We have read a lot about the protests against the film ridiculing Islam and its Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Muslim world, some of which have been extremely violent. In one such violent protest, the US ambassador in Libya and his colleagues lost their lives. We know for sure that they had nothing to do with the film “Innocence of Muslims,” made in the US. This was a cold-blooded murder and has been condemned by every Muslim government.
In the meantime, I came across a very interesting comment made by a US citizen on the Facebook. He wrote that Muslims vow to make the US pay because of one crazy man. He goes on to question about what did the US do to Afghanistan and Iraq, the two countries which had nothing to do with the 9/11 attack. It was also the work of a crazy man or crazy men. In the US’ retaliation more than a million would have died so far and they are still dying in the ongoing conflict. The protest against the film was carried out by a section of the Muslim masses but the attack on the two countries was authorized by the US government led by the then US President George W. Bush.
The true followers of the prophet of Islam should see how their leader reacted when worse insults were hurled at him. We learn from history that he was absolutely calm and never reacted violently. Mahatma Gandhi while writing about our Prophet (PBUH) said: “I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life but it was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle.” So, it is left for the Muslims to decide, what is the best way we should adopt now, George W. Bush’s or our prophet’s? Obviously our prophet’s (peace be upon hime). May sanity prevail! (S.H. Moulana, Riyadh)Violent protests
It looks as if the government of Pakistan has joined unruly rioters in a competition to prove their love for Prophet (peace be upon him). The government declared Sept. 21 as a national holiday, a “day of love for the Prophet” to allow people to peacefully protest against production of an amateurish movie insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, violent mobs are showing off their affection and love for Prophet (PBUH) by rioting, ransacking and putting properties on fire. On Thursday, army units were called in to safeguard the capital’s diplomatic enclave. Pakistan’s electronic media, though lost one cameraman in Friday’s riots in Peshawar, is putting up a brave face and trying to justify, and in some cases, inciting the violence.
Most of the protestors are demanding death sentence for anyone accused of insulting their religion.
We all know that policing of Internet for any offensive material is next to impossible, otherwise, these extremist organizations would not be able to use Internet and social media to advance their hate agenda. However, there are legal ways to bring the hate mongers to face the music. The Muslim community in the US is quite vibrant. It can afford to sue the film producers for inciting racism and hatred leading to violence. Perhaps a legal way is the only discourse to get out of the ongoing destruction and killings. But can anyone talk to these rioters who are not ready to listen to any sane voice. Best way to counter a hate-speech is to debate and present your counter arguments. (Masood Khan, Jubail)
Rising star: Rademel Falcao
After scoring the only goal of the 2011 UEFA Europa League for Porto, Radamel Falcao Garcia rose to fame quickly. The previous Europa league winners, Atletico Madrid, henceforth cleared some space for him and bought him at the transfer market.
This year Atletico Madrid again won the Europa League for a second time, making it the team with the most Europa league wins after the League’s current format. Falcao’s biggest achievement in my opinion was his hat trick against Chelsea in the Super Cup, which turned into a demolition derby of Chelsea with them losing 4-1. With this inglorious feat, many football pundits and journalists have dubbed him a rising star, to follow in the likes of Messi and Ronaldo. (Umar Ali Khan, By e-mail)
