02/20/06: Stop making fun of sacred symbols

Detroit News- 2-20-06
Stop making fun of sacred symbols
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

"O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other; not that you may despise each other!" -- Quran 49:13

I n our global village, the crisis over a caricature of Prophet Muhammad first printed in a Danish paper has reached every corner of the planet. Publishing these blasphemous cartoons was absolutely irresponsible, unethical, and unacceptable.

Muslims, who believe in the virgin birth of Jesus and the revelation to Moses, never ridicule other people's faith symbols and would appreciate the same respect in return. We wouldn't mind if the terrorists were ridiculed: Those who hijack the name of Islam and kidnap the innocents like Jill Carroll and sometimes behead them and even bomb peaceful religious observances -- but to dishonor a prophet is inexcusable.

It's so sad to see how Prophet Muhammad is misunderstood and poorly appreciated in the West. Mohammad's life was filled with concern for his fellow human beings. He was a sincere servant and messenger of God.

Muhammad never attempted to forcibly convert anybody to his faith. It was his wisdom, patience, forgiveness and the humility of his teachings that attracted people. The prophet was asked to curse his enemies who tortured his followers in brutal and barbaric ways. Instead, he asked God to forgive them and save them from ignorance.

Early American author Washington Irving stated Prophet Muhammad treated friends and strangers, the rich and poor, the powerful and the weak, with equity. During his greatest power, he maintained the same simple manner as in the days of his adversity.