Personal Response - Mohammad Mustafa Sajjad
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In my opinion the issue of depicting Prophets and God himself is a very sensitive and misunderstood issue. Every religion has different beliefs and perspectives about depictions of God(s) and messengers, and some of those beliefs were explored in this course. By learning these different beliefs, I have understood the importance of respecting ones opinion and actions. In terms of this particular issue, I personally think that both the parties are equally right and equally wrong. In terms of the Islam side, demanding for respect and value for their religion is completely right, however, for those two brothers to kill several people claiming it to be in the name of God is completely wrong. The Islamic teachings specifically advise people to choose their actions wisely, and nowhere is it asked for a Muslim to take extremely violent actions to protect Islam. Violence is considered the last resort in Islam, and is highly disliked and discouraged. Extremist groups around the world, who claim to be on jihad for Allah are absolutely not representing the true Islam, rather, they are violating the teachings of Islam. In the Quranic Text, it is said: “…if any one killed a person, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind; and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of mankind…” - The Holy Quran (Chapter Five, Verse 32). This direct text from the Holy Quran shows how much the value of life is emphasized by God for the religion of Islam. Therefore, with this text as being valid proof, one can understand how the extremist groups do not represent Islam, rather, these individual groups use the name of religion as a coping mechanism for their extreme actions. On the other hand, analyzing the issue from the cartoonist’s perspective, I think them fighting for their freedom of speech and expression is one hundred percent right. However, for this specific issue, I consider them at partial fault too. When one understands about the religious rituals and beliefs of a group of people, he/she can easily avoid or minimize potential disrespect that might offend the group. Avoidance of these actions could have had not only saved precious lives, but also would have had decreased political tension, and global discrimination in the world of today. Overall, I think both the parties should take responsibility of their actions, and should globally apologize to the people who are wrongfully being discriminated in the world today. Whether it be innocent French citizens in Islamic countries, or innocent Muslims in France, they are all suffering because of someone else’s foolishness, and should stand up together to demand a public apology.
Personal Response - Tom Jacob
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The morality of Muhammad depictions is a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, it is one’s right to a freedom of expression. The ones with the most radical opinions and those who take action on those opinions are the ones who change the world. It is absurd to believe that one or many be killed over a drawing-- regardless of any circumstances. The killing is certainly in bad faith if the individual is killed over a depiction that is done out of piety, and not out of blatant disrespect with an intent to instigate.
On the other hand, to depict a religious figure in vulgar and distasteful scenarios is an abominable act, which should be dealt with severely (certainly not with death). It is incredibly important for individuals to have freedom of expression, but when this freedom runs astray and begins to attack the freedoms of others, it is no longer acceptable.
In short, if the depiction is done out of piety, and with due respect, then it is acceptable. If the depiction is intended to mock the Prophet, then it is wholly unacceptable.
On the other hand, to depict a religious figure in vulgar and distasteful scenarios is an abominable act, which should be dealt with severely (certainly not with death). It is incredibly important for individuals to have freedom of expression, but when this freedom runs astray and begins to attack the freedoms of others, it is no longer acceptable.
In short, if the depiction is done out of piety, and with due respect, then it is acceptable. If the depiction is intended to mock the Prophet, then it is wholly unacceptable.