How absurd is it that the sensitivities of 1.6 billion people around the world are stomped on and labeled a promotion of free speech?
Source/Credit: Tilsa World
By Quaisar J. Qayyum | May 13, 2014
Decent human beings in our society have agreed on appropriate use of free speech. We all know not to say “fire” in a crowded theater, use the “N” word, or use insulting names for the LBGT community. When anyone digresses from these norms, society certainly takes note of it.
What is puzzling is that, in this overwhelmingly Christian and civilized society where “love thy enemy” is preached, how audaciously this principal of mutual love and respect given by Jesus, is maimed by the ignorant, all in the name of “free speech.” How absurd is it that the sensitivities of 1.6 billion people around the world are stomped on and labeled a promotion of free speech?
Although we are unsure about the origin of two savage attackers in Garland, Texas, it should not be forgotten that a Muslim’s response to such an inflammatory event is going to depend not only on his upbringing and social status, but also to which sect or branch of Islam he belongs. Muslims probably have more than 73 sects. If we do a simple “primary source verification” and go to Holy Quran to look for an answer, a Muslim’s response should be according to the following two verses:
“And those who bear not false witness, and when they pass by anything vain, they pass on with dignity.” (25:73)
“And the servants of the Gracious God are those who walk on the earth in a dignified manner, and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘Peace!’ ”(25:64)
Peace can be the only appropriate true Islamic response to the efforts of those who wish to spread Islamophobia in this tolerant nation. A violent response to a nonviolent event is to be categorically condemned as completely outside the fold of true Islam. On the other hand, ill-informed groups that aggravate others in a way that can result in violence must share some of the blame. Especially when these activities, far from promoting freedom of expression, result in defamation of a religion and ignite a vicious reaction.
The organizer of this event, by provoking some misguided souls, certainly succeeded in this ferocious mission. The very low number of event gatherers in Garland is a testimony to the decency of our society. At the same time, it is entirely possible that if this decent majority continues to remain silent, the extremists, whether they use physical or verbal violence or hide behind the mask of Islam or “freedom of speech,” will be able to create enough holes in the harmony of our society to tear peace into pieces, and then we will all suffer.
A true Muslim should not get his or her guidance from political movements, but from the Quran and the example of the prophet Muhammad. The unvarnished fact is each society has elements that are ignorant in their response, and difficult to restrain. The only way to achieve a lasting peace between the followers of different religions is not to create acrimony, but instead to create reverence of each other’s values, feelings and leaders.
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Qaisar J. Qayyum, M.D., is general secretary of the Tulsa Chapter, Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam.
Read original post here: Perspective: Free speech, provocation and the Quran | Quaisar J. Qayyum
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