Muhammad?

Submitted by Malik Basharat(MBA) Pakistan (Pakistan), Feb 14, 2006 at 06:24

In recent times, a book has been published in America
titled "The 100," or the Top One Hundred, or the Greatest
Hundred in History. A certain Michael H. Hart, described as a
historian, mathematician and astronomer has written this
novel book. He has searched history, seeking for men who
had the greatest influence on mankind. In this book he
gives us The hundred most influential men, including Asoka,
Aristotle, Buddha, Confucius, Hitler, Plato, and Zoroaster. He
does not give us a mere chart of the topmost "one
hundred" from the point of view of their influence on
people, but he evaluates the degree of their influence and
rates them in order of their excellence from No. 1, through
to No. 100. He gives us his reasons for the placing of his
candidates. We are not asked to agree with him, but we
cannot help admire the man's research and honesty.

The most amazing thing about his selection is that he
has put our Nabee-e-Kareem, the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(Peace Be Upon Him)) as No. 1, 2 the first of his "100!" Thus confirming,
unknowingly, God's Own testimony in His Final Revelation to
the World:

I agree that the press should have freedom of expression, which the world leaders are talking of today very frequently includes Mr. Bush, the same leaders have imposed ban on Al-Jazeera during the gulf war when the channel was showing the real picture of the USA and allied forces facing trouble, I don't understand why the west and the USA did not remember of freedom of press at that time, why this double standards. I ask you what Christianity really teach, because the west and the USA blaming Islam for today situation, but they are responsible for today's situation. You look at the history; Muslims never hurt any religion nor their feelings. we never create the picture of Jesus (PBUH) to whom we consider as the messenger of Allah. You tell me is it justifies to play with feelings of other religion. The USA and the West is responsible for the consequences that will take place in future. Because their is a limit for tolerance.

That is the point we want to make today. Are we free to insult and ridicule others just for the fact that we have freedom? Freedom of expression should be guided by universal values and principles. Otherwise, this "Freedom of Expression" becomes "Freedom of Racism and Religious Discrimination and hate". To be Free to express one's opinion does not mean to have a "blank cheque" that allows any person to cause harm or instigate others to cause any kind of harm to people be it by a speech, a drawing or any other means.

Islam is a universal deen. Islam believes in universal values and never contradicts common sense and respect. We believe that all the Prophets of Allah (including all those mentioned in the Bible) are Muslim. They believed in God and called people to worship Him and they taught the same thing to their people; to do good and forbid evil.

A Muslim would never ridicule another Prophet because that will lead him/her to disbelief. A Muslim is not considered Muslim (in a state of peace with God and the creation of God) if he/she does not believe, love and respect all the Prophets of Allah. There are many examples showing how to deal with other religions.
For instance with the Mushrikeen (Polytheists), on the issue of ridiculing them, in verse 108 in Chapter 06 Allah forbids Muslims from insulting or ridiculing the false Gods in order to offend people and the reason why they should not do so as it does not serve anything but to build more barriers of Detestation and Division.

With the People of the Book, Christians and Jews, the invitation is open for dialogue and good relationship. We are allowed to eat their food as an act of coming closer to one another and being able to share things with them. As you may know, sharing food in Arabia was a great medium in building good relationships. There are many verses stressing communication. Islam is Universal and must be explained in different universal ways.

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