1 Introduction
Bigotry, extremism towards other’s concepts or cultures, serves as emotional, intellectual and citizenship vaccines to people. A vaccine, injected into a body, gets the immune system alerted and instructs cells to fight back to defend the body. At the end, the body becomes healthier, and more immune from disease, while the vaccine cells are consumed and flushed out.
This is in short the essence of the analogy, and my prediction of the outcome from the last two week’s events that were inflamed by the crude, less than amateur, and profane video on Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him (PBUH). In the global village we are living in, the resulting inflammation will heal to better multi-cultural understanding, while ideological extremism and its promoters will run down into the history drainpipes.
To support my hypothesis, in this post, I’ll address the stimulus, the reactions, what would Prophet Mohammad do if he was present, the rationale behind these frequent disturbances, combating extremism at grassroots, how to talk about Prophet Mohammad, and conclude with how bigots helped the world get better.
The article in PDF format could be found here Bigots to People are as Vaccines to the Body.
2 The Stimulus
2.1 The Originators and Their Purpose
As you might have read in the news, a number of groups with different agendas are likely behind it. Initiated by Esmat Zeqallama and Moiece Basiele, both are immigrant Egyptian Copts, to fuel religious feud in Egypt in an ambition to split the country on religions as borderlines, a Coptic and Muslim states, where the first person would be its president.
One has to note that no accusation is laid to immigrant Egyptian Copts for the despicable acts of individuals. To the opposite, they are acknowledged for their contributions.
Terry Jones, the infamous pasture behind burning the Quran campaign, on the same date 9/11 two years before, has been mentioned as one of the advocates. He believes that Islamic teaching are behind 9/11 attacks, thus burning the Quran, the Muslims holy book which he probably have not read, would end evil. It was not obvious to him that his acts promote the spread of violence, rather than an adequate solution to a problem which he didn’t exhort enough efforts to identify its root cause. Ignorance, shallow understanding, and off moderate approach are humanities worst enemies. This is what we should put our efforts together to fight back and defeat.
2.2 The Jar Emits what’s in It!
“The jar emits what’s in it” is an Arabic saying meaning what comes out of a person, his actions and words, reflect who he is. It reveals what’s in his heart and mind. Checking out the trailer of the video targeting the personality of prophet Mohammad (PBUH), here is the description of the product:
It is profane, crude and less than an amateur quality production. It has implicit sexual ideas that are inappropriate. It does not elevate to presenting a difference of opinion, rather to mock, insult, and provocation. It is not worth the media it’s on, nor the time to look at it.
These are the qualities, the personality, intellectual capacity, capabilities and character of its producers.
2.3 Evil Minds: What a Coincidence
If you look at the time the video was released, keeping in mind what Terry Jones planned on 9/11/2010, it is hard to believe it was not a pre-meditated note for a symphony of evil acts to play. It was orchestrated with an intended purpose to drag people into conflicts and make mischief in this world.
The nation is healing from its wounds and rebuilding its image with the Islamic world, after 11 years of strenuous challenges, yet there are people who couldn’t rest in peace. Hate mongers know which string to play on, which button to press and when, to vent out what’s in their heart to ignite feud and animosity among cultures, rather than building bridges to bring people together.
The string is people’s values, beliefs, and symbols; mock it at the time where the nation is closing a chapter on bad memories, let the ignorance string resonate with the first to torch the fire, then sit and watch what happens.
3 The Reactions
3.1 The Ping-Pong Effect
Here is what happened:
1. Bigots serve a flaming ball by advertizing their movie
2. It heats up the emotions of Muslims
3. Demonstrations across the Islamic world. People with traits of ignorance breach into embassies, burn flags, and damage properties
4. People with traits of ignorance in America attack Mosques in the USA
5. French magazine, Charlie Hebdo, publishes a cartoon mocking Prophet Mohammad PBUH
6. Rage continues in Islamic world
7. Anti-Jihad ‘savage’ ad due to go up in NY couple of weeks later
8. Media outlets spice the news by sprinkling buzzwords as part of the cheer leading to further excite the audience, “Demonstrators are raising Al-Qaeda flags,” “Ansar Al-Sharia group is behind the killing of Chris Stevens and company in Benghazi, Libya.”
The news propaganda all pour in the mind of audience one thing, “Hey American people, if you think Al-Qaeda is over, you’re wrong. The big one has showed up; the very own people you helped in the Arab Spring revolutions. And by the way, the killers of Chris Stevens, has the bad buzz word “Sharia” in the group name.” This is while, at that time, the administration refused to provide any information on those who were involved until investigations are complete. And even more interesting, on French 24 TV news, a reporter was talking to one of Ansar Al-Sharia group member who said “The Libyan government has not called any of the group leaders to investigate.” In any case, if Ansar Al-Sharia found to be guilty, people who dislike Sharia will have peace in their hearts, when the Limits of Sharia (Hudud) are applied on those involved from the group, if convicted.
I would expect the movie producers are jubilant with the record-breaking mess their movie has caused. It is probably beyond what they expected.
3.2 Why all that Rage?
There should be no single doubt in the readers’ mind that producing derogatory material to the person of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is not going to be acceptable by any Muslim. This does not mean that he or Islam is a taboo. To the contrary, people who have different views, even about God (Allah) Himself, can bring it up for in a civilized presentation and dialogue.
So, why all that violent reaction which contradicts what Muslims say that Islam is the religion of peace? It is the obvious:
1. The accumulated ill feelings due to US performance in the Islamic World over the past decade(s); wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that resulted in death of hundreds of thousands of innocent people, mistreatment of prisoners in Abu-Graib and Guantanamo, desecration of Quran in Guantanamo, burning Quran in Afghanistan, US soldiers Urinating on dead Afghanis.
2. The “ignorance” of not knowing what is the right conduct to express strong rejection to derogatory false depiction, and disrespect to number one person in the Muslim world
Nevertheless, these are not justification of such reaction. Contrary to that, Muslims could bring their point up without a self-destructive approach. But we should note that there are thugs who feast during such opportunity, and new governments that are struggling to rebuild the trust in security forces which were weakened during the Middle East uprising.
3.3 Rational People Rose Up the Voice of Moderation Spoke
3.3.1 Egyptian Copts
Egyptian Copts population mounts up to 10% of the 90 Million Egyptians. They have been living with their Muslim counterparts, for over 1400 years, sharing the same land, building the country’s economy, active in political life, facing challenges, writing its history and preserving the unity together.
Georgette Qillini, a former member of the recently dissolved Egyptian Parliament, spoke to the strong ties Copts and Muslims have. Ibrahim Zaki, immigrant in Brazil, decided to produce a film on the “The Brilliance of Mohammad” based on a book by Al-Aqqad, a famous Egyptian intellect and writer. Kamal Zakher, founder of the Secular mainstream in the Orthodox Church, critiqued the movie on “90 minutes”, a TV program in Egypt, that “The derision of religions is unacceptable; this does not need reinforcement.” He followed that, “The Patriarch Surrogate, Abba Pachomius, issued a strong condemnation which stressed that this is incompatible with the simplest and Christian moral tradition, pointing out that this action hurt the feelings of millions of Muslims.”
3.3.2 Towards Mishap to Embassies and Demise of USA Envoy in Libya
I was appalled and deeply sadden by what was happening, as the majority of rational Muslims were. People in Libya went out to denounce the criminal act that resulted in the demise of their guests, and refusing that Benghazi to become another Kaboul. Based on the allegation they heard from the news media, they even went to the Ansar Al-Sharia office to take it down. Although the Libyan Moderator between this group and the government indicated they deny and denounce the attack and the outcome. More outreach from NGO and individuals to build bridges and understanding. More outreach from NGO and individuals to build bridges and understanding.
People of Benghazi Condemning Criminal Acts at the US Embassy
3.3.3 Leaderships
Hillary Clinton presentation, after the events in Libya was very rational and balanced compared to the way similar issues were handled previously. It was indicative of the maturity in administration approach to global issue, rather than the broad-brush wipe all approach.
The Libyan government hastened to denounce the attack and is providing support to investigate and identify the culprits. Egypt also did, although it might has been belated reaction to condemn the inappropriate conduct of some citizens towards the US property in Cairo. The Egyptian president indicated, in Clinton’s Global Initiative, that free speech does not mean mocking other’s values, even if we disagree with. These values are part of our human civilization, and have to be respected.
4 What would Prophet Mohammad do if He was Present?
4.1 Free Speech Abuse to Prophets is a Pattern Long Time before Mohammad
This is not the first incident, and I don’t expect it to be the last attempt to defame prophet Mohammad (PBUH). This is not just since I came to North America, not only since day one of Mohammad’s ministry, 1400 years ago, but has always been the pattern with prophet before him. People, who hated and envied Mohammad, fabricated stories and described him with things that they themselves knew were not true. They called him crazy, poet, priest, sorcerer, and the humiliated. Today he is portrayed as a philander and a pedophile.
4.2 Even for God Himself, Some People didn’t Save Their Tongs
In the Quran, God mention that he certainly heard the statement of those who said, “Indeed, God is poor, while we are rich.” He will record what they said and call them to account on the Day of Judgment. There are also those who said, “The hand of God is chained,” i.e., does not spend. Chained are their hands, and cursed are they for what they say. Rather, both His hands are extended; He spends however He wills.
But what is happening with such people, and bigots alike, that which has been revealed to Mohammad increase many of them in transgression and disbelief. Every time they kindled the fire of war against Mohammad, it is extinguished. And they strive throughout the land causing corruption.
4.3 Mohammad’s Character was the Quran
Here is what God, in Quran, teaches Mohammad to do:
1. .. when you hear the recited verses of God denied and ridiculed [by them]; so do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation… – [4:140]
2. Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant – [7:199]
3. And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, “For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.” [28:55]
4. Concluded from this, Prophet Mohammad PBUH will ignore the bigots a he ignored the hypocrite who called him the humiliated. See my post on “Comments on “Top Ten Reasons Why Sharia is Bad for All Societies”: Part 3.”
4.4 Are Breaches and Firing Rockets to Embassies, Killing Diplomats, and Flag Burning in line with Islam/Sharia?
Here is what Quran legislates, and how the companions of Mohammad applied it:
1. Quran puts the obligation of fulfilling commitment to international pacts ahead of fulfilling obligations towards Muslims.
2. Quran emphasizes cooperative relationship among cultures, justice, perfect deeds, as well as good social relationships. It forbids sin, shameful deeds, and transgression.
3. Quran commands to stand firm in justice, to the point that it has to be established even there is hatred with people part of the dispute [5:8]
4. Quran states that the penalty for those who disturb peace (termed as wage war against God and His Messenger) and strive upon earth to cause corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land… [5:33-34]
5. When Omar Ibn El-Khattab, the second successor (Caliph) after prophet Mohammad (PBUH), installed his pact with the Christians of Jerusalem, it stated that “This is an ongoing covenant to the safety of their lives, property, churches, crosses…”
6. Prophet Mohammad ordered the execution of a Muslim man for deliberately killing a non-Muslim, saying that I’m the one most compelled to fulfill his covenant. Omar ordered the execution of a group of people for intentionally killing one person.
Following the above principle, it is in violation of Islamic/Sharia to break into embassies. I would conclude that burn of nations flags would be a violation, and show of disrespect that is not in the spirit of Islamic conduct. I see that the infringements, by some Muslims, on the property and symbols of nations are a misrepresentation of the teaching of Islam and the character of its prophet, the messenger of peace. I would expect if Muslims want the world’s sensitivity to the prophet and Quran, they should show that in demonstrating their position with respect to the property and sensitivity to the symbols of those which the demonstrations were staged.
In the case of US Embassy in Benghazi, my simple mind analysis would say that we have
1. Armed attack (waging war, called in Arabic “Herabah”): the penalty in (4) above is called “Had”, i.e., Limit. That is, it is God’s right on people, and cannot be dropped.
2. Killing of people: Retribution (Qisas) is applied. It is different from (Had); it is the right of the relatives of the killed person. They are the only ones who have the right to drop it, if they want to. There are varying penalties depending on which category of murder it is. The maximum is execution, if the killing was deliberate, to financial compensation. Unless the relatives of the killed person forgive.
3. Damage of property: compensation.
At the end, justice has to be served.
5 Big Picture Reflections
Let’s look at the issue from other perspectives.
5.1 The Cost of Bigotry: Who Pays the Bill?
The results, as seen on TV,
1. Tension in international relations that the administration has been working hard to improve
2. Promotion of extremism
3. The death of people who have nothing to do, at all, with the provocation
4. Creating a fertile environment for unknown parties to inflame relations with Libya in the Embassy attack
5. Creating an opportunity for thugs and those of hidden agendas to disturb the security of the newly elected democracies in the Middle East, under the name of defending religion
6. Diversion of people’s resources and energy from tasks required to rebuild the economy to waist in fighting fires
7. Unwarranted spending to boost security forces above normal level, and new military deployments
8. Potential of boycotting American goods or negatively impacting trade relations with a significant part of world population, in a time we are trying to pull out of the economic recession
Is it just that we pay for the illusions and immorality of wrongdoers, under the provision of free speech? Or, should originators be brought to court, and judged for the consequences of their actions?
5.2 Why all these Tests: Understanding the Devine Patterns in Life
When you consider the situation where the USA is just coming out of a test to fall into another one, on the same day, you probably had heartburns and were asking yourself “Isn’t time to have a break?” Pessimists would say so, but if people with vision would realize there must be something a reason behind what is happening. The chance and the probability that this world runs haphazardly are big 0 (zero). Otherwise, it would be chaos. Calamities and hardship awaken sleepy and headless minds to understand where their life is destined. As such they serve as a beacon flashing to the right course in life, for those who ponder.
Here is a list I extracted from the Quran. see if you could observe them:
1. Trials occurs once or twice a year
2. To bring about the Creator’s message to the world
3. To establish what is right, and to nullify what is false
4. To have the truth (what is right) stomp falsehood and flattens it out
5. It separates and makes clear the good from evil among people, ideologies, etc.
6. It brings out people’s own choices in life, so that when they are brought to account none has an excuse that someone coerced him on something he didn’t decide for himself
7. To see who is best in action, who is striving and patient, and bring out what is in the hearts of people
8. Whosoever does righteousness it reflects back on and is counted for him, and whosoever does mischief, it reflects back on and is counted against him
9. Corrupters will spend their wealth to avert people from the truth; then it will be for them a source of regret; then they will fail
10. Mischief-makers work will never be amended to become sound, their plot will end up in ruin, and their falsehood vanish as the foam carried over the surface of rain flood
11. What will benefit people and will stay
12. To purify the hearts from misunderstanding and low morals, thus, it is a mechanism for growth in human qualities
13. For ill hearted people, they won’t see the picture, and it will be as blindness on their hearts
6 Combating Extremism at Grassroots Starts from the Top
Ignorance is everybody’s enemy; narrow visions can’t see beyond the tip of their nose. Freedom that ignites unrest is ignorance at its peak. Confining radicalism begins at the top. The top is as the minds of individuals, and the heads of people, i.e., leadership.
6.1 Combating Ignorance in Minds: Education
Despite that the average financial states and level of education of American Muslim is higher than the national average, they have a long way to go in civic life participation. Significant effort has to grow continuously to correct the misunderstanding that Islam is religion of intolerance.
It is going to take time and effort from American Muslims and NGOs to reach out. The corner stone of this is more participation in the American life. It is a must to volunteer and help in local communities, schools, events, national holidays, rather than isolation behind the borders of mosques. Furthermore, they have to offer genuine ideas, services and solutions to help solve neighborhood problems. This has to be done with sincere care about the welfare of all, and without setting barriers of culture or conviction.
American people need to differentiate between Islam and Muslims, and become more familiar with the sensitive issues. This would happen with more Muslim outreach programs to adults and youth. People have to communicate, and collaborate on enjoining good and forbidding evil. Otherwise we can’t blame none but our silence, for paying the price of hate mongers agendas and dreams.
I hope this contribution, and others to follow would help.
6.2 Leadership to Combat Extremism: Moderation
There are laws that prohibit robbery as a profession to earn income and violence to solve problems, since they are encroachments on the rights of others. Why there aren’t laws to regulates misuse of the right of free speech, as in Australia’s vilification law of 2005 and the Religious Hate Speech law in England–See “Comments on “Top Ten Reasons Why Sharia is Bad for All Societies”: Part 3.” The application of such laws would be triggered by derogatory expression to people’s well-known values. At the same time, not banning people’s right to respectfully express their opinions. The regulation should aim to maintain peace in the global society we live in.
Islam has made an injunction and provided guidelines around respecting religious values, even if it is opposite to the plain faith that God Himself calls mankind for. In the Quran, God says “And do not insult those unto whom they pray beside God, lest they insult God in enmity without knowledge.” If people where to debate, Quran calls to “Produce your proof, if you are truthful.”
The leadership should consider the price the nation pays to fulfill the dreams of the few abusing free speech and misrepresenting the American people, for the impact on international relationships and its ramifications on the economy and the nation’s image. Furthermore, to continue the moderate approach in handling conflicts triggered by a few extremist on the other side of the pond, who do not represent but themselves.
7 How to Talk about Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
Let’s say someone believes that Mohammad is a false prophet, a philander, a pedophile, etc … Is it a taboo to discuss anything about the Prophet, and better to keep the mouth shut? No, speak up. Here is the procedure, as indicated in the Quran:
1. Dialogue in the best format of speech
2. To call him properly. In the Quran, God calls him by his title saying “O Prophet, or O Messenger.”
3. When people accused Mohammad PBUH of madness, God instructed Mohammed to tell them “I only advise you of one [thing] – that you stand for God, [seeking truth], in pairs and individually, and then give thought.” There is not in your companion [Mohammad] any madness. He is only a warner to you before a severe punishment.”
A similar question I would like to ask here; to ask about and reflect upon Mohammad’s character. Is he a philander, and a pedophile, or was just a clear warner. I’ll compile something around that in the next post(s).
8 Contrary to the Bigots Plan
Contrary to the purpose of the filmmakers, they spent their money and effort to defame a man who has done nothing wrong to them, but called mankind to peace and righteousness. The result is they have done Islam a great favor by paying for the best worldwide propagation to Mohammad and his message, which caught global attention in all forms of media. His mention is, as it has always been, on the rise, at the same time the bigots have humiliated themselves to the lowest rank.
Bigots to people are as vaccines to the body. At the end, people will come out more educated, more understanding, more tolerant and appreciative of Mohammad and his message, despite the underperformance of Muslims.