On Monday 12th January 2015, Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri was interviewed on one of Ireland’s most popular radio programs “The Right Hook”.
The questions were related to Shariah Law, Blasphemy, Freedom of Expression and Islamic view on Secular society.
You can listen to the radio podcast at the following link of NEWSTALK:
You can listen to the Program at the video below
The following points are general guidelines for Muslims on how to initially deal with and immediately react to the depiction of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in magazines due to be published or published already.
1. For every Muslim, Love of the Prophet ﷺ is a NECESSARY part of his/her FAITH. He is dearer to us than our mothers, fathers, sons & daughters. We prefer him to our own self.
2. The publishing of cartoons that insult or make fun of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ will hurt the sentiments of 1.8 billion Muslims around the world, as well as millions of non-Muslims who respect the great personality of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
3. Muslims do believe in freedom of speech. And they do respect the right for people to say what they believe to be correct. However, we all know that there is no such thing as absolute free speech. There are laws to protect the dignity and properties of people. We urge all decent minded Governments and individuals to respect these sensitivities, as we should respect all races and religions. In the struggle for freedom of speech it was never the intention to extend freedom of speech to making fun or insulting customs, traditions, personalities that are sacred to a particular community.
4. As it is clear that the cartoons are to be published again, Muslims will inevitably be hurt, offended and upset, but our reaction must be a reflection of the teachings of the one we love & are offended for, ﷺ. Enduring patience, tolerance, gentleness and mercy as was the character of our beloved Prophet (peace and Blessings be upon him) is the best and immediate way to respond.
Our aim is to not, inadvertently, give the cartoons more prominence through our attention. Muslims must remain calm and peaceful in their speech and actions. Repel harm with goodness is the Qur’anic imperative and by which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) lived.
5. Muslims have to remember that by depicting the Prophet ﷺ, no one can ever tarnish his image, as he is way beyond what is depicted, as Allah says, ‘We have elevated your remembrance’. We should spend such regrettable moments in reading lots of Durood, sending salawaat and blessings to his beloved personality. May Allah’s mercy, peace & blessing be upon his soul.
6. Engage with others about your feelings. Speak of your love for the Prophet ﷺ and do not be shy to let your non-Muslims friends know your justified anger at the mockery that is made of our faith.
People need to know HOW MUCH WE LOVE OUR NABI ﷺ.
7. Learn more & share more about the great Prophet Muhammed ﷺ that was said about him by non-Muslims (see attachments)
8. We should, through our actions and deeds, display the sublime character of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet faced many great challenges but he exhibited impeccable beauty and character in his actions. He did not react inhumanely or violently. He was attacked verbally and physically in Taif but he forgave the people. His uncle and companions were murdered but he reacted peacefully and in a humane manner. And there are many such examples from the Life of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) we must display.
9. As Irish citizens we must not allow tragic incidents of Paris for hate to creep into our hearts. Muslims, non-Muslims and people of all backgrounds must come together and show unity and solidarity and not let it divide our communities. We must remember the statements of the Prophet (peace be upon him) such as: “Someone who unjustly kills a human cannot attain a whiff of Heaven. (Sahih Bukhari), or, “He who hurts a human hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys Allah.” (Tabarani) And many other similar Hadiths highlighting that Muslims are not allowed to hurt their non-Muslim brothers and sisters in humanity.
10. We must continuously supplicate to Allah that He rectifies our situation. Pray to Him that the chaos, injustice and oppression is lifted from our society. We should pray to Allah so that He makes the World a better, fairer and just place for all. Pray to Him to aid the oppressed and the victims of the oppressors in France and all over the world. Pray that He allows us to contribute to a more peaceful and just world. Sincerely pray at night and beseech Him to protect our honour and our dignity.
May Allah give us the ability to do what is right and avoid what is wrong. May Allah protect the whole of humanity from trials and tribulations. Ameen
On Friday 9th January 2015 the Imam of Al-Mustafa IECCI dedicated the Friday sermon to respond in detail to the attack in Paris and to advice the Muslim community.
In the Sermon Shaykh Muhammad Umar Al-Qadri discussed the following issues:
1. Attack in Paris is part of a chain of events and not isolated. The recent attacks on a School in Peshawar and killing of innocents in Iraq, Syria and Nigeria by IS, Taliban and Boku Haram are part of the same chain.
2. Muslims are mostly affected by terrorist attacks as most victims are in Muslim countries.
3. Islam is given a bad name by these extremists who claim to act in the name of Islam. Islam is a religion which teaches to respond with kindness and forgiveness to insults and not with violence.
4. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) also faced insults and name calling by the Meccans. This lead him to migrate to the city of Madinah. And yet when he returned during the conquest of Makkah after a few years, He did not respond with violence and neither take any revenge. On that day he forgave all that had hurt him and his followers.
5. There is indeed an issue of extremism among Muslims. We should not deny or ignore this. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) had foretold us about the Khawaarij. He warned us of extremism and described in detail the signs of the Khawaarij. He warned us not to join them instead we must fight against the Khawaarij (terrorists).
6. Freedom of Expression and Speech is a right that was introduced in the Arab society by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) himself. However freedom of speech is not an absolute right. This is why even in Western countries there are also limits to what you can express and what not. The Shaykh gave many examples of France that highlight how freedom of expression is indeed limited despite the claims of some.
7. Blasphemy. The Shaykh explained in detail about the ruling of Blasphemy in Islam.
8. The Shaykh concluded with prayer for all victims of terrorism
MEDIA REPORTS ON FRIDAY SERMON:
Friday Speech online on Youtube
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