Some Muslim Responsesto the Controversy

“I don't expect my neighbor to have the same reverence about the Prophet Muhammad. All that we are expecting is that they don't insult a personality that's made such a historical contribution. This is more a responsibility of living in a pluralistic society than a question of legal restrictions.” Dr. Sayyid Syeed, ISNA

“Prophet Muhammad is offended every day when somebody blows themselves up in a marketplace in Iraq. He's offended whenever somebody is beheaded. Prophet Muhammad would have opposed the burning of these embassies, or calls to kill Danes or other people.” Imam Mohamed Magid, All Dulles Area Muslim Society

"O you who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in your devotion to God, bearing witness to the truth in all equity; and never let hatred of any-one lead you into the sin of deviating from justice. Be just: this is closest to being God-conscious. And remain conscious of God: verily, God is aware of all that you do" (Qu’ran, Sura 5:8).

“The principal issue here is not freedom of speech, but the Islamophobic context in which such a caricaturing of the prophet is taking place.” Junaid Ahmad, student

Some European Responsesto the Controversy

Depictions of Muhammad from Islamic Tradition

Persian illustration showing Mohammed (on the right) preaching

14th-century Persian miniature showing the Angel Gabriel speaking to Mohammed

Depiction of Muhammad in the West

Gustave Doré.

Muhammad depicted in the center with Charlemagne and Emperor Justinian on the US Supreme Court

1928 German advertisement for bouillon extract shows Gabriel guiding Mohammed up to Allah

South Park episode “Super Best Friends” in which the founders of the world’s great religions team up for super-hero action (aired July 4, 2001)

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Should freedom of expression override respect for other people’s faith? How and when should freedom of expression be applied?

2. What are the ethics of unnecessary provocation? Is it acceptable to offend for the sake of offending?

3. Is this controversy likely to increase Islamophobia in Europe?

4. Are some of the Muslim reactions (boycotts, death threats, flag burnings) justified?

5. How do these images and the media in shape our perceptions?