Response to "Cartoons and Islamic Imperialism"

Submitted by Sardar Anees Ahmad (United States), Feb 13, 2006 at 21:29

The key issue, Mr. Pipes, is at what cost will we continue to raise the banner of free speech? As an Ahmadi Muslim, I stand alongside anyone who condemns the unruly behavior of some rogue Muslims. However, to insist that Western civilization is embodied in refusing to adhere to any rules of decency and/or civility is not only highly disappointing, but will only create further unruly actions from extremists.

Sadly, it is true that some Muslims do insult followers of many of the great world religions in cartoons. Albeit, the key issue is that Muslims, irrespective of how unruly they are, never insult the founders of those great religions. It is a fundamental tenet of Islam to respect, adore, and pray for all the prophets all the way back to the time of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). Prophet Muhammad never condoned such offensive and disruptive conduct. Once a Jew complained that a Muslim had slapped him for insisting that Moses was greater in status than Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad became extremely upset and emphatically declared, "Do not declare my superiority over Moses." Prophet Muhammad would habitually censure any of his followers who were guilty of blasphemy and to those who maligned the fair name of Islam, he would abide by the lofty principle of the Quran, "And when thou seest evil, remove it with goodness" (23:97).

So Mr. Pipes, if one must rebuke Muslims for their cartoons, let him satirize those who malign the followers of the great world religions, not Muhammad. Let's not try to mix apples and oranges.

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