Islam and the Freedom of Conscience — Page 12
~ 12 ~ Thus, in terms of practice, Islam is the world’s foremost religion and in terms of numbers it is the second largest. Therefore, the followers of the world’s other religions ought to respect Muslims and confer the honour that is due to the Holy Prophet sa. Otherwise mayhem and disorder will engulf the world. We honour the religions of the world and consider their holy persons God’s true Prophets because of the beautiful teaching of the Holy Quran which has been delivered to us by the Holy Prophet sa. Despite the fact that the opponents of Islam direct untoward abuse at the Holy Prophet sa and make despicable caricatures of him, we do not respond by abusing the Prophets or holy persons of other religions. And yet Muslims are still accused of disturbing the peace. But, it is our opponents who initiate strife and play with the emotions of other’s and then eventually lay the blame for this at the door of Muslims. Thereafter, they call for action to be taken against them. . . The message of the Promised Messiah as which I have just read needs to be widely publicised so that the true picture of Islam can emerge before the people of the world. Those of a materialistic disposition have no understanding of the honour in which a true Muslim holds the Holy Prophet sa. His teaching and example are beautiful. Such people cannot perceive the love a true Muslim has for the Holy