Description of the Controversy
The issue of depicting Prophet Muhammad by the means of visual pictures has been a major controversy in recent years. Many cartoons companies around the world have made images of the Holy Prophet, sometimes with sayings around the pictures, and sometimes him holding or doing something. In Islam, depicting the Holy Prophet is considered as disrespectful because His life is viewed as the as the perfect example for a human being to follow. Therefore, with different depictions by different artists, the idea of “perfection” is lost and people might judge the way an artist makes Him. In the Quran, there is no specific prohibition against the visual depiction of the Holy Prophet, however, the Holy Prophet himself has shown dislike to visual representations of things that might question God’s perfect creation. With these cartoons offending Muslims around the world, extremist groups, claiming to be on Jihad have attacked the cartoonists from these firms several times. Even today, the issue of depicting Muhammad is one of the most sensitive ones causing debates and social media wars on the internet.
Significance of the Controversy
Individuals are protesting for freedom of speech and expression (Rosenberg); whereas the other side is pining for a greater respect for the laws and rules of other religions-- Islam (world and religion) (“The issue of depicting the Prophet Muhammad”)
The issue is a contentious one which is gravely important to the followers of the Islamic fate, because depictions of Muhammad, or any other prophet, are explicitly forbidden in Islamic texts (the Hadiths, to be specific) (“The issue of depicting the Prophet Muhammad”). There is also the issue that depicting the prophet may lead to idolatry, and even praising the prophet as though he were God (both are forbidden in the faith) (“Drawing the Prophet”). This brings up questions besides that of freedom of expression-- the question of whether or not depictions of a prophet are really forbidden to begin with, as there exist many depictions of the prophet, since the 13th century. (Graham-Harrison) Some individuals have published images of the prophet in profane situations, which many find objectively offensive-- while the other side says that creating such images are within their rights of freedom of expression.
The issue is a contentious one which is gravely important to the followers of the Islamic fate, because depictions of Muhammad, or any other prophet, are explicitly forbidden in Islamic texts (the Hadiths, to be specific) (“The issue of depicting the Prophet Muhammad”). There is also the issue that depicting the prophet may lead to idolatry, and even praising the prophet as though he were God (both are forbidden in the faith) (“Drawing the Prophet”). This brings up questions besides that of freedom of expression-- the question of whether or not depictions of a prophet are really forbidden to begin with, as there exist many depictions of the prophet, since the 13th century. (Graham-Harrison) Some individuals have published images of the prophet in profane situations, which many find objectively offensive-- while the other side says that creating such images are within their rights of freedom of expression.
Major Impacts and Effects of the Controversy
The issue of depicting Prophet Muhammad has caused several major impacts in the world in the last couple of years. Prior to the awareness of the issue, many countries responded differently. There has been significant impact due to the depictions of Muhammad at different places all around the world. At the time when Charlie Hebdo was making the cartoons, people in Muslim countries following the Shariah law started to boycott French products and hold small strikes, even going so far as to burning the French flag. On January 7th 2015, two men attacked the Charlie Hebdo office, the company that created Prophet Muhammad’s cartoons. The two brothers who shot 11 people from Charlie Hebdo, were said to have killed a police officer standing outside of the office. Moreover, the two men were said to avenge the Holy Prophet by saying the words, “Allah Ho Akbar”, which translates to God is Great. ("A Timeline of the Charlie Hebdo Terror Attack”) After the shooting, there was great political tension around the world, as on January 11th, people from all around the world gathered in Paris, to show support for the people who suffered the attack. There were small protests all around the world, fighting for freedom of speech and expression, displaying support to the innocent shot dead in the attack. (“Consequences of the Shooting at Paris Offices of Charlie Hebdo.") In addition to the protests. many people around the world united to stand up for Charlie Hebdo on social media using the hashtag “#JeSuisCharlie” which translates to “I am Charlie” showing sympathy for the dead. These hashtags also caused a number of debates on social media regarding the issue of depictions of Muhammad. ("After Attack, Twitter Users Unite with #JeSuisCharlie"). Furthermore, one of the recent impacts of the controversy was the resignation of one of the cartoonist from Charlie Hebdo named Renald Luzier. Mr. Luz’s reasoning for him leaving the firm is the fact that he could not take in the pressure that accompanies the nature of his work any longer . Moreover, he is emotionally damaged because of the absence of his fellow colleagues who were shot dead in the attack. ("Charlie Hebdo Cartoonist to Stop Drawing Muhammad.")