They Don't Get It!

Category: Americas, Featured Topics: Barack Obama, Conflicts And War, Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, Islam, Libya Channel: Opinion Views: 5288
5288

Nakoula Basseley or known as Sam Bacile with one of the Innocence of Muslim actress.

There is a Farsi couplet:

Ba Khuda deewana basho
Ba Muhammad hoshyaar

(Meaning: Play madly with God if you wish, but be careful with Muhammad.)

The Muslim world from Senegal to Indonesia is angry over the release of an anti-Muslim film in the YouTube ridiculing the Prophet Muhammad (S). There were protests in at least 23 nations. In the volatile Middle East the angry demonstrators attacked the U.S. embassies in the region. Demonstrators in Iraq chanted, "We are ready to sacrifice ourselves for our Prophet." In Lebanon, a crowd set fire to a KFC and a Hardee's restaurant in the port city of Tripoli, 50 miles (85 kilometers) north of Beirut, sparking clashes with police. Police then opened fire, killing one of the attackers. In Benghazi (Libya) the attackers killed the U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and 3 embassy officials. 

The reaction of many Americans to the protests in the Muslim world is utter bewilderment mixed with anger. They feel that those Muslims are ungrateful to the US for delivering them out of tyranny of the likes of Zine bin Ali of Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and Muammar al-Gaddhafi of Libya. Last Thursday (September 13, 2012) the front page heading in the USA Today read - 'We hate America': The USA helped liberate them from the dictators. Now Americans are the enemy once again. The Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was heard saying, "Many Americans are asking - indeed, I asked myself - how could this happen in a country we helped liberate, in a city we helped save from destruction?"

The fact is: outside the case of Libya, the response of the Obama Administration towards the Arab Springs has been lukewarm at best. While thousands of Syrians continue to be killed by Bashar al-Assad's murderous Nusayri forces the U.S. government has not done anything meaningful to support the rebels. Truly, if it had cared and imposed only a fraction of the biting sanctions that it helped to impose on Iran - at the behest of the rogue state of Israel -- through the U.N., the Syrian tyrant would have been gone long time ago. 

For decades, the successive U.S. governments since the days of President Reagan have been Hosni Mubarak's greatest benefactor. Even the very tear-gas canisters fired by Mubarak's security forces on the Egyptian crowd demanding democracy in the Tahrir Square had the "made in USA" logos. In 2009, the U.S. Secretary Hillary Clinton declared, "I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to be friends of my family." President Obama supported the Egyptian dictator up until the very last minute when his downfall became inevitable. As noted in the New York Times, dated February 7, 2011, the Obama administration's plan was to engineer the ascension of the much hated, loyalist, torturer Omar Suleiman as Mubarak's replacement in the name of "stability". 

Thus, when some of the U.S. media depict Egyptian anger towards the U.S. as "ironic" on the ground that it was the U.S. that had freed them and "allowed" them democracy, they must be suffering from selective amnesia. 

But more appalling is the utter failure of the U.S. media to educate their audience that words have consequences. People can die for venoms unleashed in the Internet. And they should have known this fact since the publication of the offensive books and films like The Satanic Verses and Submission, respectively. 

Muslims take their religion very seriously. To them Muhammad (S), the Prophet of Islam, is not just an ordinary person who got revelation from God, but simply the best of His creation. They don't utter his name without reciting the salutation - sallal-lahu alayhi wa sallam (meaning: blessings of Allah and peace be upon him). The Muslim testimony of faith "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah" is uttered five times daily during the call of prayer (adhan) from the minarets of masajid (mosques) urging Muslims to come and pray to Allah. A Muslim also ends his/her prayer with a supplication to Allah seeking blessing and bounties for the Prophet and his family the same way He had blessed the family of Abraham (Ibrahim alayhis salam). In the Qur'an, the Muslim Holy Scripture, Allah Himself testifies about Muhammad's (S) perfection of character as a human being. He is the Insan al-Kamil who had combined the characteristics of the Prophets Moses and Jesus (AS). He is the most praised one both in this world and the Hereafter. 

After analyzing Prophet Muhammad's (S) life, British Orientalist Stanley Lane-Poole said, "He was the most faithful protector, the sweetest and most agreeable in conversation. Those who saw him were suddenly filled with reverence, those who came near him loved him; they who described him would say, 'I have never seen his like either before or after.' "

Truly, in the annals of human history, no Prophet was as much adored by his followers as Muhammad (S) was. In his poem below, Hassan ibn Thabit (R), a contemporary of the Prophet, captured this sentiment as to how the Companions felt about Muhammad (S):

By God, no woman has conceived and given birth
To one like the Apostle, the Prophet and guide of his people;
Nor has God created among his creatures
One more faithful to his sojourner or his promise 
Than he who was the source of light,
Blessed in his deeds, just and upright.

(Sirat Rasulallah by Muhammad Ibn Ishaq)

It is out of this profound sense of love and reverence that Muslims don't draw any picture of their Prophet (S), which could lead to deification that is absolutely prohibited in Islam. 

So, when someone writes highly offensive words and depicts Muhammad (S) in ways that are ludicrous and historically inaccurate it is not difficult to understand that the sentiment of 1.6 billion Muslims is hurt; they feel violated in the worst possible way. They see their faith denigrated by these savages, the cyber terrorists and pen-pushing hate mongers. They are naturally furious with America, which under the pretext of First Amendment right to free expression, protects these hatemongering terrorists that hurt the feelings of Muslims. They feel betrayed when they see that some of these offenders/terrorists, responsible for the death of innocent human beings, are even knighted and rewarded by western governments and institutions. They also see obvious hypocrisy when President Obama had no problem authorizing assassination of American born Anwar al-Awlaki for he considered the latter's freedom of speech a threat to national security. 

As to the identity of the latest culprits pushing for a civilization war between the worlds of Islam and Judeo-Christianity, we are told by the Associated Press journalist Gillian Flaccus, the highly offensive and inflammatory video was made by Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, a Coptic Christian who lives in California. It has been promoted by a Christian evangelist Steve Klein whose unabashed and outspoken hatred of Islam has made him a contemptible hate monger. Klein, a Vietnam War veteran, is a failed real estate investor who now works with his wife as an insurance agent and lives in San Jacinto Mountains about 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles. "Klein founded Courageous Christians United, which conducts protests outside abortion clinics, Mormon temples and mosques, and started Concerned Citizens for the First Amendment, which preaches against Muslims and publishes volumes of anti-Muslim propaganda that Klein distributes. He also has helped train paramilitary militias at the church of Kaweah near Three Rivers, about an hour southeast of Fresno, to prepare for what they believe is a coming holy war with Muslim sleeper cells, according to the law center. His anti-Muslim activities indirectly led him to his affiliation with Nakoula, an Egyptian Christian living outside Los Angeles, who contacted him about making an anti-Muslim movie." 

To heighten the animosity with the Muslim world, Nakoula - who used many pseudonyms including the name Sam Bacile - falsely identified himself as an Israeli Jew and claimed that his produced movie was financed by Jewish money. We are also told that even the actors were duped in this nasty scheme; they did not know that it was a hate movie to denigrate Islam and its Prophet (S). 

As I mentioned in my book - Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah: an exposition of his life for inquisitive western readers - (available from Amazon.com) - anti-Islamic polemics is not new and dates back at least to the 7th century C.E. Karen Armstrong tells us that during the Crusades "... biographies of Mohammed by Christians describe the Prophet's sex life in a manner that reveals far more about their own sexual problems than about the facts of the Prophet's life." Thomas Carlyle (d. 1881) said, "The lies which well-meaning zeal has heaped round this man are disgraceful to ourselves only."

And if the past is any barometer to predict the future, the anti-Islamic polemics and hatred will continue to grow for quite some time. Not to be forgotten in this context is the wide support such narratives enjoys amongst many mainstream Christian politicians - the likes of Bachmann, Palin, Gingrich and Giuliani. 

I won't, therefore, be surprised if we later learn that Nakoula's movie was funded by some of the same Judeo-Christian villains who have been trying to bring about the war of civilizations since at least 9/11. To them, Bush Jr. has left the war unfinished. 

Mindful of the violent reaction to the video, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland emphasized during a briefing for reporters, "The U.S. government has nothing to do with this video." But that should not be an excuse not to prosecute Nakoula who had triggered the embassy attacks. The western governments must understand that freedom of expression is not free and need not be a vehicle to promote hatred and start civilization wars. 

As Patrick Buchanan recently noted, "There are hundreds of millions of Muslims for whom their faith is their most priceless possession. They live it. They will die for it. And not a few will kill for it. Others will seize upon real or imagined insults to that faith to excite the crowds to expel us from their world. And some Americans will accommodate them by using books, films, and videos to manifest their contempt of Islam."

So we have an irreconcilable conflict unless a red line is drawn, which does not allow the likes of Nakoula, Klein, Terry Jones and Robert Spencer to poison our world under the pretext of the First Amendment. They are no better than other terrorists and should be treated as such if we are serious about avoiding a civilization war. Otherwise, Chris Stevens won't be the only casualty!

*****

Dr Habib Siddiqui has authored 10 books. His latest book - Devotional Stories - is now available from A.S. Noordeen, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


  Category: Americas, Featured
  Topics: Barack Obama, Conflicts And War, Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, Islam, Libya  Channel: Opinion
Views: 5288

Related Suggestions


Related posts from similar channels:

 
COMMENTS DISCLAIMER & RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
The opinions expressed herein, through this post or comments, contain positions and viewpoints that are not necessarily those of IslamiCity. These are offered as a means for IslamiCity to stimulate dialogue and discussion in our continuing mission of being an educational organization. The IslamiCity site may occasionally contain copyrighted material the use of which may not always have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. IslamiCity is making such material available in its effort to advance understanding of humanitarian, education, democracy, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.


In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and such (and all) material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.


Older Comments:
BABANDI A. GUMEL FROM U.K said:
What can they do to stop the progress of Islam? This is the rhetorical question using pseudo-racism hiding behind the freedom of the press to insult some body of all the one loved by all the Muslims and descent human beings.
2012-09-22

AMEERAH FROM SOUTH AFRICA said:
Bill Locke's comments reflect what is wrong with the USA. The whole freedom of speech thing is fiction. Freedom of speech has been used disproptionately against Muslims since the inception of Hollwood, so sorry, but comparing us to Christian and Jews is a poor choice. If the USA really took it seriously Mel Gibson wouldn't be the most hated celebirty in all of Hollywood and certain states in the USA would not be passing laws equating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism.
" Why can a muslim think its ok to kill becuase their religion was insulted?? Who are you to decide???"
Nice of you for criticizing Muslim violence. However there is nothing more barbaric, grotesque and repulsive when media polls in the USA asks the US public their opinion on invading nations they can't point on a map. Or when expert after so-called expert parades on Fox TV discussing the merits of invading sovereign nations or torturing innocent people. The US public shamefully supports its government's violence each time it sends drones to foreign countries, invades them, exploits their resources, tortures and kills people based on lies, suspicions and vested interests. The real question to Mr Locke and the US public is: who are you to decide???
As to your last question Mr Locke: We don't think it's ok to kill, just the minority of idiots amongst us think so.
2012-09-21

ABUL HASNAYAN FROM UNITED STATES said:
Mr. Bill Lock wrote: "Does the US have to do everything??? There are
plenty of other Muslims who could help Syria...We have a thing
called free speech in the USA, if an individule wants to make a film
insulting Muslims,, its legal,.. not the best decision, but legal.
We dont kill him or innocent people because we got mad. What
religion kills because god was insulted?? "Muslims take their
religion very seriously"... so,, like Christains and Jews dont???
Why can a muslim think its ok to kill becuase their religion was
insulted?? Who are you to decide???"

No, the USA does not need to do everything. But when its politicians
complain that Muslims are behaving ungrateful, they better prove
that the USA deserves admiration on such grounds. As the author has
shown even to the last moment the USA has done everything possible
to sustain dictatorial regimes.
Who had killed Anwar al-Awlaki, if it is not the Obama
Administration? Did al-Awlaki kill anyone? No. He used his freedom
of expression, which was considered dangerous for the USA's national
security. And as such, he was assassinated without any trial, or so
we are told. So, Mr. Block's views again show a selective amnesia.
For far less insults, the USA and western governments have over the
centuries killed too many freedom lovers with whose views they had
problem. But who is counting?
2012-09-19

HABIB SIDDIQUI FROM UNITED STATES said:
Some of the commentators seem to be living in a world of their
imagination or hallucination in which they are unnerved by all the
insults and injuries lobbed on to them. The reality is, however,
quite different. There are many who get emotional about such abuses
and they react. That is part of our human make up. To expect
everyone to keep their heads cool in spite of such insinuations is a
wrong reading of human psychology.

Therefore, it is not unnatural to expect that some people would take
it unto themselves to engage in violent means, whether or not one
approves of such methods. As we cherish freedom, what is important
is to understand that while I have all the right to swing my arms
when they hit someone it is no longer my freedom but a violation of
another person's freedom. This essential message seem to be lost by
the offenders of Islam.

It would be also too naive to imagine that offenders like Klein,
Robert Spencer and Nakoula do their acts in vacuum - without any
support - material or otherwise - from some powerful actors/parties
within the society. Interested readers may like to acquaint with old
articles on Jerusalem Summit. These backers, often Judeo-Christian
anti-Muslim zealots, are strong enough to guide state policies. They
need to be unmasked and confronted in every possible way to stop
their dangerous scheme for triggering civilization wars.

2012-09-19

RASHAD ABDUL-AZEEM FROM USA said:
I guess I don't get it either. Muslims who allow themselves to be suckers for bums looking to make a headline. It's no wonder that Americans and the world think Muslims are violent, because our only response to something as stupid as this is violence and more violence. Yes, words have consequences, and the consequence is how we respond as Muslims. Trust me there will be more movies like this, and our response will as predictable, people should respect us (but we must earn it), but should not be afraid of us.

Please point out me where our Prophet (saw) responded with violence as a consequence of insulting 'words' being leveled at him. Just who is the model for Muslims today? Ignorant so-called scholars who would justify and encourage such savage behavior? What is the first thing a Muslim should do when he/she feels anger? Where on earth is our self-control?? The enemies of Islam play us like a yo-yo and all we can do talk about they don't get it, from where I sit it looks like we (Muslims) don't get it.
2012-09-19

LUQMAN AHMAD FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA said:


Muslims around the world can either keep on working themselves up into frenzy every time someone criticizes or makes fun of Islam or Muslims, and keep pretending that this is the proper method to defend Islam, and the Prophet (SAW), or we can opt to follow our own scripture on the matter (Quran and Prophetic tradition), and save ourselves a lot of anxiety, frustration and misdirection; ["And endure with patience whatever people may say [against thee], and avoid them with a comely avoidance. 73:10] Patience and magnanimity is better than carrying on in the streets, as if we are devoid of guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) is dead, and his place with Allah sub'haanahu wa ta'ala is assured by the word of Allah Himself; [Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect. 33:56] The Prophet (SAWS) is under no threat from any human being; he is safe with Allah sub'haanahu wa ta'ala, and in the best company. Billions of Muslims praise him and send salutations upon him, and his position with Allah is secure. There is nothing that anyone can say, write, or put on film that will ever change that. The rage, the anger and the violence that result from demonstrating in the streets, only threatens to extinguish the true light and guidance of the Prophet (SAWS) who was sent as a mercy to mankind.
.
2012-09-19

KHAN FROM US said:
Did Prophet Muhammad start Islam / Muhammadism? NO
Then what is Islam?
Islam = Submission to One God
Muslim= A person who submits to One God
Quran 31:22 'Those who submit completely to Allah (GOD)'
James 4:7 'Submit therefore to GOD'.

Quran 16:123 'So We have taught thee the inspired (Message), "Follow the ways of Abraham
the True in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah (GOD).'
Genesis 15:6 'Then Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD regarded that faith to be his
approval of Abram.
John 8:39 Jesus said 'for if you are the children of Abraham, you would follow his example.'

Did Prophet Moses start Judaism? NO
JUDAISM: term was innovated by Flavius Josephus (Greek writer/Romans) from the name
JUDA (son of Jacob/Israel, Tribe and Place). Word Jew was invented in 4th century and did
not come into existence until the year 1775.
(Ref:http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/factindx.htm).

Did Prophet Jesus start Christianity? NO
The term Christianity was innovated by St Luke (Physician of St Paul) and Christians by
St.Paul. [Acts 11:26 'After finding Saul (St Paul), Barnabas brought him back to Antioch.
Barnabas & Saul met with the church in Antioch for a whole year & taught a large group of
people. The disciples were called Christians for the first time in the city of Antioch'.]
2012-09-19

BILL LOCK FROM USA said:
The fact is: outside the case of Libya, the response of the Obama Administration towards the Arab Springs has been lukewarm at best. While thousands of Syrians continue to be killed by Bashar al-Assad's murderous Nusayri forces the U.S. government has not done anything meaningful to support the rebels.
Does the US have to do everything??? There are plenty of other Muslims who could help Syria...We have a thing called free speech in the USA, if an individule wants to make a film insulting Muslims,, its legal,.. not the best decision, but legal. We dont kill him or innocent people because we got mad. What religion kills because god was insulted?? "Muslims take their religion very seriously"... so,, like Christains and Jews dont??? Why can a muslim think its ok to kill becuase their religion was insulted?? Who are you to decide???
2012-09-18

FERIEL FROM CANADA said:
Very good article. It helped me to understand the situation even more. Thank you.
2012-09-18

DR FM QURESHI FROM INDIA said:
Very good article to educate ignorant west about the the greatness of our loving prophet Muhammad salallahu alaihi wasallam in the hearts of muslims around the world. Thanks
2012-09-18