“Indeed, I am sufficient for you against the mockers” (Qur’an, 15: 95),
“And I raised high for you your repute” (Qur’an, 94: 4)
“And I have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (Qur’an, 21: 107).

We are much concerned about and strongly condemn the film that abuses the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), that appeared recently in the United States. This movie disregards the feelings of all Muslims and is prejudiced against the sanctity of their beliefs and values that they hold in high esteem.

These unfortunate releases have become a threat to international peace and security, causing conflict between the followers of different divine religions, and blatantly infringing the principles of these religions and their most important purposes which are peaceful coexistence, acceptance of the other and mutual respect between the followers of different religions, peoples, races and civilizations.
We call upon all public and private organizations especially those directly working in the field of inter-religious dialogue, to shoulder their full responsibility towards the unfortunate releases of film, literature and art that harm all religions, because it is offensive to the most valuable heritage of human societies.

We call upon everyone to work together to put an end to these regrettable media productions, and hence stop the consequences and risks that follow such releases. We stress the importance of the protection of and respect for the feelings of humanity and religion and belief, as called for in international humanitarian norms and conventions.

We stress that these condemnable actions can never be from a member of any religion and all religious leaders of all religions should criminalize these actions and ex-communicate the perpetrators from their community. We also call on them to shoulder their responsibilities towards urging their followers to stand with the Muslims all over the world to denounce abuse of any religion or belief and to spread peace and love among the world’s population.

“If you do not aid the Prophet – Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” And Allah sent down his tranquillity upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah – that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Qur’an, 9: 40)

Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue