Having heard about the fury, demonstrations, and damage across the Islamic world in response to the caricatures of the prophet Muhammad published in Europe, I wondered what if Prophet Mohammed were alive today and saw what has been perpetrated in his name ! As Muslim, I did some search and ended up with an image of what it would be like if this happened during his live.
Islam teaches tolerance on all levels: individual, groups and states. Tolerance is the mechanism that upholds human rights, pluralism (including cultural pluralism). Qur'an says very clearly: (To every People have We appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow, let them not then dispute with you on the matter, but do invite (them) to your Lord: for you are assuredly on the Right Way. If they do wrangle with you, say, 'God knows best what it is you are doing.' 'God will judge between you on the Day of Judgment concerning the matters in which you differ') (Al-Hajj 21:76-69).
But what is tolerance? Literally the word "tolerance" means "to bear." As a concept it means "respect, and acceptance of the rich diversity of the world’s cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human." Tolerance does not mean "concession, condescension or indulgence." It does not mean lack of principles, or lack of seriousness about one's principles. Sometimes it is said, "people are tolerant of things that they do not care about." But this is not the case in Islam. In Islam terms, tolerance is to put up with or being tolerant of the faults and shortcomings of people because Islam allows Muslims to seek accord and love with Non-Muslims who don't fight them for their religion and expel them from their lands as spelled out by the above verse. In this, there are many levels of tolerance:
a. Between family members, between husband and wife, between parents and children, between siblings etc.
b. Tolerance between the members of the community: tolerance in views and opinions, tolerance between different Islamic Juristic Schools.
c. Tolerance between Muslims and the people of other faiths or religions.
Intolerance, on the other hand, is on the increase in the world today, causing death, genocide, violence, religious persecution as well as confrontations on different levels. Sometimes it is racial and ethnic, sometimes it is religious and ideological, other times it is political and social. In every situation it is evil and painful. Islam is, therefore, very wise to encourage tolerance. But how can we bring tolerance into the world today? How can we solve the problem of intolerance? How can we assert our own beliefs and positions without being intolerant to others?
From Islam point of view, Muslims should have dialogue and good relations with non-Muslims without accepting things that are contrary to Islam. The purpose of dialogue and good relations with non-Muslims is not to convert people to Islam. Allah says, (No compulsion in religion) (Al-Baqarah 2:256) but rather inform them what is acceptable to us and what is not. With more information, not damage or irresponsible actions, I am sure the respect will develop and more cooperation will develop too.
I'm therefore starting with myself in my effort to let you know about Islam with my hope to reflect a clearer and brighter picture of Islam and Muslims.
One of the cartoons shows "Mohammed" with his eyes blacked out, carrying a curved dagger and flanked by women wearing veil (burqas). Another has him wearing a turban shaped like a bomb, complete with lit fuse. A third has devil's horns emerging from his turban with the implication that Islam is an inherently violent religion.
Regrettably, many terrorists have used the name of Islam to claim legitimacy for the violence and terrorism which gives many non-Muslims a chance to label the Muslims as terrorists. But like all the other religions of God, Islam promotes peace, love and harmony among the people. Islam is a religion of mercy that does not permit terrorism. Actually the word "Islam" is derived from the Arabic word Salam (peace). Muslims greet other people by saying Salaam (Peace be upon you).
In Quran, God has said: "God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers" [Quran 60:8]
They commit a gross sin, then say, "We found our parents doing this", and GOD has commanded us to do it." Say, "GOD never advocates sin. Are you saying about GOD what you do not know?" [Quran 7:28]
[Quran 49:13]"O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. "
Islam also advocates freedom, peace and mutual agreement and admonishes aggression.
[Quran 5:87] ... and do not aggress; GOD dislikes the aggressors.
[Quran: 7:199] ......You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant.
[Quran 6:151] "...... You shall not kill - GOD has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you that you may understand."
[Quran17:33] "You shall not kill any person - for GOD has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. ...."
[Quran 5:32] "......, we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life, it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people. "
Islam condemns the killing or even the persecution of people merely because they embrace a different religion. The Quran mandates the absolute freedom of religion in a society. It does not allow Muslims to fight except for self defense and to enforce peace. It does not allow restrictions on those who disagree on religious matters. It urges the Muslims to treat such people kindly and equitably:
[Quran 2:256] "There shall be no compulsion in religion...".
[Quran 60:8]"GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable."
[Quran 8:61]"If they resort to peace, so shall you, and put your trust in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient."
[Quran 4:90]"...... Therefore, if they leave you alone, refrain from fighting you, and offer you peace, then GOD gives you no excuse to fight them."
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), on the other hand, was a perfect example of an honest, fair, merciful, compassionate, truthful, and brave human being. He was far removed from all evil characteristics. In all his actions and dealings, he was mindful and fearful of God.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children, and he would advise them: {...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.}
And he also said: {Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.}
Also, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has forbidden punishment with fire. He once listed murder as the second of the major sins, and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed. }
Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: {A woman was forbidden from paradise because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat from earth on its own.}
He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet (PBUH) was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?” He said: {There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.}
Additionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.}
In light of these and other Islamic texts, the bombing and killing of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events which have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.
Examples of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Sayings:
{The believers, in their love, mercy, and kindness to one another are like a body: if any part of it is ill, the whole body shares its sleeplessness and fever.}
{The most perfect of the believers in faith are the best of them in morals. And the best among them are those who are best to their wives.}
{None of you believes (completely) until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.}
{The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and God will show mercy to you.}
{Smiling at your brother is charity...}
{A good word is charity.}
{Whoever believes in God and the Last Day (the Day of Judgment) should do good to his neighbor.}
{God does not judge you according to your appearance and your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and looks into your deeds.}
{Pay the worker his wage before his sweat dries.}
{A man walking along a path felt very thirsty.
Reaching a well, he descended into it, drank his fill, and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man said, “This dog is feeling the same thirst that I felt.” So he went down into the well again, filled his shoe with water, and gave the dog a drink. So, God thanked him and forgave his sins.} The Prophet (PBUH) was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?” He said: {There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.}
As you have read about Mohamed by now, what do you think a type of person Mohamed is ?
Bri (spokesman) on 7/25/2003 wrote his essay "If terrorists represent Islam, then the Spanish Inquisition represented Christianity"
Bri says: Do you think that the Spanish Inquisition represented Christianity? Of course it didn't, and we can say that because we understand Christianity because we live in a country that is filled with it. We know that those guys took a non-violent religion and twisted it to their sick desires. The same goes for Islam. It's very generally peaceful except for a few bad apples. We too dumb to see this, though, because Islam mysterious and scary to us and the only time we hear about it is when Bin Laden attacks. But it's stupid to think Bin Laden represents Islam when there are millions of Muslims around the world who hate Bin Laden and practice their religion peacefully. Don't be narrow-minded and ignorant by thinking that 0.000001% of the members of a religion truly represent what it stands for.
In addition, Islam encourages compassion in relationships with Non-Muslims. Some of the things suggested by Islam to promote compassion are:
• Greeting, handshaking, hugging, and exchanging visits with them in their homes and places of worship. Also, welcoming them in our homes and our mosques.
• Accepting their invitation, offering them a meal.
• Offering congratulations in happy occasions like weddings, having a newborn, and etc…
• Exchanging gifts with them.
• If a non-Muslim sneezes and says, “Allah be praised” Then we should say, “May Allah guide you and make you in a good condition.”
• Visiting their sick people, and asking Allah for their recovery and their guidance.
• Offering condolences when they are struck by any disaster, tragedy, or death.
• Collaborating with them in all good things.
Now, if Islam presents rich blend of philosophy and techniques to establish tolerance, compassion and justice between Muslims and each other and between Muslims and Non-Muslims, how come it can be connected with terrorism in any way?!
From my own perspective, we all can't act in the same manner, we all can't like the same things but just because someone is different from you doesn't mean he/she is inferior. Therefore, I think we, whether Muslims or Non-Muslims, need to learn not only how to live with each other but to also respect diversity and remain open minded to enhance other cultures regardless of our own with the aim to make the earth a happier and safer place to live in because there's no substitution, people are different and will remain different till the end of time.
I wish I could have sent this message in Valentine Day, I think there was no better time to send this message because between the lines you can read a message of love and compassion between people all over the world whatever their religions or faiths may be.
Last but not least, I'm thankful for everyone has the courage to elaborate Islam and I'm most thankful for those who published the caricatures because if it hadn't been for them, I wouldn't have come up with this article at all.
Please bear in mind that everything I mentioned here is based on evidence from Qur’an or Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
With love,
DH