President of Muslim Students Association
University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
Why We Are Opposed to the Reprinting of the Cartoons
Take on the Reactions Abroad
Related Point on Islamophobia
The Public Has a Right to Know
Freedom of Speech and Open Dialogue Are Virtues
We do not Expect the Media to Follow Islamic Law
Support of Liberal Education
Approach with the Editors at the Daily Illini
Muslims’ Peaceful Initiatives Should Also Get Press Coverage
Did Something Good Come of the Cartoon Reprinting?
A Common Platform for Combating Offensive Attacks Against Christianity, Judaism, and Others
Why We Are Opposed to the Reprinting of the Cartoons
1) The hateful nature of the depictions and the fact that they supposedly depict the most important figure in Islam reaffirms the widespread misconception that Islam and its Prophet, Muhammad, propagated terrorism and womanizing.
2) The reprinting indicates that people are insensitive towards Muslims and thus Islamophobia is rampant.
The reprinting of the cartoons is just one facet of the greater problem of Islamophobia.
The key here is that journalists know that there is widespread misunderstanding about Islam, which leads to hate crimes and unfair policies directed towards Muslims.
Unfortunately, it is widely accepted that Muslims should be profiled, that the FBI and CIA can be overzealous in their targeting of Muslims in the War on Terror, and that the propagation of misconceptions that result in hate crimes against Muslims should receive no more than a lukewarm, lackluster response.
To reprint cartoons that depict the most important figure in Islam as a terrorist, in this context, only further promotes such policies and misdirected hatred based on stereotypes. Such action reflects irresponsible journalism and exceeds the bounds of human decency.
3) The negative repercussions, including effects of subsequent hate mail and harassment, are are irreversible.
4) The reasoning used by two editors at the Daily Illini was illogical.
They say they reprinted them so that people would understand what all the riots are about abroad. However, there is no conceivable way a cartoon could prompt riots. They are unjustifiable. Thus, rather than promote understanding, the reprinting promoted the incorrect stereotype that ALL Muslims are irrational and violent.
My Take on the Reactions Abroad
I condemn the violent protests abroad and am saddened by their harm to humanity. Some Muslims claim
The fact that I am asked about my view on the violence abroad, even by people who know me personally to be a peaceful person, indicates a great misconception and underlying phobia. It should be assumed that I, as one who submits to God and follows the peaceful religion of Islam, would condemn such violence. While questioning my views on the violence is insulting, I realize that the inquiries are not ill intentioned but result from widespread misconceptions.
The Public Has a Right to Know
I am not arguing that the public does not have a right to know what was published in the Danish newspaper. Rather, the cartoons could have been described in words. While one may argue that the actual cartoons more effectively convey their offensive nature than a description would, that reasoning could not possibly justify imposing the repercussions that would likely ensue on the aggrieved.
Freedom of Speech and Open Dialogue Are Virtues
I have never advocated the limiting of the First Amendment throughout my organizing. In fact, this is not an issue of free speech.
This fact is established, at least with regard to the publication of the cartoons in Denmark, by the fact that the same newspaper refused to publish cartoons relating to the Holocaust. Let me be very clear that I condemn Iran’s cartoon competition and other hateful reactions. I am simply illustrating the point that free speech is not at issue here.
Rather, this is an issue of human decency and responsible journalism. Indeed we are effectively defending the First Amendment, the logic of which depends on a peaceful exchange of ideas to suppress offensive speech, as pointed out by Professor Ginsburg at the College of Law.
We do not Expect the Media to Follow Islamic Law
Islamic Law prohibits the depiction of Prophet Muhammad, in order to prevent idolatry and to preserve respect. However, the source of the majority of the offense is not the disrespect of our beliefs, but rather because of the reasons stated above.
My Support of Liberal Education
Many say that Muslims in America are hypersensitive, lack confidence in their faith, and need a thicker skin. Many also say we need greater respect for the values of liberal education.
To the contrary, I have almost completed setting up a formal course at the law school on Islamic Law for this semester. I can imagine no better atmosphere for an informed discussion inclusive of open criticism. Critical thinking is best aided by a proper education and is highly encouraged by Islam and Prophet Muhammad’s example
My Approach with the Editors at the Daily Illini
Never have I urged for any disciplinary measures to be forced on the editors.
Rather, in following the example of the Prophet Muhammad, who patiently dealt with even the most violent attacks, I arranged a meeting with both of them to extend an olive branch and to encourage true understanding of each others’ perspectives, even though I felt deeply offended by their action.
Unfortunately I feel my initiative was received only with more of the same irrelevant rhetoric they had been sharing with everyone. Still, upon my suggestion, we ended our meeting with a discussion of and mutual support for certain positive initiatives.
Muslims’ Peaceful Initiatives Should Also Get Press Coverage
Muslims in Denmark have been using diplomatic measures from the beginning. Why was that fact not widely covered by the press. Instead, the majority of what we hear is that Muslims abroad are crazy and violent.
Did Something Good Come of the Cartoon Reprinting?
Something good has come and is continuing to come DESPITE the reprinting, not because of it. The credit for the positive initiatives goes to those who were strong in their choice to avoid anger and promote positive action. These initiatives are geared towards fighting Islamophobia.
So, to those who say “You wouldn’t be having these dialogues if the cartoons were not reprinted,” I say: You’re right. If Islamophobia did not exist, we would not be having these dialogues attempting to combat it. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we did not need to combat hate. But the reprinting of the cartoons indicates that Islamophobia is very much alive and we will continue to have the dialogues we were having even before the cartoons were reprinted.
A Common Platform for Combating Offensive Attacks Against Christianity, Judaism, and
Many react by saying that Christianity and other religions have been similarly attacked, and thus Muslims should put up with these attacks. Two wrongs don’t make a right. No one should have to put up with it. Rather, we should use our common experiences to relate and create a common platform from which to organize.
