The Organization of the Islamic Conference Gets Feisty

Submitted by Fazal Habib Curmally (United States), Mar 23, 2008 at 03:07

As a Muslim, I am enjoined to show respect for all the Prophets send by Allah (swt). We call our Prophet Abraham "Khalil Ullah" or He who is a friend of God.Similarly our Prophet Moses is "Kalim Ullah" or He who spoke with God. Our Prophet Jesus is called Ruh Ullah or the Spirit of God. To be a Muslim, we have to show respect and accept the Prophets of the Jews and Christians as our own and they have to be respected at all times and in all circumstances without exception.

What we fail to understand, is why the West, essentially the Christian West has to poke fun or ridicule our belief. If they have a gripe against the Muslims, then make fun of us but leave what is sacred to us out. Is this too much to ask? Why can't the West respect anything that is not western, are you so insecure? If religion is insufficient for you,so be it. But hold a modicum of respect for those who still believe and for those who believe differently. Where is the freedom of expression or the freedom of the media compromised by respecting other peoples belief? It is essentially good manners and nothing else.

We are citizens of this world and there is enough in this world for all of us. let us try and live in peace and with respect for all who inhabit it. If Pakistanis, Iranians and Arabs object to the so called cartoons, then as a citizen of the world respect their beliefs and move on. This shows magnanimity. We don't call western women whores because they do not act in consonence with our beliefs. Neither do we interfere or condemn the way you live. It is your right. But keeping silent doesn;'t mean we are fools or incompetents. We respect your right to do as you please and as long as you do it in your country so be it.

The West is too used to telling the world what to do and this stems from the era of our servitude or the period of colonialism. The world has since changed and the West should realise this. respect others and that is the way forward.

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