THE REALITY OF FREE SPEECH.

It is fascinating the way the human character works in justifying actions
committed either for or against humanity.

Is it fascination or abhorrence,that a country can stand up for the rights of the oppressed in the name of free speech yet at the same time oppress people by the same token?

Is it strange today that an individual at his/her workplace is not allowed to
express negative opinions about others for the fear of humiliation or loss
of income?

Or stranger yet, that as a society we are ever so careful in how
we communicate with others be it in the work place or at home or at our
social gatherings for the fear of hurting the feelings of others?

How about the feelings of those who have passed away? Is there not uneasiness when speaking ill of those in their graves?

So what right does this so called "freedom of speech" have when it comes to
denigrating, and tarnishing the name of our beloved Prophet Muhammad?

According to Wikipedia, freedom of speech is the "political" expression of
ones opinions and ideas through the medium of speech. Article 19 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights also indicates that " ... the exercise
of these rights carries with it special duties and responsibilities" and
may "...therefore be subject to certain restrictions when necessary". The
definition goes on to say that these restrictions apply for the protection
of "national security or public order"

By this above definition, I would clearly define this "so called" movie as
violating the freedom of speech. It is in violation of disrupting public
order and causing unnecessary hardship and violence.

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) is a mercy to the worlds, who character is par
excellence, who transformed the ways of the Arab people by his exemplary
morals and ethics, who never provoked, insulted or attacked anyone, and
whose character is a testament to the heights a Human Being can reach in the
eyes of the creator.

Mahatma Ghandi held the Holy Prophet in reverence, stating;
"It was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme
of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the
Prophet the scrupulous regard for 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."

Thomas Carlyle in his book Hero's and Hero Worship and the Heroic in
History(1840) states "The lies (Western slander) which well-meaning zeal has
heaped round this man (Muhammad) are disgraceful to ourselves only."

Lane-Poole states in 'Speeches and Table Talk of the Prophet Muhammad', the
following about Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
"He was the most faithful protector of those he protected, the sweetest and
most agreeable in conversation. Those who saw him were suddenly filled with
reverence; those who came near him loved him; they who described him would
say, "I have never seen his like either before or after." He was of great
taciturnity, but when he spoke it was with emphasis and deliberation, and no
one could forget what he said.."

And there are hundreds of such quotes and reflections coming not from
Muslims but Orientalists, who after having read about the true character of
the Prophet, have nothing but words of reverence and beauty to say about
him.

Therefore this is a call to all of us, Muslim or not, monotheist or not, to
reach into the annals of history and pull from it the wisdom of the ages
that sets us apart from the ignorant and the arrogant. As a nation, nay
rather a civilized nation, it becomes almost mandatory for us, not to accept
such deliberate yet feeble and uncouth attempts at demeaning Islam and
Muslims or rather any other religion, or culture that may be unfortunate
enough to be sacrificed at the altar of "Freedom of Speech"

As true followers of this great man (Prophet Muhammad), violence is
unacceptable, and is vociferously denounced, rather attempts at diplomatic
and meaningful dialogue is highly encouraged. Dialogue that will free the
innocent and release the ignorant from the shackles of disgrace and
humility.

Historical insights such as the ones stated above are facts that cannot be
denied by any sound mind. The questions then we must ask ourselves are; Does
"Freedom of Speech" come with a responsibility that ties humanity into a
cohesive entity? Or is any speech, free of all responsibility and can be
used to in any form regardless of consequences?

References

Carlyle, T "Hero's and Hero Worship and the Heroic in History, 1940 from
http://www.protecte dpearls.com/

Irving,W "Life of Muhammed" New York, 1920 from
http://www.protecte dpearls.com/