The religion of Islam has been under intense focus and discussions in recent times mainly because of terrorist related activities around the world, and recently, because of the cartoon controversy.
In January 2012, I wrote an opinion column for The Liberal arguing that while freedom of speech remains a core value in democracy, it must carry intrinsic responsibilities and restraints to avoid violation of rights and hurting the feelings of others.
This is just as relevant in the aftermath of the killings in Paris, which must be strongly condemned no matter what the provocation.
I feel it necessary to clarify some misconceptions that emerge when media reports on terrorist incidents, associating them with Islam and Muslims.
The word Islam means peace, or total submission to the will of God to attain peace in one’s life.
A Muslim chooses to live in peace and shares peace with others around him.
So by definition, a true Muslim can never be a fanatic, since Islam teaches first to become a good human being who is humble, kind, compassionate, tolerant, forgiving, thankful and respects the rights of people of all faiths and beliefs.
Islam envisions a society based on human rights, ie rights of parents, women, children, neighbours, elderly and disabled. It provides security of life, property, wealth, privacy and honour.
The Holy Quran in chapter 5, verse 32 says: “… whoever kills a person … it is as if he has killed the entire humanity, and whoever saves life of one person, it is as if he has saved the entire humanity”.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was emphatic to say: “A Muslim is one from whose hands and speech others are safe”.
Islam offers the same message and same respect to all mankind. It propagates the same message God revealed to all prophets and messengers throughout history.
A Muslim believes and respects all prophets, without making distinction in their teachings (3:84). Ridiculing any prophet causes the same pain to a Muslim as deriding Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Furthermore, Islam reveres Mother Mary as “the most exalted among the women of the world” (Al Quran 3:42).
Islam forbids compulsion or coercion in religion. The right path is clearly differentiated from the wrong, and it is at the discretion of the individual to renounce evil and follow what is pious (Al Quran 2:256).
When Islamic revelations began in 610 CE, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the first one to demonstrate them through his character and behavior. Later, Islam spread from Damascus to Persia and then to Egypt, because of the just and inspirational dealings of Muslims ensuring “justice even for the enemies” (Al Quran 5:8). Those who did not accept Islam were allowed to worship according to their beliefs with complete protection and security.
The basic unit of any nation is a family. Without peace in the family there can be no peace, love or compassion in society. Islam lays strong emphasis on respect for elders and parents; “… be good to your parents and if one or both reach old age, do not say a word of disrespect, nor rebuke them, but speak to them with respect” (Al Quran 17:23).
One often hears the word “fundamentalist” attributed negatively towards Muslims.
A person observing the teachings of Islam in spirit as a true Muslim can never be a negative person. Rather, he will always be a role model and an asset for any society in the world.
By Irfan Sheryar, Arrahman Arraheem
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