Islam and the Freedom of Conscience — Page 2
~ 2 ~ representatives of New Zealand national television and French television as well as numerous others. The reporter from New Zealand, who was sitting on my right, asked the first question. He inquired what message I wished to convey [with regards to the circumstances surrounding the movie]. I replied that I had said everything in the sermon. I told him that he had listened to the translation and therefore he knew that I had elaborated on the high station and rank of the Holy Prophet sa and explained that his example is one that should be followed by all Muslims. While the anger of Muslims is justified and only natural, in certain instances, their reaction is completely unwar- ranted. Those of a worldly disposition cannot understand the love Muslims have for the Holy Prophet sa , therefore they are entirely unaware of the extent to which our feelings are injured by such reprehensible acts. This is a threat to the peace of the world. He then said to me that I had used harsh language and declared that these perpetrators would go to Hell. Although he didn’t say as much, he meant that I too was acting in the same way as those whom I condemned. Because he pressed the point, I told him that the decree of God takes effect against those who continually deride and mock His loved ones and do not cease in this and it is