Islam and the Freedom of Conscience — Page 81
~ 81 ~ proud to admit that there may be flaws in certain manmade laws or regulations. To treat freedom of speech as paramount at the expense of world peace and harmony was a flawed concept. Speaking about the need to prioritise certain rights over others, Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Let it not be that in the name of freedom of speech the peace of the entire world be destroyed. ” Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also called on the leaders of the world and members of the public to reflect whether they were playing a role in causing hostilities to rise in the world by supporting, at all costs, the right of people to make films or caricatures that offend religious sentiments and hurt innocent people. In reaction to such provocations, Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad called on Muslims worldwide to display a collective and mature response. He said Muslim Governments and Muslims who live in Western countries should join together to promote the real and peaceful teachings of Islam and of the Holy Quran to the world. He said they should take a peaceful and united stand to defend Islam and the noble character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at every opportunity and at every level.