With freedom comes responsibility
My monster legal writing assignment is to prepare a Supreme Court brief by March 18,2006. I'm representing the Dean of a University, in a case that deals alot with the First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech. Its actually really interesting, which is good because its gonna take alot for it to keep my attention. Altough I'm concerned about the other freedom of speech issue out there that has already distracted me significantly. Yep, I'm gonna add to endless commentary floating around the blogosphere ... not because I know anything more than anyone else, in fact, I'll put up the general disclaimer that I know ABSOLUTELY nothing! But, I do feel the need to comment on it.
I'm absolutely appalled at the entire situation. I'm disappointed in both sides, the press in the nations that have chosen to go down this route, and the protesters/rioters that are reacting with hostility.
I'm all for freedom of the press and freedom of speech - take this blog as proof. I appreciate the freedom of speech, and try very hard to maintain that position even when I'm offended. I do feel that freedoms can't be limitless, and that boundary should be where the action would result in harm. We all talk about freedom of speech, but I think that all freedoms need to be balanced. They can't be freedoms in isolated. Freedom does come with responsibility. Isn't that one of the foundations of civilized society - responsible citizenry?
Anyhoo, one might argue that cartoons about the Prophet Mohammed (May peace and blessings be upon him) don't infringe upon any other freedoms, but in fact they do. The very fact that your faith, and beliefs are being attacked in public creates a feeling of unease, and concern - potentially restricting your freedom of expression, and the right to practice your religion. Additionally, while it obviously isn't common knowledge, Muslims hold all the Prophets in very high esteem. I didn't know this, but someone pointed out that Jesus (Alaih Assalaam) is the brunt of jokes on the Family guy ... and that as Muslims, we should be enraged about that too ... which I agree with completely!
Its a dumb analogy, but its like if your local newspaper published a cartoon about your mom, or your dad, that was highly offensive and completely off base. Wouldn't it get you mad? or would you brush it off with a "whatever, freedom of the press - they can say what they want!" Is that too close a relationship? Its not the same thing? Actually - it isn't that different, while in general practice it may not seem this way, but the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is beloved to every Muslim. The very fact that every time a Muslim says his name, it is immediately followed by "May peace and blessings be upon him" - the constant consciousness of his role in Islam, asking for peace and blessings for him and his family demonstrate his closeness, his importance. Unfortunately parents may no longer have such an esteemed role in our lives, but ideally - they should be elevated in our minds and hearts as well. At the very least, it would seem to me that people would get mad at a personal attack on their parents ("Yo mama" jokes aside, which btw, I find highly offensive) - and while most of us wouldn't gather up our siblings and take to the streets, that doens't neccessarily hold true for all.
Which brings me to the flip side - the reactions.
It angers me that Islam is so poorly represented when something like this happens. No, rioting, and burning efigies of political leaders or embassies is not justifiable. Its just not right. Its not within the teachings of Islam or the Prophet to have such hostile reactions. Islam does encourage the mu'min to be active, and frowns upon complacency ... but it does not in anyway advocate violence, or aggressive reactions to taunting. Islam did away with vengeance and retribution 1400 years ago - and the example of the Prophet advocated compassion in the face of hate and enmity. How far back have we regressed?
In the past, I've always tried to bring a perspective to these types of issues - is this the result of consistent antagonism? Yes, I'll say that ... and also that this type of reaction/behavior does stem from decades of oppressive policies, maybe not specifically to European muslims, but to some limb of the world-wide muslim community. But honestly, we have got to move forward. We can live in the past for only so long. Our activism needs to be progressive ... what can we do to make ourselves better, our societies better - how can we be better citizens? When the offensive cartoons come out - we need to be out on the streets, not rioting, but acting as the Prophet would have, demonstrating the compassion and mercy of Islam, not the anger of individuals.
I don't think anyone really knows how to diffuse the current situation, and inshaAllah it'll wind down in time. But I really hope that people don't forget about it. My naivity comes out full force at times like these ... we all just need to respect each other, take responsibility for our actions, and just be compassionate human beings. As usual, easier said than done. Ah, but we can always hope right?
I'm absolutely appalled at the entire situation. I'm disappointed in both sides, the press in the nations that have chosen to go down this route, and the protesters/rioters that are reacting with hostility.
I'm all for freedom of the press and freedom of speech - take this blog as proof. I appreciate the freedom of speech, and try very hard to maintain that position even when I'm offended. I do feel that freedoms can't be limitless, and that boundary should be where the action would result in harm. We all talk about freedom of speech, but I think that all freedoms need to be balanced. They can't be freedoms in isolated. Freedom does come with responsibility. Isn't that one of the foundations of civilized society - responsible citizenry?
Anyhoo, one might argue that cartoons about the Prophet Mohammed (May peace and blessings be upon him) don't infringe upon any other freedoms, but in fact they do. The very fact that your faith, and beliefs are being attacked in public creates a feeling of unease, and concern - potentially restricting your freedom of expression, and the right to practice your religion. Additionally, while it obviously isn't common knowledge, Muslims hold all the Prophets in very high esteem. I didn't know this, but someone pointed out that Jesus (Alaih Assalaam) is the brunt of jokes on the Family guy ... and that as Muslims, we should be enraged about that too ... which I agree with completely!
Its a dumb analogy, but its like if your local newspaper published a cartoon about your mom, or your dad, that was highly offensive and completely off base. Wouldn't it get you mad? or would you brush it off with a "whatever, freedom of the press - they can say what they want!" Is that too close a relationship? Its not the same thing? Actually - it isn't that different, while in general practice it may not seem this way, but the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is beloved to every Muslim. The very fact that every time a Muslim says his name, it is immediately followed by "May peace and blessings be upon him" - the constant consciousness of his role in Islam, asking for peace and blessings for him and his family demonstrate his closeness, his importance. Unfortunately parents may no longer have such an esteemed role in our lives, but ideally - they should be elevated in our minds and hearts as well. At the very least, it would seem to me that people would get mad at a personal attack on their parents ("Yo mama" jokes aside, which btw, I find highly offensive) - and while most of us wouldn't gather up our siblings and take to the streets, that doens't neccessarily hold true for all.
Which brings me to the flip side - the reactions.
It angers me that Islam is so poorly represented when something like this happens. No, rioting, and burning efigies of political leaders or embassies is not justifiable. Its just not right. Its not within the teachings of Islam or the Prophet to have such hostile reactions. Islam does encourage the mu'min to be active, and frowns upon complacency ... but it does not in anyway advocate violence, or aggressive reactions to taunting. Islam did away with vengeance and retribution 1400 years ago - and the example of the Prophet advocated compassion in the face of hate and enmity. How far back have we regressed?
In the past, I've always tried to bring a perspective to these types of issues - is this the result of consistent antagonism? Yes, I'll say that ... and also that this type of reaction/behavior does stem from decades of oppressive policies, maybe not specifically to European muslims, but to some limb of the world-wide muslim community. But honestly, we have got to move forward. We can live in the past for only so long. Our activism needs to be progressive ... what can we do to make ourselves better, our societies better - how can we be better citizens? When the offensive cartoons come out - we need to be out on the streets, not rioting, but acting as the Prophet would have, demonstrating the compassion and mercy of Islam, not the anger of individuals.
I don't think anyone really knows how to diffuse the current situation, and inshaAllah it'll wind down in time. But I really hope that people don't forget about it. My naivity comes out full force at times like these ... we all just need to respect each other, take responsibility for our actions, and just be compassionate human beings. As usual, easier said than done. Ah, but we can always hope right?
(Z steps down from soap box)
posted by zai5h at Tuesday, February 07, 2006
2 Comments:
Salam Zeenat
i totally agree with you about the cartoons regarding the Prophet (PBUH). I believe in freedom of speech/expression, but every freedom has its limits. The newspapers that printed the cartoons say they did so to exercise and protect their freedom of speech... but what if the subject of the cartoons was to make fun of the Holocaust, or slavery and the KKK.. i think these would have been condemned also and would have caused riots IF printed.. but i don't remember any cartoons regarding these touchy issues (pls correct me if I am wrong). The Prophet (PBUH), and religion in general, is similar to these sensitive issues and should be treated equally with respect. Likewise, it is sad to see muslims rioting and hear about deaths. We as muslims have the Prophet (PBUH) as the best example.. and we should definately stand up and "fight" for our rights.. but there are better ways that to riot and burn buildings.
- Amer
Wa'salaam Amer,
I CONCUR :)
Imam Zaid has written a fantastic piece on this issue (posted), that is well worth the read, much more worthwhile than reading this blog!! :-)
Z
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