Islam v. Freedom of Speech
The recent incident regarding a Danish newspaper publishing of some cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammad wearing a bomb under his turban has not only created an uproar throughout the Moslem world, but also has opened up the opportunity for examination of Islam versus freedom of speech argument.
Many Western governments and publications are siding with the Danish Newspaper arguing that the Paper has been exercising its right of freedom of speech and the violence and threats pursuing the publications are unjustified and in proper as well as in violation of its rights.
Although it could be argued that the Media in general should practice their freedom of expression and speech, but one must also take into consideration the circumstances.
For better or worse we are living in some tumultuous time and the relationship between East and West is not rosy, but somewhat tense, in particular the relationship between Moslem and the Western World, who are mostly Christians.
Ever since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, this relationship and the perception of the Western Countries towards the Moslem countries has changed and become tense.
Ever since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, this relationship and the perception of the Western Countries towards the Moslem countries has changed and become tense.
The subsequent invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, in particular the Iraq war has added more tension to this already poor relationship. Add to this situation the torturing of the prisoners in Abugharib and Guantanamo prisons, one can easily see how sensitive and explosive the situation has become. Under these circumstances publication of such cartoons might have been untimely. Having said that, this does not mean that the Media or individuals for that matter must not exercise their right of freedom of speech. It is only how they should exercise their freedom.
As for the uproar and the subsequent violence, it is quite unfortunate that the Moslems have taken such extreme attitude towards this matter. More importantly, the reactions shown by these religious fanatics project an interpretation of Islam which is not true and distorts the truth about Islam at the very least.
Thoughts and beliefs have been promoted by certain Islamic groups attributing them to Islam and Prophet Mohammad or his descendants which are not necessarily true.
Killing, bombing, attacking embassies, and threatening destruction of lives and properties are all violent and fanatical acts which are shunned by all civilized societies, regardless of their race, religion, and culture.
This author does not claim to be a scholar of any theology in particular Islam, but specifically remembers that while going to school in Iran and studying Islam (religion course which was part of the curriculum and mandatory) read and learned many stories about Prophet Mohammad and one in particular has stuck to him ever since was that one day Prophet Mohammad and some of his followers were walking in the alley and an infidel (prior to introduction of Islam by Prophet Mohammad, the Arabs were idolizing statutes and did not believe in any supreme being and that is why they were called infidels) threw a stone towards PROPHET MOHAMMAD and hit him in the head while cursing him. The followers wanted to go to the house and punish the infidel, but PROPHET MOHAMMAD stopped them and told them that the infidel had the right to express himself. Other stories are that PROPHET MOHAMMAD has never punished anyone who has opposed him and has promoted peace and harmony, granted the act of punishment in Islam are for violation of Islamic laws.
If PROPHET MOHAMMAD had such a belief that the infidels could express their opposition towards him without any hams coming to them, then the reaction by these religious fanatics is totally against PROPHET MOHAMMAD and his belief. In fact it is in violation of what PROPHET MOHAMMAD stood for.
It is quite proper for any religious group to express their dislike against any publication, conducts, acts which offend what they believe in, but such expression must be within boundaries of civility. Writing to the editors, organizing peaceful marches and having speeches condemning such publications, boycotting products, are all within such boundary. Killing, bombing, attacking embassies, and threatening destruction of lives and properties are all violent and fanatical acts which are shunned by all civilized societies, regardless of their race, religion, and culture.
It is unfortunate that the Islamic world did not take a much stronger stand opposing the violence that pursued the publications of these cartoons.
For example in earlier centuries, where the priests and other Christian religious figures were in control of the societies, any disparaging remarks against Christianity or Jesus or any acts that the Christian religious leaders felt were improper would subject that individual to harsh punishment even death.
A quick examination of the history shows that the main religions have gone through evolution. For example in earlier centuries, where the priests and other Christian religious figures were in control of the societies, any disparaging remarks against Christianity or Jesus or any acts that the Christian religious leaders felt were improper would subject that individual to harsh punishment even death. As we all know many innocent people were burned to death after being accused by these religious fanatics as infidels and having their soles taken over by devils. But gradually the people rose in defiance of these religious fanatics who had much control and abusive powers. Today by enlarge the Christians all over the world are much more tolerant against those who make unsavory remarks against Christianity and Jesus.
Judaism has also gone through such evolution and has become much more tolerant of criticism of Judaism.
Islam needs to go through such evolution and modernity. If people cannot talk about a religion and examine it, then that religion will gradually fade away. Examination of religion means analysis, discussion, and making comments which some may not be pleasant.
One of the main problems that Islam is suffering from is the governments of the countries in which Islam is being practiced. Had the government allow freedom of speech and protect the right of the citizen in being open and able to express their thoughts and their beliefs, then much of the prejudice and fanaticism would be diminished. When a country is run by an autocratic regime in which people are not allowed to speak out and have opportunity to openly discuss issues whether social, political, or religious in nature and have the opportunity to exchange their views which could only result in broadening the mind of the people, then fanaticism flourishes.
For example in the United States for many decades it was believed that having slaves were all right and many white people had many slaves.
Those Islamic religious leaders who desire to spread the practice of Islam throughout the world could only accomplish that through promoting free speech and examination of Islam. Examination means to bring out the negative as well as positive points of Islam as well as clarify the misunderstood subjects. As we all know vagueness is the norm in every religion which has caused so many problems including many killings.
Again referring to my days of studying religion, PROPHET MOHAMMAD had said that live for today and brings up your children for tomorrow. What it means is that one must constantly evolve. Keeping the same thoughts and belief for centuries and refusing to accept or listen to any other points of views does not advance that religion or culture. Rigidity is the main source of failure of cultures and religions as well as downfall of societies.
If one believes that we, the human beings are constantly evolving, as one can observe quite easily, then one must also believe that views and beliefs that we have held in the past must also be subject to review and re-examination. Review and re-examination does not necessarily mean revision or modification, but could also mean reinforcement and validation of those beliefs too.
For example in the United States for many decades it was believed that having slaves were all right and many white people had many slaves. Gradually through evolution of human behavior it was argued that owning another person and forcing him/her to work for that person is not right and is indeed inhuman. As the result the slavery was abolished and laws were enacted to ensure that no one owns slaves ever again as well as protecting the freed slaves and the African race residing in this country. It was believed that woman’s job is to get married and raise a family. Man’s job is to go out, get a job, get married and have a family to support. Women did not have much opportunity to get advance education or even vote in the USA. But these beliefs were re-examined and reviewed and the conclusions were that women deserve the same rights as men and indeed they can be a very productive members of the society and economy. As the result, many laws were passed to protect the women’s freedom, rights, and allowing them to participate in the political process by being able not only to vote, but also to run for elected office. The result is that many women are successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, governors, senators, mayors, house representatives as well has holding other high offices such as Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Secretary of State. Furthermore, they play a major role in the US labor force.
Those who can control human emotion are in charge. Religion is the number one tool used by many factions in many societies for control of the masses.
Islam means peace, but yet throughout the history it has lost its meaning and has become synonym with violence which is not what PROPHET MOHAMMAD and his descendants as well as his followers had in mind. Like other religions Islam is hijacked by some special groups who are using Islam as a mean to achieve their goal. Those who can control human emotion are in charge. Religion is the number one tool used by many factions in many societies for control of the masses. Examination of the history throughout the world attests to this fact.
Islam needs to go through such re-examination and review, the sooner, the better.
