Article here:
The controversy over Danish caricatures of Prophet Muhammad escalated Monday as gunmen seized an EU office in Gaza and Muslims appealed for a trade boycott of Danish products. Denmark called for its citizens in the Middle East to exercise vigilance.Denmark-based Arla Foods, which has been the target of a widespread boycott in the Middle East, reported that two of its employees in Saudi Arabia were beaten by angry customers. Aid groups, meanwhile, pulled workers out of Gaza, citing the threat of hostilities.
The 12 drawings — published in a Danish paper in September and in a Norwegian paper this month — included an image of the prophet wearing a turban shaped as a bomb with a burning fuse. Islamic tradition bars any depiction of the prophet, even respectful ones, out of concern that such images could lead to idolatry.
Saudi Arabia has actually recalled its ambassador to Denmark over these cartoons. Libya has closed its embassy in Denmark. And, of course, there have also been the previously cited threats of an international boycott of Danish goods.
Clearly, this is not at all a reasonable response. The newspaper in Denmark that published these cartoons is not owned by the government. The artist who drew the cartoons was not paid by the Danish government. Yet the intolerant Muslim masses have reacted with threats (and actual violence) over some drawings that were published on another continent.
And it isn't just the kooks in the "Muslim Street" who are going bonkers over this. In Pakistan, an official spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry said, "you cannot hurt the sentiments of billions of Muslims in the name of freedom of press."
Well, actually, yes we can. That's what "freedom of press" is all about.
Are Western governments in Europe now expected to censor their own citizens in an effort to appease Muslim fanatics in Asia and Africa? Is the government of Denmark supposed to ban artistic expression that might offend people in Pakistan or Saudi Arabia or Libya, none of which allow any semblance of free speech for their own people?
And why are more Muslims apparently outraged over some goofy cartoons that were drawn thousands of miles away than they are about beheadings and suicide bombings that occur in their own backyard?
Perhaps someone can answer those questions for me in the comments section below.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - sammur
Any insult on Muhammad pbuh is worse than personal insults for Muslims. I wish all Muslims countries do what Saudi Arabia does and teach Denmark a lesson.
2 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Sammur,
The facts in Gaza speak for themselves. The ugly of face of Wahhabi inspired intolerance in Islam is there for anyone who wishes to look. Instead of seeking to live in peace in lands where there is peace, your people seek death, murder, mayhem...
You can't lie your way out of this one with pious words. The rioters in Gaza make the truth all too obvious.
3 - Richard Brodie
Actually, Islam forbids not only the depiction of Mohammed, but also the depiction, in art, of any human or animal figure. This is because they believe that only Allah can create such things, and for man to try and re-"create" them in drawings or paintings is an insult, not merely to Mohammed, but to Allah himself.
They should be even MORE outraged by the paintings of Rembrandt and the statuary of Michaelangelo, than they are about these cartoons, because those masterpieces, representing the cultural epitome of Western Civilization, are offenses against Allah, which you would think should be regarded as infinitely greater than an offense against Mohammed!
So why are they not calling for Denmark, and other countries with Muslim populations, to close down their museums, and destroy all of these artistic productions that offend Islamic sensibilities?
And for that matter Islam also believes it is wrong for women to be heard speaking in public, and it is considered especially offensive to hear women singing. So while they are at it, perhaps they should be calling for the closing down of all opera houses, along with the destruction of all recordings featuring women's voices.
Really. Why are they being selective here, about which of their beliefs they want to try and impose on the whole rest of the world?
The Danes are learning an important lesson about the high price of having an open and generous immigration poilcy for Muslims:
Groups linked to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction issued a statement saying, "We call upon all Danish citizens in [Palestine] to leave immediately." (from the link provided by RJ Elliot)
Perhaps its time for Denmark to "call upon all Muslims in [their country] to leave immediately."
4 - Ahmed Morsi
It is a story of respect. Freedom of press is not about insulting the others, it is ridiculs and said that you defend such irresponsible actions.
5 - Abdul
Freedom of religion is far more important than Freedom of press because religion comes from prophets while press is press. Make fun of taliban, Al-qaeda , Saddam hussain but not our beloved prophet which may hurt our sentiments and our peace of mind. Because just like alot of you we are trying to find spirtuality and a direction in life. By now means we are perfect but dont make matters worse by showing such a vague understanding of a peaceful religion. In case you wanna blame it still than let me tell you muslims have not started a single world war while they are always used as pawns on the world stage. Christians and jews both lived peacefully under our religion in the past as we are asked to by allah. By no means allah wants us to kill anyone let alone an innocent human being, believe me we are not that cool if you can catch the sarcasm.
6 - Robert L Mahlstedt
Interesting that none of the apparent Muslims who wrote comments about this blog answered the question raised about why no outrage over the beheadings and suicide bombings rather than cartoons.
7 - Muslim
well, we answering your question is like you answering us when we ask about the reason the teenagers in western high schools for committing suicide using guns and only that, but also shooting other teenagers or teachers..! we can't control them and it never happen that we were happy or satisfied with these behaeadings and suicide bombing 'cuz it's in the first place a murder to one's self or others which islam is very restrict about.. we're strongly against it..
and if Denmark has the "freedom of press" then we (not only muslims but all humans) have the "freedom to choice" and we choose to do what you've mentioned above.. it's all about freedom so don't get pissed !
8 - Christopher Rose
It is very puzzling to ordinary people how faithists, in particular the adherents of the three strains of the "one god" theory, squabble so persistently over which of their credulous creeds is the right one, the one true faith.
All three groups have far too much influence over human society as it is, given that the core belief of all of you is based around a totally unsubstantiated theory, that of the very existence of god.
How odd that you all squabble over who's the most pious, who the most hateful? How interesting that you'll all debate the intoxicating intricate nuances of dogma without ever facing the gaping black hole sucking all the goodness and sanity out of you?
I respect your right to believe whatever you want. A little more humility from the lot of you would be nice though...
9 - Mohammed
Freedom of expression does not mean that one gets absolute right to abuse the other and get away with it.
Freedom of expression means to make a constructive criticism of oneself or other by which the critic is not hurting the other in any manner. This is what ISLAM teaches & this is what is practiced by Moslems worldwide.
But the western methodology of freedom of expression is nothing but sheer blasphemy of religion without ethical & faith boundaries which is totally unacceptable.
So the best way the Moslems worldwide could react was to boycott the Norwegian & Danish produce so that they can feel the pinch of their wrong doings.
10 - Michael
For all peoples of the civilised world it is now cristal clear: islam is NOT compatible with western democracy. Islam is a problem, a pain in the ass. Let us get rid of it.
11 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
"Freedom of expression does not mean that one gets absolute right to abuse the other and get away with it."
You said it, Mohammed. I couldn't agree more. that's why my blood boils over when I see articles in Egyptian newspapers acusing Jews of blood libel, and all sorts of other things. I mention the Egyptian press only because it comes to mind immediately. Then there are all the speeches from imams calling for our destruction.
Your own religion calls upon you to help us build up this land when we return. Your own religion gives us possession of this land. If I didn't know this, it wouldn't bother me so that children here are taught with money from the UN that my peole have no right to out won land, and in addition, it is martyrdom to kill Jews and die in the process.
Perhaps, you should check out the Wahhabi influence on your own faith and see if that might have anything to do with the cartoons in a Danish paper?
12 - Rohan Venkat
I can understand with the Muslims and Muslim countries outrage over this issue, though not necessarily the actions they've taken.
Richard, I think the point you're making is very interesting. It actually shows the tolerance of Muslims worldwide. They don't say anything against museums and paintings, although they could, but when someone offends the Prophet himself, then they have every right to be offended...
RJ, Islamic countries including the one I live in, repeatedly condemn the suicide bombings that kill civilians....
13 - Aamir Ali
Islam and Muslims are quite tolerant, it is the fanatical Westerners including media crazies like Jyllands Posten which are the intolerant ones and the proof is in these vicious cartoons it has published. This is an issue of insult and how far can your insults go, it has no connection to free speech or tolerance.
14 - Abdul
Well , muslims are grateful to west for alot of things specially to countries like Canada who open their doors indiscriminately and promote understanding of cultures and religions. Muslims have always been law abiding citizens and greatly respect alot of western values. As a muslim, I just hope agreement to be found in our conflicts for us to live together peacefully. People like Bryan Adams have taken a great step forward by performing in Pakistan. A crowd of thousands wanted to hug him and were so sad to see him leave. I hope peace finds its way someday. Bryan has played his part while rest of us ponder.
15 - banzarti
I dare you to question the holocaust, you freedom of speech fanatic!!.. Right a blog and say: yes to the freedom of speech to question it. And have the Danish government come out publicly announce that those who deny it (under the umbrella of freedom of speech) are not breaking any laws.
Do that! But, even then we won't let you insult our Prophet. And besides what is the big fuss about: we boycott you we miss a cheese snack. So back off and protect the freedom of speech for all or we won't eat your cheese..haha :)
16 - saad
the act of danish newspaper is blasphamous to the prophet peace be upon him, and it is an insult to the islamic beliefs, worldwide. Showing prophet Muhammad pbuh in violent images shows ignorance to what he stood for at its best... Had they read his life history, they would have been more understanding to the struggles he went through for raising name of One God, bringing justice to humanity and creating a just society
Before making any statements, please read following:
and this
by Karen Armstrong.
This is not a matter of freedom of expression or intolerance. Rather, its a matter of insult to one's belief (whole 1.3 billion Muslims) and practices with ignorance at its best...
17 - Sean
Actually, freedom of expression does mean that you can insult others and their beliefs. Freedom of expression is not polite. It can be messy and ugly and feelings can be hurt and your beliefs can and will be insulted.
In comment #9, Mohammed wrote: "Freedom of expression means to make a constructive criticism of oneself or other by which the critic is not hurting the other in any manner. This is what ISLAM teaches & this is what is practiced by Moslems worldwide."
Sorry, but this is absolutely wrong. I am not muslim, so the teachings of islam are irrelevant to me, particularly when it comes to free speech, a uniquely western concept. As a Christian, I do not believe that Mohammed is God's prophet. He was a man, no different from you or me, who had no special connection to God. If any muslims find that offensive, I say toughen up. That statement is really no different from Muslims and Jews denying the divinity of Jesus Christ. I can handle that, but then again, I enjoy freedom and wish to extend it to others.
Saying that, a boycott, which is at its heart a form of free expression, is an entirely appropriate response to another's free spoeech which you find offensive.
18 - Jack from NOI
why didn't the Muslim world draw in hugh protest when the Taliban blew up the hugh, ancient, valuable Buddhist statue?
If the Islam world doesn't show respect to the other religion, WHY SHOULD THE WORLD respect theirs?
19 - Jack from NOI
I think Sean made a good point in #17. Doesn't the Islam world respect the sentiment of Christian when they deny the resurrection of Jesus? Did Mohammed respect the belief of the other people when Mohammed SMASHED the other gods in Kabul?
20 - RJ Elliott
Mohammed was a sick pedophile who had sexual intercourse with a nine-year old girl named Aisha. This fact can be found in the Koran itself.
If the above factual statement offends some Muslims, tough. What are you gonna do? Boycott me? Or maybe threatening to saw off my head on Aljazeera is more your style...
21 - Michael
Muslims don't ask for our respect, they demand our submission. What they can get is a nuke on their heads, and that day is coming near.
22 - Anonymous muslim
You say muslims are intolerating these "goofy cartoons" and making a big deal out of it?
How about the catholics in Italy making a big deal about this goofy ad by Sony and making them pull it?
Plus, doesn't this just fuel hatred in peeople more, if you're an advocate of these drawings you're an advocate of hatred.
23 - Anonymous muslim
Wow RJ Elliot, please stop pulling BS out of your butt. The Prophet (pbuh) was engaged to Aisha when she was 9 but only got married when she was 14 or 14. If you still think that is pedophilic, then I guess you think your ancestors from the middle ages were also pedophiles and I guess you also consider that you come from a line of pedophiles because it was uncommon for a man to marry a woman his own age but it was very common for a man to marry a woman who was 14 or 15 in the middle ages.
24 - Sean
Being an advocate of free speech does not make you an advocate of hatred, nor does it make you an advocate of all that is said in the name of free speech. Free speech means tolerating and allowing speech which you may find offensive. Allowing the Nazis to march, or allowing the KKK to have a rally, does not mean you are advocating the positions taken by those groups. Rather it means that you accept that 'bad' things may be said, and it means that you counter the 'bad' speech with free speech of your own, which is what is happening in this thread for the most part.
Parody and humor are esential elements of free speech. When bombs are exploded in the name of Muhammad, a cartoon showing Muhammad with a fuse coming out of his turban is political commentary in the form of humor. I understand that some may not find it humorous, and if they wish to express their displeasure by protesting and boycotting, go for it. Just don't expect free people to silence themselves because your feelings are hurt. And if bombs are exploded and people killed as a result of these cartoons, expect more of the same.
25 - Justin Berry
The Muslim reaction to the Danish freedom of expression is understandable. Many muslims dont enjoy freedom of anything, therefore it is conceivable that they would not embrace the expressions of free people as art.
If Conservative Christians responded with violence everytime a liberal chose to offend the law of God, America would make the middle east look like Disneyworld.
As a general rule western values contradict most muslim law. So why do we have so many holier than thou muslims in the West? Have they given up their religion for prosperity?