


Say to My servants that they should say whatever is best; Satan does stir up trouble among them. Indeed Satan is an open enemy to man. (Al-Isra’ 17:53)

O you who believe, be not like those who abused Moses. God cleared him of what they said and he was honorable in the sight of God. O you who believe, say every word in a right manner. He shall reform your deeds and forgive you your sins. Whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed achieved great success. (Al-Ahzab 33:69-71)

Satan wishes to stir troubles among human beings. Most of the troubles in the world start with bad words and bad expressions. Bad words break the families, alienate friends and neighbors and create animosities. The Prophet – peace be upon him - in his Isra’ and Mi’raj saw a vision that a beast came out from a small hole. Soon it became big and ferocious and could not return back to that hole. Prophet asked his companion angel Jibril about the meaning of this vision. Jibril – peace be upon him - said, “This is the bad word that come out from the mouth. It comes from a small place but then it grows bigger and cannot be retracted.”
I would like to talk today about the infamous cartoons against the character of our beloved Prophet Muhammad –peace and blessings of Allah be upon him - that appeared recently in a Danish paper. These cartoons have created a lot of anger and anguish for us and for millions of Muslims all over the world.
There are four issues that should be addressed:
1. Freedom of Expression
2. Respect and honor of Prophet Muhammad and all Prophets of Allah
3. Some dangers of these cartoons
4. Our response

1.Freedom of Expression:
Islam is not against freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is very important. It is a God given right for all human beings. All humans must protect and ensure this right. No healthy society can ever grow and develop without this right. However, there is no right that is absolute without any restrictions. Freedom of expression must be used in a responsible manner. It is not a license for abuse, accusations, lies and blasphemy. Religion and religious figures are dear to people’s hearts. Their emotions are attached to them. Even if one does not believe in a religious figure, one should express one’s criticism in a responsible and respectful manner. Civilized societies and civilized people do not wittingly and knowingly offend other people’s feelings and emotions.

2.Respect and honor of the Prophet Muhammad and all God’s Prophets:
Islam teaches high respect of all the Prophets of Allah. Muslims are highly sensitive about the respect and honor of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. Out of respect for the Prophets of Allah we do not make any images of them. We do not treat them like ordinary human beings; we give them special honor. When we mention their names, we say, “Peace be upon them” to express our deep devotion and respect for them.
About Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him - Allah says:

" ....those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the Light which is sent down with him, it is they who will prosper." (Al-A’raf 7:157)

As there is freedom of expression so there is also freedom of religion. Other people’s religion and culture should not be insulted and abused. We are living today in very mixed societies and the whole world has become like a global village; we have to be extra careful, responsible and sensitive when we talk about other people’s faith and sacred figures. We do not force others to believe in Prophet Muhammad the way we believe in him; but they should not insult us and humiliate us by abusing his name, his personality and character in public.
The infamous cartoons of Prophet Muhammad that appeared in a Danish paper offended the feelings of millions of Muslims all over the world. Although we do not condone any violence and strongly reject those who misbehaved in expressing their disapproval; we all feel insulted and humiliated by these cartoons. Muslims quietly and politely asked the Danish authorities to take action against the paper. They demanded an apology for these offenses. Muslim calls were ignored. When Muslims saw that there was no response then they decided to protest and boycott Danish goods in Muslim countries. Some people in the West ignited the fire further by reproducing the same offensive cartoons in defiance of Muslim protest in the name of freedom of expression and democracy.

3.Some dangers of these cartoons:
These cartoons and depictions are not only blasphemous; they are also very dangerous. They have depicted our Prophet as a terrorist and a bomber. They give an impression that Muslims are the followers of a terrorist leader and so all Muslims must be terrorists. These Islamophobic images are very harmful. Muslims are already facing discrimination and difficulties in some European countries; this may increase their problems and suffering. They may face more discrimination at jobs, in schools and more hate crimes and violence may be directed against them. The extremist elements in Europe want a war against Muslims and the Muslim world. Why Jewish people are so very sensitive about Anti-Semitic statements and cartoons; because they know that at one time they were used against them and they led to violence, pogroms and holocaust against millions of their people in Western countries. Muslims also should not take these images lightly.

4.Our response:
We must protest against these images, not only because of our religious sensitivities but also because they are dangerous for our safety and survival. However, in our protest we should not be provoked into any wrong action. People need to be educated and their moral sensitivities should be raised high. We have to win the hearts and minds of people and make them understand the true meaning and spirit of the ideal of “freedom of expression.” We should also tell them the dangers of the irresponsible use of the freedom of expression. We should also educate them about our faith and the noble character of Prophet Muhammad –peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

A somewhat similar case is now going on here in Southern California. Last month Bill Handel, a talk show host at KFI, made a mockery of the Hujjaj who died in Mina. He made fun of those who died in the accident. Muslims in Southern California and elsewhere have protested against these remarks. We urge you to take a few minutes of your time and call or email to KFI. Urge them to apologize and reprimand its talk show host Bill Handel for mocking the deaths of hundreds of Muslims taking part in the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). Tell them it is uncivilized and unacceptable to laugh at the tragedies of others, at the loss of life of even animals what to say of human beings. Our reminders must be polite and careful. We must act in decent and civilized manner always. It is possible that those who oppose us today may become our friends tomorrow.

We want peace in this world for ourselves and for others. We all have to learn how to respect each other. We must not create or allow hate, prejudice and propaganda against any people - neither in the name of religion, nor in the name of freedom or democracy.
(Khutbah at ISOC – Muharram 4, 1427/ February 3, 2006)


-DrSiddiqi@aol.com


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The Month of Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic, Hijrah calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which Allah says, “The number of months in the sight of Allah are twelve (in a year). So ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; Of them four are sacred: That is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves therein.” (At-Tawbah: 36)
The four months, according to authentic Hadith, are the months of Dul-Qa`dah, Dhu-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. The sanctity of these four months was observed in the Shari’ah of all the Prophets.
Muslim scholars have stated that the actions performed in these months have an effect on what a person does in the remaining months of the year.
The Month of Muharram
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have said, “The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadan is the fast during Allah’s month of Muharram and the best of prayer besides the obligatory prayers is the Tahajjud prayer.”
The 10th Day of Muharram known as the day of `Ashura’, is a very significant day in the Islamic calendar. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, has exhorted the Ummah to fast on this day. He is reported to have said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura’, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the previous year.” (Reported by Muslim)
The Fast of `Ashura’
It is reported in the Sahih of Imam Bukhari and other authentic collections of Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram while they were in Makkah (before the Hijrah).
Ibn `Abbas says, ‘I did not see the Prophet anxiously awaiting the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day (of `Ashura’) and the month of Ramadan.’
It was a day on which people of Makkah used to change the covering (Kiswah) of the Ka`bah. Quraysh also used to fast on this day. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
After the Hijrah when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah also used to observe this day with fasting. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them the reason of their fasting on this day. They said, “This is a blessed day. On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “We are closer to Musa than you are.” He fasted on that day and commanded Muslims to fast on this day. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
In another report it is mentioned that Jews of Madinah used to hold feast on this day. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told his Companions to fast instead. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
`Ashura' fasting was obligatory (Fard) in the beginning. In the second year of Hijrah (624 CE) when Allah’s command came that Muslims should fast the whole month of Ramadan, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then sent someone to announce to people that fasting of `Ashura' had become voluntary (Nafl). This indicates that whosoever wishes to fast, may fast and whosoever does not want to fast, there will be no blame on him/her.
Imam At-Tirmidhi mentions that Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to say that we should fast on two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish ourselves from the Jewish community. (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)
Ibn `Abbas also quotes the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying, “If I live next year, I shall also fast on the 9th day.” (Reported by Ahmad)
There is a great reward in fasting the `Ashura'. There are many Hadiths that mention its blessings and virtues. It is good to fast on this day, although it is not obligatory.
Courtesy islamonline

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