Source: berkeleydailyplanet.com | Khalida Jamilah

As a Muslim I categorically condemn the Charlie Hebdo tragedy that killed 12 innocent civilians in the name of defending the honor of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him). Why am I condemning this crime? Because the Quran 5:32 clearly states that if a person killed one it is like if he killed the whole mankind. As a Muslim, I, too feel hurt when someone offends Prophet Muhammad. However, I feel more offended when those so-called Muslims respond violently to defend the honor of the man they greatly respect because Prophet Muhammad himself never retaliated against those who insulted him both by using abusive words and hurting him physically.

Here is an example of how the Prophet Muhammad responded to being ridiculed. Once returning from an expedition, a hypocrite used abusive words insulting Prophet Muhammad. Responding to this, his companion was very upset and asked him if he could kill that hypocrite. Prophet Muhammad did not allow his companion to kill the man who insulted him. This incident clearly shows that even the Prophet himself did not avenge those who mocked him.

Those who use free speech to ridicule religious figures like Prophet Muhammad are ignorant because they ignore the content of their message. Those Muslims who respond violently (which is also cowardly) or those Muslim clerics like Anjem Chaudry who believe in punishment for blasphemy are also ignorant because they do not consult the Quran as to… read more at berkeleydailyplanet.com