HYDERABAD, 21 June 2006 — A class IV textbook, which carried a sketch of Prophet Muhammad (peasce be upon him), was withdrawn by the publisher following protests from Muslims in Hyderabad.
The Delhi-based Arkbird Publications withdrew the copies of the textbook in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu where these had been dispatched. “Our intention was not to hurt but to tell a good story to children. All the remaining copies will be destroyed,” K.B. Prasad, director of Arkbird in AP, said.
In a statement, the publishers pointed out that “the picture printed in the lesson (on the Prophet) has become objectionable to the fine sentiments of our Muslim brethren. In the situation, we have decided to recall the book and stop supply and delete the objectionable sketch with immediate effect.”
“We also tender our sincere apology to the Muslim brethren for hurting their sentiments. We assure that we have great regard and respect for Muslim community and the religion of Islam,” the publishers said and added “the lesson 11 ‘Goodness wins’ was introduced with a good intention of making non-Muslim children familiar with the great value of forgiveness and kindness of Prophet Muhammad.” The class IV textbook on moral values, which is taught in many primary schools in Hyderabad as a compulsory subject under the state syllabus, has a lesson on the Prophet written by Kalpana Singh.
Majlis-e-Ittehaadul Muslimeen (MIM) floor leader in the assembly Akbaruddin Owaisi had threatened to launch an agitation if the textbook was not withdrawn from the market immediately. “After the caricatures of the Prophet in Danish newspapers rocked the entire world, how come the publisher and writer of this book did not realize the implications,” he asked.
Though there was nothing objectionable with the tone of the lesson on the Prophet, the accompanying sketch breached an important precept of Islam that the Prophet should never be depicted pictorially, Owaisi pointed out and demanded the arrest of the writer of the lesson and publisher of the textbook for hurting Muslim sentiments. He also wanted the publisher to tender an apology to Muslims.
The lesson narrates a parable in which the Prophet showers kindness even on his detractors. He passes by the house of an old woman every day. She insults him and throws rubbish at him to make him angry. But the Prophet never loses his composure.
One day, the woman fails to make an appearance as he passes by her house. The Prophet inquires from the neighbors and discovers that she has fallen sick and is bedridden. He calls on the ailing woman and inquires after her health.
The old woman is ashamed of her conduct when she sees how the Prophet forgives and prays for her. Realizing her folly, she mends her ways. The illustration accompanying this story shows the Prophet standing beside the old woman on the sickbed.
