By Mohamed Khodr* | Sabbah Report | www.sabbah.biz
"We sent thee not, O! Muhammad, save as a mercy to all the people. Say, O! Muhammad: "It has but been revealed unto me that your God is the One and Only God: will you, then, surrender yourselves unto Him?" (Qur'an: 21: 107-108)
There is only one "Absolute" form of Free Speech in the west, the freedom and right to bash Islam, stomp, shoot, and flush the Holy Qur'an down the toilet, and portray Islam's beloved Prophet Muhammad (p) in the most vile manner in all forms of "art".
Freedom of Speech is an ever changing and evolving right that depends on time, person, place, method of delivery, issue, and people involved. Since the time of Socrates who was prosecuted for corrupting young minds to today's blasphemous attacks on Islam, the Quran, and Islam's Prophet; freedom of speech has always been defined and determined by those in power.
Bashing Islam is not new. In fact it began during the Prophet's own lifetime by those who rejected his message in Arabia only to be followed by Christians, Jews, and followers of other faiths. Saint John of Damascus (7th – 8th C) while ironically working as an administrative officer for the Muslim ruler of Damascus wrote that the Prophet Muhammad (p) was a "false prophet…heretic…an Anti Christ." Such attacks continued throughout historical Christian Europe by men such as Martin Luther, Voltaire, Dante, to , right wing European parties, to the U.S. by such men as Franklin Graham, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Hal Lindsey (who called Allah (God) Satan), and politicians. Bashing Islam has become a respectable political and money making cottage industry.
Thus it's not surprising that 9/11 opened the flood gates for a wider multitude of westerners who inflame and further incite hatred of Islam. Such vileness arises out of total ignorance of Islam and the historical innate fear of the "other". The West fears what it does not know. In Europe, especially, fear of an Islamized Europe has conveniently morphed into a political agenda against the immigration of the "other", mainly people of color who immigrate to Europe from formerly European colonized nations.
It is inexplicable to describe the West as civilized when such uncivil behavior toward those of a different faith or color permeates a significant portion of the population. If civilization is based on education then such people must be hailed as arrogant, racists, supremacists, and ignorant fools.
The Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks as part of an art exhibition entitled "Dog in Art" decided to follow in the footsteps of the Danish cartoonist Kurt Westergaard (who drew cartoons depicting Muhammad as a terrorist) and drew a cartoon of the Prophet with the body of a dog. While the public rationale is freedom of speech, the underlying motive is pure racism. But freedom of speech in the west depends on who you offend. Offending Jews, discussing the Holocaust, criticizing Israel's brutality against the Palestinians is either attacked as "Anti-Semitic", or met with jail time while the western kosher media quashes such "free speech". God forbid such a cartoonist would draw a similar cartoon of Moses (p), a Jew with a swastika as a tail, or of the Crown Prince of Spain. (Spanish cartoonist fined for royal dishonour", UK Telegraph, Nov. 14, 2007)
The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard wrote of Freedom or Speech, "People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use."
The European Union Human Rights reports on Racism and Xenophobia annually reports that racism against Muslims and people of color in Europe is an ever increasing problem. While the E.U. and Sweden have laws on "hate crimes", which I consider these foul cartoons to be, they seldom if ever prosecute the perpetrators of such hate crimes if the intended victim is Islam or Muslims. On the contrary such politicians and artists are applauded and welcomed in the U.S. (Salman Rushdie, "The Satanic Verses", in the White House), by Conservative Christians and Pro Israeli lobbies, think tanks, and the mainstream Pro Israel media as idols of free speech. Yet in Europe and the U.S. if the perceived crime is "Anti Semitic" governments are in the fore front to decry and prosecute such "hate crimes".
When Israel is portrayed in a negative light in the Arab media due to its murderous occupation of Palestinians and constant theft of their land both European and U.S. governments immediately and publicly condemn such actions as hateful and anti Semitic, but when Islam's Prophet is subjected to vile hate it is considered "freedom of speech". It is a fine line and slippery slope between what is considered free speech and blasphemy. Didn't the Nazis use hateful cartoons of Jews as part of their propaganda for the "final solution?
It is this double standard and hypocrisy by western governments that inflames the Muslim world against their policies and practices, especially with respect to Israel's invasions and genocide against Lebanese and Palestinian civilians. Criticizing Israel for its illegal occupation, inhumane siege of Gaza, massacring Gaza's children, demolishing thousands of homes, destroying hospitals, clinics, schools, churches and mosques, depriving the population of food, water and medicine, it's massive abuse of human rights and defiance of International laws, and much more is unacceptable, censored, hateful, and strongly defended by western governments and the media as "Israel's right to self defense", a right that its victims are denied.
Muslims are strictly forbidden from carrying out any violence or calling for death threats against the perpetrators of hate against the Prophet. The Holy Quran forbids such violence and directs Muslims to endure and be patient as the Holy Prophet endured during his lifetime.
"And, whenever they heard frivolous talk, having turned away from it and said: "Unto us shall be accounted Our deeds, and unto you, your deeds. Peace be upon you – [but] we do not seek out such as are ignorant [of the meaning of right and wrong]." (Quran: 28:55)
"Believers (Muslims), stand out firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others toward you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear God. For God is well-acquainted with all that you do." (Qur'an 5:8)
The European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) and the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) condemned the death threats issued by Al Qaeda and other small extremist groups against Lars Vilks, the Swedish cartoonist, and Ulf Johansson editor in chief of the paper that published his cartoon of the Prophet with a body of a dog. Such hate must be met with patience and a strong educational outreach program to tell the truth about Islam and its beloved Prophet Muhammad (p).
Perpetual racism, arrogance, and ignorance of Islam in the west are the combustible ingredients for assured mutual destruction of our planet. The lack of any sacredness in the west that belies the misguided application of free speech against the "other" rests on the premise that if I hold nothing sacred and I damn my own faith and religious figures then I have the right to damn yours and if you are civilized like me you will accept such racist rantings as free speech. That is the rational of fools who've surrendered their superficial intellect to misguided stupidity.
It's not enough that the west has annihilated, bombed, and committed holocausts across the globe against the "other"; now the "other" must endure the verbal and written bombs upon their faith, culture, and traditions.
What conceivable civilized aim can be achieved by denigrating a Prophet of 1.6 Billion Muslims? Why aren't Muslims retaliating with the same vile hate against Judeo-Christian religious founders such as Moses and Jesus, peace be upon them both, or the Torah and Gospel? Because Muslims believe and revere these two prophets and the original holy revelations they received.
The least that can be expected from "civilized" people who wish to criticize a faith is to have a working knowledge on the subject to confer some credibility for their critique. Such knowledge of Islam is sorely missing in the West, thus such critiques are frivolous and meaningless.
Both the Danish and Swedish cartoonists who drew the vile cartoons of the Prophet were unknown entities until they entered racist contests concocted by two small papers in a competition to defame and demonize a most exalted person. After the controversy these two men achieved the celebrity status that has eluded them for decades.
But what of this man, Muhammad (p), who for centuries became the object of racist depictions by people who knew nothing about him in Christian Europe and in the U.S. (Read: "Muhammad in Europe", by Minou Reeves)
The British Historian Michael H. Hart in his book: "The 100: Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History" chose Muhammad (p) as the most influential human being in history. He wrote:
"My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level."
The famous French writer, poet, and politician Alphonse le Lamartine (1790-1869) in his book, "Histoire De La Turque", wrote of Muhammad (p):
"If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad"? The renowned Professor of Comparative Religion Karen Armstrong wrote a book in 2006 entitled "Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time"
There are endless biographies, books, speeches and statements on Prophet Muhammad (p) by renowned authors around the world that exalt his person, his unshakeable spiritual beliefs, morality, ethics, compassion, mercy, and extraordinary leadership.
Sadly in America's educational system the study of cultures, world religions, history, and geography are sorely lacking. Such a vacuum can only lead to further misunderstanding and conflict between religions and peoples
"There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions."
–Hans Kung, Catholic Theologian
The foundation for a peaceful world is the knowledge that all humanity is equal in the eyes of God and in human laws and that human nature is the same throughout time, place, and geography. The secret is simple: R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things. (Qur'an: 49:13)
* Mohamed Khodr is a political activist who frequently writes on the plight of Palestinians living under the brutal occupation of Israel, U.S. Foreign Policy, Islam, and Arab politics.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Amazing how selective this essay turned out to be. The accusation of “double standard and hypocrisy” might be more credible if the essay included a discussion of Friday sermons filled with “sanctified hatred” every after week in mosques in many parts of the world.
When you say,`Didn’t the Nazis use hateful cartoons of Jews as part of their propaganda for the “final solution?`, you have largely destroyed your own article, as The Holocaust myth was the foundation stone of Israel, for the reason that this allegation against the West allows Jewish predations against Palestinian and Lebanese people – or anyone else for that matter.
Don’t believe us white fellas, ask Pres Ahmadinejad, he understands all this perfectly well which is why the Jews view his understanding as a real threat, giving them an additional reason for wanting America to nuke Iran.
Remember, no Holocaust, no Israel. Why so generously hand them a propaganda victory being the very club they use to mass murder Palestinians and other Arabs ?
Freedom of Speech is improtant for development of country.
To: Edenbridger
“Selective” You are the selective one. The artical talks about “bashing ISLAM” as a religion of 1.5 billions. Visa vi “critisizing Israel behaivours”.. so the deffirence is clear.
On the other hand , those Friday Muslim sermons are for Muslims to discuss thier affares.
What is BIGGER and MORE IMPORTANT subject for the Muslims to sacardly discuss, than this Judaic-Tamlodist-Zionist Assoult on their existancs.
I it was the Korean who done to Arabs and Muslims what the ZioJews did. You find them bashing the Koreans.
Some call it Marxism — I call it Judaism.” (The American Bulletin, Rabbi S. Wise, May 5, 1935).
“It is legitimate to adopt a critical attitude toward the relatively large number of Jews who particularly in the first decade after the Bolshevik revolution collaborated with the Soviet Government in the persecution of other peoples.” — Statement of researcher Michael Mills, an official of the government of Australia at Canberra. (Source: Forward, March 10, 2000)
— Robert Wilton, a long time Russia correspondent for the London Times, said in his book The Last Days of the Romanovs:
“According to the data furnished by the Soviet press, out of 556 important functionaries of the Bolshevik State there were in 1918-1919: 17 Russians, 2 Ukrainians, 11 Armenians, 35 Lets, 15 Germans, 1 Hungarian, 10 Georgians, 2 Poles, 2 Finns, 1 Karaim, 457 Jews.
“As the decades past by — after the fateful year 1917 — Judaized Khazars kept a firm hand on the helm of the government in the occupied land of Russia. In due time they built a bureaucracy to their heart’s desire.”
“The Communist soul is the soul of Judaism. Hence it follows that, just as in the Russian revolution the triumph of Communism was the triumph of Judaism, so also in the triumph of fascism will triumph Judaism.” (A Program for the Jews and Humanity, Rabbi Harry Waton, p. 143-144).
The American Hebrew September 10, 1920:
“The Bolshevist revolution in Russia was the work of Jewish brains, of Jewish dissatisfaction, of Jewish planning, whose goal is to create a new order in the world. What was performed in so excellent a way in Russia, thanks to Jewish brains, and because of Jewish dissatisfaction, and by Jewish planning, shall also, through the same Jewish mental and physical forces, become a reality all over the world.”
“The Jews welcome this revolution in the Christian world, and the Jews should show an example. It is not an accident that Judaism gave birth to Marxism, and it is not an accident that the Jews readily took up Marxism: all this was in perfect accord with the progress of Judaism and the Jews.” (A Program for the Jews and Humanity, by Rabbi Harry Waton, p. 148).
“We have exterminated the property owners in Russia. We are going to do the same thing in Europe and America.” (The Jew, December 1925, Zinobit).
No religion is off limits. The people that think an image of Muhammed is the denigration of a prophet no longer even recognize the original meaning of why Muhammed himself didn’t want images or statues of him to be made. It was to make sure people didn’t worship the icon, like christians do the cross/crucifix, and instead worship their god. He wanted to keep the followers focusing on the right things.
Now, deprived of an icon to distract their focus away from what really matters, some have chosen to use the ban of the use of an icon as the vehicle for that very same distraction Muhammed was warning against. They have completely lost sight of the intent and are lost in the land of dogma… just like people do around the world.
If you don’t wear a flag pin, you hate america.
If you don’t go to christian church on sunday, you’re a sinner.
It’s the curse of all human organizations. Eventually the original spirit of a movement is padded with rituals to give honor to those who took part in the creation of that movement. Those rituals eventually turn into rules and laws that people’s loyalty is judged from–and not from how they live their lives based on that original spirit of the movement.
Muhammed understood this. Many of his followers completely missed the point–as do many in every religion and nation.
I am afraid that the author of this article, while obviously educated and well intentioned, makes a major mistake as well as an amalgam between two different things. First, he confuses the European legislation against the incitement to hatred towards a specific group and the European legislation regarding freedom of speech and freedom of religion (as well as secularism). I know the US legislation far less, so I will not comment on it, although I suspect it is even freer in the USA (where, unlike the EU, you can publicly write and publish revisionist texts under the protection of the freedom of speech and freedom of press).
But the point is the following: in the EU, you may perfectly well write that Israel and Zionists are behaving like assassins. You may also criticize Israel, write that Judaism is a retarded religion (or any other religion for that matter), and say that Israel is an obstacle to a peaceful Middle-East. Obviously, you may write any caricature you want about Islam or Muhammad, and comment about these in the most negative way. However, you may not call for the physical harm of any community or group of people, religion and so on. You may not call for physical harm of the Jews, Muslims, Christians, Arabs and so on.
The only double standard that I can see is about Holocaust denial. It is illegal in most Western countries and I think this is wrong. While I think Holocaust deniers are dangerous disgusting morons with no historical knowledge, I believe that forbidding them by law to express themselves (at the risk of huge fines) is the wrong way to go. I much prefer to fight on the academic and paper ground than in court. And if we begin to forbid revisionism on one topic, why not for any other sensitive topic, for another community? It makes no sense and it is unfair.
But to go back to the article, I would conclude by saying that it confuses hate crime and hate speech (against living people) definition in the West with free negative speech (about ideas). Two completely different things. As another commenter have written, it also fails to see the other hypocrisy: the one of the Muslim world which constantly seeks responsibility for its problems in the West while never addressing its own intolerance and absence of freedom. When I will be able to have this conversation freely in the street of an Arab or Muslim country, I think we will be able to have a balanced discussion.
Hi. Is this about religion, or, is it really about “imperial mobilization”?
What do you think?
Is it about Islamofascism – or is it about Judeofascism, Zionofascism, Neofascism, Christofascism, et. al.?
Here is an old essay that was published on this very website which looked into this question a while back:
http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2008/05/28/islamofascism-zionofascism-judeofascism-christofascism-neofascism-etc/
And here is a link to Zbigniew Brzezinski’s book which examines what is “imperial mobilization”, and how it requires a sustained exercise of “doctrinal motivation, intellectual commitment and patriotic gratification”.
sandiego.indymedia.org/media/2006/10/119973.pdf
If you read only one book on political science in your life, before you go to Machiavelli’s The Prince, run towards Zbigniew Brzezinski’s exposition on statecraft. While he isn’t original, he is the most pertinent for understanding why two-bit shills across the board continually endeavor to introduce “beneficial cognitive diversity” (those aren’t Brzezinksi’s words – but President Obama’s Harvardian Chief Information Officer’s).
Zahir Ebrahim
Project Humanbeingsfirst.org
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