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Blasphemous caricaturism is expression of Western prejudice for Islam By Shafique Chaudhry Chief Coordinator
Islam is religion of peace and tolerance, its teachings are liberal-oriented and emphasize upon its followers to adopt enlightened moderation in all walks of life. Islamic history is replete with the examples of the practical acts of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him which show that he dealt with the disputes of Jews and Christians as per their own religious codes. By reserving one portion of Masjed-e-Nabvi for the worship of Christian delegation from Najran, the Holy Prophet set an unprecedented example for adopting liberal attitude in life. Muslim not only believe in the finality of Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him but their faith remains incomplete without having unshakeable belief in all other prophets passed in the history.
No doubt, the present publication of humorous as well as blasphemous cartoons in Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten is blatant insult of Prophet of Islam and amounts to ignite the religious feelings of the whole Muslims throughout the world. Apart from being an act of religious hatred for the Muslims and Islam, the decrepit act is explicit violation of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which Article 19 (a) exhorts upon the signatories to respect the beliefs of the other communities.
In response to the publication of blasphemous cartoons, eruption of hatred, and infuriation of religiously emotional disturbance on the part of the Muslim is certain. The commotion–oriented protests by the Muslims are witness to the fact. Even the Muslims residing in the European countries has risen hew and haw against the insulting act of the Danish newspaper. The reason is that Muslim concede unfathomable sanctity and respect to the personality of Hazrat Muhammed Peace Be Upon Him, and above all, Islam is not only the religion of Pakistan, it is one of the major religions of the world. Any derogatory remarks for Holy Prophet infuriate the sentiments of literate and illiterate equally which, in commonplace, appears in the form of severe protests of every sections of society including all genre of social groups.
Under present circumstance when many cities of Pakistan are victim of mob attacks leading to public loss and casualties, it is binding upon Government of Pakistan to boycott Danish Government in all respects, and terminate diplomatic relations with the Danish Government. The Danish Embassy should be closed and its diplomatic mission in Pakistan should be called persona non gratia.
It is worth-mentioning that all the protesters in general and religious parties in particular show sanity during protest. They should realize the property of common Pakistanis who are their brothers. Wreaking loss to the life and property of man is not sensible act. As per teaching of Jihad in Islam, the Muslim conquerors are not permitted to cut even the green trees within the territory of enemy. Religious leaders should stress upon the protestors to protest calmly as well as peacefully without distorting law and order situation in the country. As their quarrelsome behavior and acts with the law enforcing agencies or personnel is anti to Islamic spirit.
It is also matter of great concern that other European countries who, instead of rebuking and slamming the blasphemous act of Danish Government, reprinted these cartoons in their own newspapers. This phenomenon indicates the malignant mind-set of the West towards Islam and shows the willful act of the West for vilification of Islam as well as igniting the feelings of the whole Muslim World. It was equally important for the harbingers of all European human rights institutions, and human rights activists to stand by the Muslims and tomahawk the act of Danish government, but contrary to this, we see their parochial feelings towards Islam. Even the Secretary General of United Nations Organization Mr. Kofi Enan did not pressurize Danish government and asked the Muslims countries to resist protests. It goes without saying that West studys Islam within the pretext of its own cultural set-up whom Islam always criticizes. It is high time for the United Nations to immediately start dialogue upon interfaith harmony and legislate on the issues of religious insult.
Moreover, the present situation of religiously instigated mob attacks has many implications in respect of security which demand high alert, because some terrorist organization, internally and externally as well, may manipulate the circumstances for gaining their own vested interests. To avoid of any misuse, or maneuvering by hawkish elements always present in the societies of third world countries, is imperative.
On this critical moment, the attitude of members of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) for being silent spectator on this religious matter seems strange. We appeal all the member countries of OIC to terminate all sort of diplomatic relations including trade as well with the Danish Government. Muslim World should stand united on this occasion and come forward with clear-cut agenda on this matter. Pakistan, in Muslim Ummah, is regarded the Castle of Islam and it has onerous responsibility to perform dynamic role in this matter and boycott the Danish Government and Danish diplomatic mission in all terms till the proper excuse for the gravest fault committed by the Danish Government.
Following numbers will be reachable round the clock for any information or help: Media Cell PCHR |
