The post-film scenario
First is the issue of reciprocity. Since the sentiments of Muslims around the world were hurt by the vile film, the governor — quite naturally — wanted the sentiment reciprocated from members of other religions. This expectation is not undue since an attack on one religion can easily translate into an attack on another religion. However, such sentiments can only exist in reciprocity. When the Vatican spoke out against the arrest of 12-year-old Rimsha Masih, it was representing the hurt sentiments of the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world. Similarly, it felt the hurt and indignation of the Muslim community in the current scenario. However, very rarely are these sentiments reciprocated by the Muslim community when Christian sentiments are hurt. Very few Muslim clerics or leaders condemn attacks on Christian churches and other places, or speak out against ingrained discrimination against Christians in Muslim societies, and fewer still favour giving equal rights to minorities in their countries. So, while it was a matter of right that the Muslim minority in Italy has a proper mosque in Rome, Saudi Arabia stops non-Muslims from practising their faith. Therefore, reciprocity is essential for Muslims to make allies in the West.
Secondly, especially in this context, it must be understood that Western society is very different from the societies present in the East. It is a clear fact that the religion most ridiculed in the West is not, in fact, Islam, but Christianity. Many such scandals never get condemned by anyone except Christian leaders. The West has developed in such a way in the post-World War II period, that disdain of religion has become a favourite pastime of a number of people.
Where do we go from here? The recent events should make three things clear to people. First, these films and cartoons will keep coming, and secondly, Muslims cannot keep reacting in violent ways to things which are not simply worth it. Thirdly, and most importantly, Muslim leaders around the world need to make allies in the West so that clear laws are instituted around the world, in Western as well as Muslims countries, so that the religious sentiments of any community are never hurt. This initiative will also require some homework. Muslim countries would need to treat their minorities fairly and justly, allow them complete religious freedom, stop direct and indirect persecution, and dispel negative views of other religions spread through education systems and other avenues. The condemnation and ordering of an inquiry into the burning down of a 100-year-old church and compound in Mardan on September 24 by President Asif Ali Zardari is a step in the right direction, but more concerted efforts clearly need to be made.
The Pope and several religious leaders in the West have repeatedly lamented attacks on religion in the West; perhaps, the time has come for Muslims to coordinate their efforts with members of other religions to prevent the repeat of such despicable attacks on religion. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) always spoke in terms of the whole humanity. Let us also try to make things better, not only for Muslims, but for the whole world.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2012.
COMMENTS (41)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Lala Gee: “ ... Dalits get apartheid treatment; of course, I am talking about the traditional Hinduism which was prevalent before the arrival of Muslims in the sub-continent. ... ”
How much difference has Islam been able to make ? The elite of the Hindu society who converted to Islam are still the elite. The less socially privileged who converted to Islam are now the "pasmanda" Muslim. One could even argue that conversion to Islam has regressed these folks even more.
The current Indian society has very left-leaning social traditions and there is unanimous desire to build a egalitarian society.
The Muslim leaders should educate their citizens that people in the west and Europe have full freedom from their government to worship or not, any God they want, and are also free to offend or not, the God that others worship; this is how it must be if religious freedom is to have any meaning in a true sense..
Muslim leaders should also explain that forcing others to honor Mohamed can be deemed as forcing them to adopt dictates of Islam itself. As non-Muslims cannot impose foreign religious dictates on Muslims, neither should Muslims impose their reverence of Mohamed to non-Muslims.
@Lala Gee: "The right response would have been to declare him a terrorist and to offer a bounty of US$ 10 million on his head..."
That is difference between Free speech (video making may be disgusting) and hate speech (inciting violence and killing of human beings). Muslims must introspect why people all over the world use Freedom of Expression to disrespect only Islam. Could it be that Muslims are the most pugnacious and prickly neighours the world over? Don’t blame Freedom of Expression! Look instead into the mirror and experience the feeling of revulsion gradually taking you over. Pakistani Muslims don't, and never will, understand the meaning and use of free speech and peaceful protest. Reading the First Amendment of the USA constitution might be a good place to start: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
"Fixing Pakistan is beyond human capacity" - Hassan Nisar, a famous Pakistani Columnist
@Lala Gee: Except that you're not going to get your hands on him so you're really just making fools of yourselves and alienating most people.
@Lala Gee: "Dalits get apartheid treatment; of course, I am talking about the traditional Hinduism which was prevalent before the arrival of Muslims in the sub-continent."
You are not referring to 'traditional Hinduism but the distorted form of Hinduism that existed at that time just as I am sure you will agree that at present times, true Islam is not practiced but rather a distorted form of Islam. Manu Smriti referred to varna system but did not deny opportunity for upward mobility and restrict it to birth. Thus in earlier times it was possible for Valiya to becomeMaharshi Valmiki. Incidentally, a cycle of corruption and reform in Hinduism has been ongoing since it is a 5000 year old religion. Buddhism which was an offshoot of Hinduism also influenced Hinduism as did Jainism. I am not aware of any reforms in Hinduism that came from Islam (at least there is no record of that). The most recent civil reformist movements were Arya Samaj, Brahmo Samaj etc.). Since independence, legislation has been the source of significant reform assuring constitutional equality for all and in fact providing affirmative action to those who suffered in the past.
@Rabiya:
"I feel delighted when I read about IRAN that they have increased the reward money against Sulman Rushdie and moreover they are going to pursue Sam Bacile. A very positive approach instead of riots, killings and creating chaos. Pakistan government must have that courage to fix a good amount of reward money for Sam Bacile. He is TERRORIST for Muslim Ummah."
In my opinion, there are only two ways to deal with this matter. One way is to totally ignore this cursed filmmaker considering him a barking dog. The other way is to deal with him like you would deal with a mad dog biting everyone. This damned film producer has acted like a mad dog and is needed to be dealt with accordingly. However, the way GOP and the public reacted was absolutely pathetic, inflicting harm upon themselves instead of upon the filmmaker. The right response would have been to declare him a terrorist and to offer a bounty of US$ 10 million on his head instead of incurring losses of more than a billion dollars to the economy by shutting down all the business. The level of incompetence of our government and lack of common sense in the general public perhaps have no parallels.
Lala gee : The issues you talk about are not about religion but about politics in religion, caste reservations, vote bank politics. I for a minute do not think that the people who got converted to christianity (possibly by money given by the evangelists), people who converted them and the people who converted or tried to convert them back to hinduism have anything to do with religion or the spiritual aspects of the religion.
@Lala Gee: Drown attacks are like nipping in the bud of terrorism. These terrorist feel that they are safe and can plan and kill innocent people around the globe. . Remember that these terror attacks are not not movies which do not physical harm but actually kill men old and young, women and children alike. . Interestingly no body demonstrate against such protection and attack muslims anywhere else in the world. . In case of drown attacks, the US tries to limit collateral damages as far as possible, but what we need to understand is that these terrorists use children and women as human shields. Besides ordinary people in Fata are delighted that at least somebody is killing the ruthless thugs who have seized control of their villages and their lives. Pakistani and US media have tossed around the figure of ‘600-700 civilian casualties’ without citing any evidence.
Actually, after every attack the terrorists cordon off the area and no one, including the local villagers, are allowed to come even near the targeted place. The militants themselves collect the bodies, bury the dead and then issue the statement that all of them were innocent civilians.
@Gratgy:
"We think that being a good human regardless of their faith or beliefs is on the right path."
Being a good human is the right path, I couldn't agree more with this assertion. But then how would you explain the class system in Hinduism. Is it good humanity that Brahmans get special treatment and the untouchable - even this word alone is so despicable - Dalits get apartheid treatment; of course, I am talking about the traditional Hinduism which was prevalent before the arrival of Muslims in the sub-continent.
Very well compose article. Although this 14 minutes clip is worse than any E grade movie. The makers have twisted the facts of Islam in that so called FILM. In-fact it is not film, just a recording on camera and they are successful in their intention to provoke Muslims. Technically one can observe many loop holes. I feel delighted when I read about IRAN that they have increased the reward money against Sulman Rushdie and moreover they are going to pursue Sam Bacile. A very positive approach instead of riots, killings and creating chaos. Pakistan government must have that courage to fix a good amount of reward money for Sam Bacile. He is TERRORIST for Muslim Ummah. I call Innocence of Muslims a "thing" because I don't know what else to call it. It's not a "movie" in the same sense that porn scenes edited together aren't movies. The camera is turned on, something happens in front of the lens, then the camera is turned off. The camera simply records what's in front of it. And we're being led to believe that 14 minutes of that crap uploaded onto YouTube made Muslim countries explode.
That's Insane.
This 14-minute clip is such an amateurish pile of dung it's impossible to believe it was the trigger that sparked violence and death throughout the Muslim world. Do we really believe that Muslims can't tell the difference between a regular movie and a 14-minute long no-budget piece of trash? Do we really believe that they believe Innocence of Muslims represents an American view of Islam and Muhammad SAW? Do we really believe that Muslims are that stupid and naive? Are we that stupid and naive?... In these crucial moments Muslims need to react wisely.
@vasan:
"They, atleast hindus, believe that theirs is not the only path."
So, who else is on the right path besides Hindus? Is Islam and Christianity included in that? If so, then what is the need to reconvert Indian Christians back to Hinduism, especially using force.
@Lala Gee but don’t you think you are on the right path
Yes but we dont think ONLY we are on the right path. We think that being a good human regardless of their faith or beliefs is on the right path. Thats why we do not try to convert others to our faiths for their "salvation"
Lala Gee : I think you are wrong. Every religious person believes their path is the right path. They, atleast hindus, believe that theirs is not the only path. So there is no comparison business here.
@Lala Gee: "The fact is everyone you mentioned above think they are the better ones, the chosen ones, and the ones on right path, or else there is no reason to stick with their beliefs if they don’t think these are the only right ones. I don’t know what is your religion or faith, but don’t you think you are on the right path? You won’t find many Christians, or Jews, or Hindus who don’t think themselves better than Muslims, or the rest of the others for that matter."
Conceptually true. But the Muslims have an entitlement and expectation that others should rever their propphet and belief system which leads to all such heartburn. This sense of entitlement is not that common in people of other belief systems including atheism - except for maybe some fringe cases.
@Rafi Ka Deewana:
"The problem with Muslims (not Islam) is that they think they are better then everyone else, that they are the chosen ones. with that attitude, violence against Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, etc."
The fact is everyone you mentioned above think they are the better ones, the chosen ones, and the ones on right path, or else there is no reason to stick with their beliefs if they don't think these are the only right ones. I don't know what is your religion or faith, but don't you think you are on the right path? You won't find many Christians, or Jews, or Hindus who don't think themselves better than Muslims, or the rest of the others for that matter.
"It is a clear fact that the religion most ridiculed in the West is not, in fact, Islam, but Christianity." Its not just ridiculed but being critically analysed!! Everyone is trying to see the things in the scientific perspective and with critical reasoning.. Even Vatican has installed a state of the art telescope to prove the existence of God (which killed Galileo precisely for this)!!! When Muslims will also start to critically examine the things written in the book , just as all progressive religions of world does they will not get this offended by the filthy videos or cartoons and definitely not resort to violence over any such perceived provocation!!! Till they inculcate that self critical awareness we should not have much hope!!!
@Pir Bulleh Shah: You can believe whatever you want but dont try to enforce it on others. For you your religion is directly imported from heaven but for me not
@Observer:
"The responsibility for this lies squarely with the Pakistani establishment"
Yeah, like those children colluded with the establishment. When the Indians will raise above their brainwashed prejudices, if ever, and say a wrong thing wrong.
A good article, balanced in its approach. When you say "Since the sentiments of Muslims around the world were hurt by the vile film," I and thousands in India and west wonder as to why sentiments of Muslims are so fragile that such senseless acts result in destruction of own properties and death of good Muslims. Taking from Muslims these days many Hindus are also getting on the band wagon of 'Hurt sentiments" Complete humbug and counterproductive; senseless destruction.
@Lala Gee:
"What about those children being killed in Pakistan every day in drone attacks"
The responsibility for this lies squarely with the Pakistani establishment that is hiding and abetting global terrorists. If it has not been giving succor and sanctuary to the likes of Haqqnis, Al Qaeda etc. in Pakistan thus enabling global terrorism, there would have been no need for drone attacks in Pakistan.
@gp65:
"Please learn to distinguish between physical harm to a child and offending someone’s religious feelings."
Good points.
Even well-meaning Pak liberals unconsciously start equating acts of free-speech, though offending, with actual acts of barbarism, bodily harm and lynching for medieval idea of blasphemy.
I am sure the author did not mean it the way it sounds.
Thirdly, and most importantly, Muslim leaders around the world need to make allies in the West so that clear laws are instituted around the world, in Western as well as Muslims countries, so that the religious sentiments of any community are never hurt.
This is preposterous and absurd. Freedom of speech and expression almost everywhere has reasonable restrictions. To bend over backwards just because people's sentiments are hurt is an anachronistic proposition. It will open a Pandora's box of the worst type and take us back eons. To illustrate, a couple of days back an Indian cartoonist (Aseem Trivedi) was arrested because he drew cartoons of national symbols in a distasteful manner. Today the exception is asked for religion, tomorrow for national symbol, day after tomorrow for the absurdities that crop up in the minds of the powers that be. Appeasement and cowardice is not the way forward.
It was an evolutionary process through which the powers of Church were cut to size in the west and rightly so. If other societies are behind, they need to speed up and reform the decadence within, rather than expecting the west to slow down or reverse its evolution.
@Lala Gee: "What about those children being killed in Pakistan every day in drone attacks, or those who were killed in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan by the bombardment of NATO jets. "
I don't support that either.
The world is getting more and more global and complex. Restriction and ban will have less and less prospect.People have to learn to come to terms with the available reality like polluted air and drying out water sources.All kind of solutions will soon turn out to be impractical unless individuals find their peace subjectively.
No one practices discrimination like the Muslim societies. They do not recognize people of other faiths. In Pakistan the constitution precludes non Muslims from holding high office. In Egypt and Turkey it is the same. Unless Muslims get over their home grown insecurities about their religion and treat others with respect, these acts will continue. Now people in the west know how easy it is to needle the prickly and haughty. Just a slight slight away!
@gp65:
"Wrong. IT was concerned about the physical safety of a young child."
What about those children being killed in Pakistan every day in drone attacks, or those who were killed in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan by the bombardment of NATO jets. I don't see any words of condemnation from the Pope, or just because the children of the Moorish people don't deserve a minute of his attention.
Rafi Deewana
Good that you mentioned that Islam doesnt have any problems but Muslims do. Keep in mind that Islam is not the religion anyone follows. It is the religion that everyone should follow.
When our Allah speaks of Muslims and believers he speaks of the whole of mankind. The whole of mankind is Muslim without knowing about it. It will become Muslim soon.
Very good and sensible analysis.. Kudos to author..
"Muslim leaders around the world need to make allies in the West so that clear laws are instituted around the world, in Western as well as Muslims countries, so that the religious sentiments of any community are never hurt."
This kind of law has zero chance of being implemented.
A better idea is that religious people understand that there are many views of this world other than their own. No one can claim they have some privelaged path to "the truth".
Well said, Bangash.
The problem with Muslims (not Islam) is that they think they are better then everyone else, that they are the chosen ones. with that attitude, violence against Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, etc. can be justified. Analogy - we humans think we are superiors to the animals, and can justify any kind of torture (capturing them, making them fight, killing them for the fun of it) without feeling guilty.
The west has moved toward equality. Before that happened, they also killed the blacks, the Indians, and the Asians.
So, there is no hope as long as the Muslim community feels that way.
you are too sane to be taken seriously.
the principle of reciprocity is the most tricky question, that muslims encounter, but instead of answering it honestly, they just try to beat about the bush.
although, i have my share of such honest answers from unapologetic people( like 2+2=5, informed people would know what i am referring to), but i never liked their response, as it disregarded that famed RECIPROCITY DOCTRINE.
however, in their long interaction with islam, non-muslims have understood one point: it's too much to ask muslims to honour the principle of reciprocity. so, it would be better to avoid such uncomfortable situations, which could be potentially embarassing for us, and the muslim friends.
"This expectation is not undue since an attack on one religion can easily translate into an attack on another religion."
I wonder how much Ahmedis feel hurt when their sect and the founder of the 'Jamaat' is assaulted with all kinds of derogatory abusive remarks by the mullahs in their Friday sermons and every where else. How painful it would have been for them when they fill the NIC or Passport forms, lets not talk how they are treated socially and constitutionally.
Tish tosh! Every time such material comes, ill burn my house down to show my love and devotion! Look people! I make sacrifices!
The west should know that hijackers talk on their terms.
"It is a clear fact that the religion most ridiculed in the West is not, in fact, Islam, but Christianity."
Religion, especially Christianity, and the sanctity of churches in the west is a non-issue for most of the people. I have personally seen churches in England converted into pubs and a few sold out to Muslims for converting them into mosques.
"When the Vatican spoke out against the arrest of 12-year-old Rimsha Masih, it was representing the hurt sentiments of the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world. "
Wrong. IT was concerned about the physical safety of a young child. Vatican does not ever speak about movies that may offend Christians. There are thousands of you tube videos that mock key Christian symbols. When youtube is restored in your country, you will be able o find those easily. There is in fact a video called "Sell the Vatican and feed the world". Pope has not commented on it.
Please learn to distinguish between physical harm to a child and offending someone's religious feelings.