Asharq Alawswat: "In Defense of the Prophet"

Asharq Alawswat often presents reasonable voices from the Islamic world. The author of the following, Turki al-Hamad, is a Saudi "political analyst, journalist, and novelist."

Defending the Prophet (pbuh) and his message is a duty; there is no question about that. However, the question is; how can one go about defending his legacy and name? Trying to persuade others that there is a huge chasm between the Islamic religion and what is being practiced and exploited by a minority who are affiliated to it does not suffice so long as these forbidden acts persist, and hatred and the glorification of death dominate the hearts and minds of some.

Huge demonstrations, vengeful acts of retaliation, demanding public apologies and expressing remorse are to no avail, and perhaps even incite more hatred, which is exactly what’s happening. In the aftermath of these demonstrations or acts of violence, it becomes clear that there are those who’s minds become entrenched with the idea that there is no hope for Muslims or their religion and culture. Others see Muslims as backward and fanatical, resenting any change and rejecting anything that is not Muslim, caught in a cycle of self-loathing. Can’t you see how they kill one another regardless of time and place? As for Islam, it is a religion of violence and swords that offers no room for freedom or choice within its foundation and teachings. It is either the sole dominating religion in this world, or else it’s at war with anything else that defies or disagrees with it. This is the worldwide prevalent image of Islam and Muslims in the minds of the masses today and they have nothing to judge with except what they see and unfortunately, what is happening is neither good nor a source of pride for Muslims.

Indeed, the demonstrations and acts of violence might compel some to apologize, or call on people to not provoke the already inflamed feelings of Muslims which require no further provocation – but will any of this change what has been set as hatred and fear in the hearts of many? This is the real question to which the answer is the most effective way to defend the Prophet of Islam (pbuh). The Pope apologized for the quote he cited about Islam and the Prophet (pbuh) despite declaring that it did not reflect his personal view, and the Danes apologized for the cartoons – but have these apologies obliterated what has been fixed in the minds of many about Islam and Muslims? It’s all well and good that the Pope, or this entity, or that state apologized for the libel and slander, but has that made Islam more acceptable or has it decreased the repulsion against Muslims in the hearts of the public? What seems to be happening is that this repugnance is increasing and the word ‘Muslim’ has come to evoke terror and trepidation notwithstanding defense attempts that distance the true religion and its teachings from what is being done by those who call themselves Muslims and act out under a banner of defending the religion and its honorable prophet (pbuh).

In the eyes of the world today, Muslims have become the physical incarnation of all things venomous; they are the embodiment of terrorism, violence, intolerance and the rejection of all others who do not share their beliefs. Similarly, Islam has come to be viewed as the very antithesis of civilization, civic life and even life in general as it embraces the notion of glorifying death and bears it like the plague in Medieval Europe everywhere Muslim communities settle. This is the predominant image of Islam and its followers in most parts of the world, and if we try to say otherwise, people will only believe what they see, which is violence, death and bloodshed despite the fact that those who execute them are but a minority. And as the saying goes, a rotten apple spoils the rest in the box.

As long as people believe only what they can empirically see, then this situation will never change except with tangible evidence that is stronger and more effective. If violence and bloodshed represent the other face of Islam for some, then the religion’s true and hidden side must be found and revealed through behavior not words. By hidden aspect I mean to highlight Islam’s moral side, and its value and conduct systems . . .

Good conduct alone can change the image of the contemporary Muslim world, not just to win over others, but to revive the marginalized ethical and moral message of Islam. Let he who wants to believe or disbelieve do as they so wish, only God can judge in the end. In the meantime, we are all brothers and sisters in this world and we must do all we can to strengthen the relationships between us.

Ayein sham (Read the rest).

Tags: Islam, Pope, cartoons, ethics, clash of civilizations