This is not the first time it has happened. The Danes and the French had a go with those blasphemous cartoons which ridiculed Islam. They unleashed a torrent of protest in the Muslim world which took weeks to die out. British and American newspaper editors saw the pictures and wisely preferred not to print them. Other European editors were tempted, but decided to follow the British example. But apparently, no Western government can possibly suppress a hate film, which is directed against a particular religion, when it is made in secret and they have no knowledge of its existence. Such was the case with the hate film Innocence of Muslims, which set the Middle East and now Pakistan in turmoil.
I watched Barack Obama on Euronews after American embassies were targeted by mobs. One could see the strain on his face. With the election not so far away, this unpleasant incident was the last thing that he could have wanted. Of course, he had to speak about the fundamental rights of the American citizen. And he had to utter those clichés about personal liberties which, apparently, don’t apply to the inmates of Guantanamo Bay. But the embarrassment was blatantly obvious and the regret appeared to be sincere. Hillary Clinton, in another broadcast, called the film disgusting and reprehensible. I have not even the slightest doubt that she was also genuine.
The movie that inspired fierce protests in Pakistan, parts of Africa where Islam is predominant, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran and other countries in the Middle East, was produced in relative obscurity in a small town in southern California. It was promoted and possibly financed by a network of right wing Christian extremists who have in the past betrayed pronounced feelings of hostility towards Muslims. It is possible that this group was at one time also anti-Semitic. One of the producers of this poisonous dribble was a Vietnam veteran named Steve Klein who has a reputation for foul-mouthing Muslims. And one of the promoters of the movie was the notorious Florida preacher Terry Jones whose act of burning the Holy Quran led to widespread demonstrations and protests in Afghanistan.
Attempts were made by senior US officials, including General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to persuade Jones to withdraw his support for the film. But the preacher said he would wait until he saw the whole motion picture. The 14-minute trailer went relatively unnoticed and it was only when the text was translated into Arabic and posted on YouTube by leaders of the Coptic Diaspora in America that all hell broke loose. One is not sure if an actual feature film was subsequently made.
Insulting the prophets of different religions is a reprehensible and indefensible act. Muslims respect both Hazrat Musa (Moses) and Hazrat Isa (Jesus Christ). I have never heard a fellow Muslim ever insult either the Jewish or the Christian prophets or even speak in disparaging and reproachful tones against the Hindu deities.
What I can’t understand is, why these adventurers did what they did. Was it because of missionary zeal? Because they were asked to. Or was it because of pure mischief? Didn’t they realise that their actions put at risk not only their diplomats serving abroad but also their citizens who do not have police protection?
Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (53)
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@Raja Poras Can you show me what ‘hate-full’ comments written in Pakistani text books
As I said Denial is a river in Pakistan http://tribune.com.pk/story/428479/people-of-other-religions-busy-in-useless-activities-during-religious-festivals-so-say-pakistans-school-books/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistanitextbookscontroversy
Perhaps you never went to a regular school.. shows!
@Spectator:
google pakistani movie MUSA KHAN....and then write the same sentence again....
@Raja Poras: Have you by mistake mentioned India in place of Paki?
@ Indian Trolls
You are hostages of your biased media and right wing propaganda. With this extreme mindset no wonder the likes of you can not co exist with others be it muslims, christians or sikhs. The indian democracy and secularist credentials are just a joke and a facade. Indians have two hobbies, breeding babies and breeding hate.
Can you show me what 'hate-full' comments written in Pakistani text books against other prophets or religions, show the proof rather than parroting something which your hero 'bal thakrey' says all the time. All of you are Indians are alike, hateful, vengeful and fake. I would be too if 800 million people would defecate in the open in my country (no wonder everyone calls India the 'foul-smelliest' country of the world)
There is a lot of discussion here about Muslims and the religion of Islam. Muslim friends feel the impression the whole world caries about Islam is not justified as Islam is a religion of peace. I grant that is true, but should Muslims not think of what impression their actions create?
What impression would you form of a religion when a preacher of that religion plants evidence into some ash carried by a mentally retarded 14 years old girl of another religion just to get her convicted for blasphemy?
@American:
Well, first of all, shame on you. What you bluntly uttered in your comment was exactly what the mischievousness movie-makers did. Now coming to the kill/rape/persecute phenomenon, you for sure lack some serious knowledge of one side of the story. How do you justify the burning of mosques, persecution of Muslims, molestation of hijabi women (women wearing veils), thousands of innocents killed in Burma etc all across the globe by non-Muslims? I thereby do not approve of the wrongdoings of the extremist Muslims. Extremists are present in every sect, society and religion. They are not our introduction. Islam is a religion that promotes a culture of peace. Nevertheless you people do not even spare your own religious leaders, so it is hard to stoop down and level you. May God bless you with some sanity---Peace
well it sure makes it a bit difficult to acept the line that Islam is a religion of peace
Anwer Mooraj, obviously these people were asked to produce this filthy film. It is an organized racket supported by American government to defame Muslims and Islam. I too have never in my entire life head any Muslim disparage any other religion. How these non-Muslims are so filled with hate towards a religion which is a religion of love and peace is beyond me, just as it is beyond you and every other Muslim.
@Spectator:
You did much worse...kill, rape, convert, persecute, legislate, and drive them out of your country. You should be ashamed of yourself and your maker, and his messenger.
A self respecting believer should be able to know trash from treasure.If he is not, then what integrity has he achieved through his belief? If the author has been lucky enough not to witness preachers slighting infidels, he just need attend a few local mosques in a european country; although ,i think, he really doesn´t have to go that far.
@Spectator:
I see your point, and how helpless you must be. I wish you well.
The moderators will not allow what I want to say. I can only repeat what I said earlier at the end. Do that for the sake of your country and your society.
"Zarra Sochiye."
I agree ONE HUNDRED PERCENT with cautious ´s post.
See the big picture. The world knows now that a simple mischief maker can bring in such wanton destruction in Muslim countries - particularly like Pakistan. These riots results in setback in economy, which is a huge setback on exchequer. If this is done repeatedly, then Pakistan like countries will literally be left with begging option a economically broke state.
It does not cost any mischief make much - a cartoon, a book, a short film, a speech !!!! how much do they cost. How much do they cost Pakistan ? And in returns lots of money to the mischief makers.
And these are non state actors !!!!! And Pakistan knows very well how much control it has over NON STATE actors.
This is what Pakistan gets when it encourages religion based existence, governance, politics, worldview, etc. It bites Pakistan. A small step elsewhere results in big self inflicted wound.
Go on encouraging and there will be no one to hear you even in your country, no one to guide you in your country and no one to lead you out of the despair in your country.
I am sure this write up also will not get published as many others but as a well wisher of Pakistan I will continue to raise the voice of TRUTH.
What about blasphemy against Mirza Ghulam Ahmed? Or is that acceptable?
@Observer:
..True, totally agree with you and I am disgusted by the so-called Muslims that do so but extremists and haters are present in all societies, aren’t they? The burning of mosque in Missouri and many other places in the world is a norm now, Muslims are killed all across the globe. Women wearing hijabs(veils to cover their faces) are targeted and molested in front of masses abroad. Thousands of Muslim men, women and even children are killed in burma. So does that give us the right to insult your Prophets? No, it certainly doesn’t. Point to ponder Sir!!
@antanu g: Because if you do, you go against Koran.
The reaction we saw in Pakistan was politically engineered and motivated, religion was only an excuse.
@Observer: "Muslims do burn down churches, destroy temples and kill Christians and Hindus."..True, totally agree with you and I am disgusted by the so-called Muslims that do so but extremists and haters are present in all societies, aren't they? The burning of mosque in Missouri and many other places in the world is a norm now, Muslims are killed all across the globe. Women wearing hijabs(veils to cover their faces) are targeted and molested in front of masses abroad. Thousands of Muslim men, women and even children are killed in burma. So does that give us the right to insult your Prophets? No, it certainly doesn't. Point to ponder Sir!!
@Wonderer: No Sir, we wont be doing that as that is the difference between us Muslims and the rest. I never supported the burning of our own country and looting of our banks in any of my statements, you must've misunderstood me. All I was asserting was that people are under any circumstances "not" permitted to insult any of the religious personalities, and if some so-called Muslims have ever indulged in such practices ever in the past then I assure you they are not one of us. They do not define us! Peace.
@Spectator: I'd imagine it's a hard thing to accomplish when you're living in a century before the technology existed.
@Spectator:
"........ atleast we Muslims haven’t created a whole film to disgrace the Hindu deities or....... "
I challenge you Sir. Produce the dirtiest film you are capable of, and I can assure you every Hindu in the world, including the BJP wallas, will only laugh at you for your ignorance. And, some stupid Hindu will produce an even dirtier film about Islam.
Why can't you laugh at the ignorance and foolishness of the person who provoked you by a stupid film to burn your own country and loot your own banks?
Why do you pick up the hat if it does not fit you?
Zarra Sochiye.
"Well atleast we Muslims haven’t created a whole film to disgrace the Hindu deities or to insult either the Jewish or the Christian Prophets."
True, but Muslims do burn down churches, destroy temples and kill Christians and Hindus. So, which is worse? A film or actual killing and destruction of religious places?
Did Sri Lanka, Korea, Thailand went on rampage when Bamiyan Buddha was blown, or did they killed the Muslim living in their country. Its quite easy to blame others for their mischief videos but quite tough to look inward.
Only yesterday a church was burnt in Pakistan in the protest, how about the Christain world went ahead as mark of protest and begin to burn mosque in Europe and America.
May Allah give more wisdom to its followers, not only passion.
@Gratgy: It begins in India
@Spectator:
Well atleast we Muslims haven’t created a whole film to disgrace the Hindu deities or to insult either the Jewish or the Christian Prophets.
No they have simply blown them up. Bamian Budhas being the latest.
And by the way, have you ever considered Judaism, Christianity and Hinduism as valid religions at all. And have you seen Malik Ishaq speeches on Youtube?
And he had to utter those clichés about personal liberties which, apparently, don’t apply to the inmates of Guantanamo Bay. . Glad you brought up the liberties of the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay because it was one such prisoner who was released from Guantanamo Bay who led the attack on the US ambassador to Libya.
The fact that is being boldly ignored over here is that there are extremists and haters in every society and religion, Pakistan has them too and so does the United States or any other Western countries. However the film producers, directors and publishers are well-educated people who are assumed to be quite acquainted with morals and ethics of every religion. Pakistan or any other Muslim country in that case has undoubtedly never ever disgraced the religious personalities of any other religion in such a planned and targeted way (i.e. making a movie out of it), what our extremists say or comment about any of the religions does not define who we are. We disagree with them as much as you do. But there is a thin line between there is a thin line between sanity and insanity, and the people behind this heinous film have clearly crossed that.
@Anwer Mooraj
And he had to utter those clichés about personal liberties which, apparently, don’t apply to the inmates of Guantanamo Bay.
Are we talking about the same 'personal liberties' which are abundantly available to all non-Muslim inmates of Muslim societies? Second Amendment and Blasphemy enablers included.
Ever heard of 'Apne Girehban Mein Jhankna'?
@DarKnight and FU: Well atleast we Muslims haven't created a whole film to disgrace the Hindu deities or to insult either the Jewish or the Christian Prophets.
Hate speech? Look no further than your railway minister offerring money for the death of those involved in this film.
I have never heard a fellow Muslim ever insult either the Jewish or the Christian prophets or even speak in disparaging and reproachful tones against the Hindu deities.
Denial is a river that flows through Pakistan
muslims engage in blasphemy all the time when they say that Christ was not the son of God, but no christian asks for the head of a muslim for saying that!
“I have never heard a fellow Muslim ever insult either the Jewish or the Christian prophets or even speak in disparaging and reproachful tones against the Hindu deities.”... How can somebody in Pakistan say such a lie with a straight face? Maybe we don't insult Jewish and Christian prophets because they are our prophets too, but Pakistan is otherwise steeped in a culture of hate against anyone who does not believe that Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) was the last prophet, or who does not believe in the Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition. Who in Pakistan got upset or protested when the Bamiyan Buddhas were demolished or countless small Hindu temples are destroyed. We idolize kings who destroyed Hindu temples and persecuted Hindus. And have the gall to make statements like the one above
Anwer Mooraj has very naively concluded his column, as if Muslims all over the world are very peace loving, respectful creatures, which indeed is completely false assertion. Many extremist Muslims including our Taliban and Al Qaeda fellows kill in the name of God on daily basis, burn down churches, even mosques and murder and persecute all minorities communities in Pakistan. Similar hatred is also exhibited in other Muslim countries, thus, forcing the non-Muslims to blame the teachings of the religion of Islam itself and giving them opportunity to blame our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The cause of such hatred is not one sided.
"I have never heard a fellow Muslim ever insult either the Jewish or the Christian prophets or even speak in disparaging and reproachful tones against the Hindu deities." You just have to go to the nearest mosque or turn on your TV - you will find plenty. But now - I know - all that is a figment of our (Jews, hindus and amreekis) imagination. "GOOD MUSLIMS" never say nor hear such things!
@FU: AGREE!
"I have never heard...etc" Time you checked your hearing aid batteries mate.
But you burn their churches
@FU: Your assumption is silly. He is talking about his fellows. Think before you comment.
"I have never heard a fellow Muslim ever insult either the Jewish or the Christian prophets or even speak in disparaging and reproachful tones against the Hindu deities."emphasized text
Really - might I suggest perusing through the school text books in Pakistan or searching the same You Tube for "jihadi videos" or even a trip to the local mosque to hear the Friday sermons!
Most of the comments coming on ET over this movie from western sides are with an argument that there are insulting movies on christianity but there is no outrage in western countries.This clears one thing that overwhelming majority has a very vague concept of religion.Materialism has washed awy very concept of the sanctity of the religion and it's founders,i.e.prophets.Whereas in muslim worlds concept of sancity of relegion and prophets is still very much alive,though a large section of muslim population is unaware of right kind of reaction to such insults to prophets.
Absolutely agree that the film was reprehensible and made to cause mischif. The way others Muslim countries and especially Pakistan reacted by literally shooting itself (last count 19 dead in the riots) will only strengthen the resolve of people like the film maker. The correct response was to ignore it and it would have died an instant death.
In Quran an entire surah is for Hazrat Isa (Jesus Christ) i.e SURAH MARYAM if still a muslin does that he should get the equal punishment we are demanding..... We cannot say any thing about Hazrat Isa because he is our Nabi too.....
When it comes to their religion all their common sense and wisdomgo out the window and condemn everyone other than themselves.
"’t they realise that their actions put at risk not only their diplomats serving abroad but also their citizens who do not have police protection?"
If the author meant that " they" meaning the fanatics who roam around and kill people, it would have meant some sense. Alas, this is the country where the federal minister himself has become a jihadi, what else can we expect.
I have never heard a fellow Muslim ever ... speak in disparaging and reproachful tones against the Hindu deities. You certainly haven't met many fellow muslims then.
This was a melodrama to hurt us nothing else... they know our weakness..... Islam is a peaceful religion but i think its followers are not...... In Islam blasphemy is intolerable so their is no IF and BUT... The movie was not targeted to any country it was targeted only against our Prophet... Things should not go as they are going but the reason cannot be denied...
Sir if you serach on youtube (if not in Pakistan or some other video hosting site) there are literally 100s of videos of mullahs, analysts and Pakistan's very own Zaid Hamid s[pewing utter rubbish and hatered for Jewish, Hindus and Christians. In fact Zaid Hamid is famous for his ghazwa-e-hind doctrine which he says is a hadith of the Prophet (PBUH). Is this not a insult to Islam?
I have never heard a fellow Muslim ever insult either the Jewish or the Christian prophets or even speak in disparaging and reproachful tones against the Hindu deities.
This is a outright blatant big time lie.
"I have never heard a fellow Muslim ever insult either the Jewish or the Christian prophets or even speak in disparaging and reproachful tones against the Hindu deities." Really ?
Maybe it's a simple as an Coptic Christian who has been persecuted in Egypt by Muslims his entire life coming to America to make a despicable movie as an act of revenge. Maybe the outrage and wrath should be directed at Egypt for tolerating the well documented persecution of Coptic's?