CARTOON OF RASULULLAH [SALLALLAAHU ALAYHI
WASALLAM] - HOW SHOULD WE REACT ?
Q: How should we react to the cartoon that has been made of the Prophet
[sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]? What is the Sunnah way of acting in this
situation?
A: The honour, greatness and love for Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]
is deeply entrenched in the heart of every Muslim and is the core of Islam.
Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] and every Prophet of Allah is Ma’soom
(sinless). They are sent as guides for mankind and direct the people to the
Oneness of Allah and His obedience. The Prophets of Allah possess the highest
level of knowledge of Allah. They also possess the highest level of spirituality
and sound character. Every Prophet of Allah condemned disrespect and violence.
They condemned Kufr (disbelief) and Shirk (ascribing partners to Allah) in a
dignified manner. In Islam, we revere every Prophet of Allah and we do not
tolerate any disrespect to any Prophet of Allah. If a Muslim shows any
disrespect to any Prophet of Allah and hurls disgraceful remarks against him,
such a person comes out of the fold of Islam. In fact, according to many Fuqahaa,
the apology of such a person will not be accepted. (Rasmul Mufti)
There are two angles in the printing and publishing of the cartoons of
Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam], a) The image of Rasulullah [sallallaahu
alayhi wasallam], and b) Disrespect
Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] prohibited making pictures of animate
objects. He even stated that the angels of mercy do not enter a house in which
there are pictures of animate objects. (Bukhari). One of the reasons for the
prohibition of making and taking pictures of animate objects is that it leads to
idolatory. The desciples of Nooh (alayhimus salaam)were deeply revered and
respected by their followers. After their demise, they made pictures of the
desciples and placed them in their places of worship. Gradually over a period of
time, the people started worshipping the disciples. Since the background of this
was making pictures, and it has a potential of committing Shirk, Islam has
prohibited anything that has to do with Shirk directly or indirectly. The
Sahaaba [radhiallaahu anhu] should not take or draw pictures. There is no
picture of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] or any Sahaabi [radhiallaahu
anhu].
The second angle of the cartoon of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] is
the utmost disrespect shown to Rasulullah in the name of ‘freedom of
expression’. This has caused great pain and anger to every Muslim around the
world. Every Muslim has a right to express his pain and anger. What else should
Muslims do? Just feel the pain and keep quiet? This will lead to the enemies of
Islam to continue such blasphemy. We cannot allow that. We do take cognisance of
the fact that this act is carried out by just one or few individuals to stir up
the anger of Muslims for whatever reason. It may not be appropriate for us to
give in to the hands of our enemies and conduct ourselves as they want us to,
but this issue does not fall in that category. We will have to stand up to such
mischief and stop it.
Freedom of expression is not absolute. It has overarching principles. If freedom
of expression is absolute, then freedom of religion in a democratic dispensation
should also be absolute. Why does freedom of religion has overarching
principles. Why are Muslims not allowed to fully practise on every aspect of
Islam without any restriction whatsoever? The reason is obvious. The rights of
others living as equal citizens must be considered. What then about freedom of
expression and right of dignity and religious honour?
Nevertheless, Muslims living as Muslim minorities around the world should act in
a responsible manner and the following is suggested:
1. Consult with Ulama and responsible people before doing anything. Do not do
anything by yourself. Shura and consultation is vital in such an issue.
2. Express anger and disgust within the framework of the law of the country. Use
the law of the country to its full capacity.
3. Do not be violent in any way and do not burn buildings, cars, etc.
4. Boycott all Danish products and products of anyone else who support Denmark
in this issue or even sympathise with Denmark.
5. Do not confine expression of anger to the cartoon issue. Use the opportunity
to express the disgust on Islamophobia in general and highlight some pertinent
issues.
6. The most important in this is the issue of Da’awah. Use the opportunity to
explain to the world the great personality of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi
wasallam]. His lifestyle and character should be printed and published all
around the world. This will be an eye opener to many ignorant people and a means
of guidance. Take out the positive aspects from a negative one and use the
situation to our advantage. Every Muslim should say and write something about
our beloved Rasul [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam].
7. It is of utmost importance that we engage in lots of du’aa and Dhikr, Fasting
and Sadaqaat. Make du’aa that Allah guide the Ummah in this trying times.
8. Do not conduct ourselves with our fellow non-Muslim citizens in a way that
offend them and look for an opportunity to get back at us. We will then be the
cause of them showing disrespect to Islam and Islamic values. Always express
good character and conduct to all.
9. The most important issue in expressing our love and honour for Rasulullah [sallallaahu
alayhi wasallam] is following his Sunnah. Expressing our anger at the disrespect
to Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] is important but it will be
hypocritical if we do not emulate the outward appearance, beard, dressing, etc.
and noble character of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. Every one
should obtain a kitaab on the Sunnats of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]
and implement that in our lives and pass this over to others.
10. Forward this email as wide as possible and make Dua for the Ummah .
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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