The Blessed Model of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and the Caricatures — Page 7
sa ± _________________________________________________________________ civilization versus Islam. On this basis we are also inclined to think that if we can make fun of our Prophets or their teachings, then why not of other religions? He also questions if this attitude (by the Muslims) is all that impulsive anyway? He writes that he remembers a decade ago a film entitled, 'Last Temptation of Christ', was released, which raised a lot of protest and condemnation because it depicted Hadrat ‘Isa with a woman in an objectionable way. as ± ± − − A cinema was burnt down in Paris in anger, and a young French man was murdered. What is this supposed to mean? On one hand, there are some among us who cannot tolerate defamation of religious sentiments; however, we also expect Muslims to tolerate publication of caricatures made in bad taste in the name of freedom of expression. Is this the right attitude? The Western leaders make me laugh by maintaining that they cannot put restrictions on newspapers and freedom of expression. He writes that if the controversial caricatures were to depict the turban-shaped bomb on the head of some Jewish Rabbi, rather than the Prophet of Islam , would it not sa have raised a protest on the lines that it smacked of anti-Semitism and that it was hurtful to the Jews? If it is a matter of upholding freedom of speech why then is 'Holocaust denial' a crime in France, Germany and Austria? Few would have raised an objection if these caricatures would have encouraged those who support religious reformation or fair-mindedness among Muslims and wish to promote enlightened discussions. However, what other message have the caricatures conveyed than that Islam is a militant religion. Apart from spreading incitement and agitation all round, what 7