What is the difference between voices coming from those who demonstrate in the streets and the whispers of worshippers offering prayers in mosques, calling for the success and elevation of Islam and Muslims?
It is a question I ask myself each time I watch people demonstrating in the streets of Arab and Muslim cities. People are entitled to express their opinions in the manner they deem fit but it must be done in a way that does not infringe on the rights of others, whether individuals or state institutions.
Many of the demonstrations in Arab and Muslim cities against the US/UK war on Iraq reflect hostile feelings toward the official establishment — especially the security forces. We see the demonstrators venting their anger on those forces, ready to clash with them as if the occasion were a chance to express what is denied to them under the country’s laws.
I am strongly against preventing people from expressing themselves. Logic and reality tell me clearly that suppressing freedom causes trouble and that muzzling people and preventing them from freely expressing their opinions is a root cause of terrorism. Nonetheless, I still believe that street demonstrations in the Arab world are not the right way to express one’s opinions. They may in fact harm both the security establishment and the foreign diplomatic missions in the country where the demonstrations occur. This runs contrary to Islamic teachings.
Demonstrations undoubtedly represent a means of expressing an opinion but time has shown us that standing humbly before Almighty God and offering collective prayers and supplications for the welfare of our Muslim brethren everywhere would be more effective and rewarding, especially in these difficult days when the entire Muslim world is plunged into disputes and dissension, including the war in Iraq.
We need to be closer to God. We need to be closer to our countries. This will only come through prayers offered humbly and sincerely. We could even use the media to enforce this by broadcasting congregational prayers and supplications, showing worshippers raising their hands and asking God to grant Muslims victory and progress.
Arab News From the Local Press 10 April 2003
