Try the whole truth!

Submitted by Radwa (Egypt), Feb 2, 2006 at 11:44

There is a fine line between "freedom of expression" and "defamation". By journalism law, defaming a person is not acceptable. So what if this person is a prophet? Would Christians or Jews like their prophets to be represented in this disgraceful way? I doubt it.

It is not a matter of drawing pictures of the prophet, rather it is the way the cartoons feature him.

And for those who are enjoying this disgrace, I'm calling you to do some research on Islam. I'm not denying that there are some Muslims who are extremists, but extremism is not a quality of Muslims only. I can cite many examples of Christian terrorist groups like Christian Identity movement and Ku Klux Klan. Does this mean that Christianity calls for terrorizing people?

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is quoted as saying that he had come to bring the sword, to "set father against son and mother against daughter" (Luke 12:53) and called on his followers to "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me" (Luke 19:27).

Does this mean that Jesus was calling for violence and killing?

Islam is a religion that calls for peace and for respect to all nations, religions and peoples.

Despite reading somewhere on this forum that the Holy Quran is ALL about killing non-Muslims, the truth is it does not.

The person citing examples from Quran and calling it the truth is in fact framing the truth, taking only a part of the whole.

Let me cite some verses from Quran (in translation):

[17:33] Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand retaliation or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life, for he is helped.

Meaning: Do not resort to killing a soul unless it is for an important, just cause (Read the next verse to know what God means by just cause)

[2:190-192] And fight in the cause of Allah with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those who exceed the limits. And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from where they drove you out, and persecution is severer than slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slay them; such is the reward of the unbelievers. But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. And fight with them until there is no persecution, and religion should be only for Allah, but if they desist, then there should be no hostility except against the oppressors.

Meaning: Muslims should not start with violence, unless they are oppressed or driven out of their homes (as in occupation).

The Quran made it clear forgiveness is the best option even when Muslims are oppressed:

[42:40-43] The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loves not those who do wrong. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a grievous penalty. And whoever is patient and forgiving, these most surely are actions due to courage.


As for the verse:

O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust. (Al Ma'eda 51).

This verse is from the Holy Quran and if you have enough knowledge you would know that certain verses came as response to specific events. This verse was intended during a time when some hypocrites (claiming to be Muslim believers) supported non-Muslims during times of war and the Jews betraying Muslim trust. Take a look at this coming verse and try to understand:

Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, "We are Christians": because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant. (Al Ma'eda 82).

We as Muslims respect other religions and believe in all prophets, as the Quran says:

[2:136] Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have surrendered.

As for Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him), he was a supporter of Ahl El Ketab or (People of Holy Books) that he even got married to Coptic Maria, sending a message to the whole world that a Muslim man can marry a Christian woman.

One of his important sayings on the matter is:
"Whoever hurts a non-Muslim person under protection, I am his adversary, and I shall be an adversary to him on the Day of Resurrection."

And for the person who is asking someone to cite a verse from the bible calling for killing people from other religions, I have a couple of questions:

Which version of the bible do you want us to look at? You have different versions written by people just like you and me... the Quran, however, is God's exact words... thus it is only ONE!

And...

If the bible does not call for killing people from other religions, then what about the holy wars? the crusades? Wasn't it to spread Christianity? And what about Christians killing each other like in the case of Northern Ireland?

That's a call for people all around the world: Prophet Mohammed, who's sent as a mercy to the entire humanity, deserves all due respect.

Nobody has the right to inflame hatred simply because they do not believe in religion.

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