Muslim World League Condemns Republication of Offensive Caricatures against the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, by a Number of Danish Dailies

Written by:  Al-Habeeb Al-Shareef  - Makkah, Saudi Arabia

 The main office of the Muslim World League has expressed its condemnation of the republication of the offensive caricatures aimed against the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, which were republished by seventeen Danish newspapers.  These offensive caricatures are those which were initially published by the Danish Jyllands Posten in 2006. The Muslim World League and offices and organisations throughout the world which come under its auspices all denounce the continuous insolence against the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, and the offence against him and against the religion of Islam; a religion which was sent as a mercy for all creatures.

The condemnation was mentioned in a statement issued by both his Excellency the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Abdullah Abdul-Muhsin Al-Turky, and by the Head of the Global Program for Introducing the Prophet of Mercy, in which they considered the republication of these offensive caricatures aimed against the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, by a number of Danish newspapers as a deliberate insult against the Religion send down by Allah and against His prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

His Excellency pointed out that such actions ignite hatred and hostility between people, pointing out that Muslims of the world at whole have been insulted, who are estimated at a billion and a half people. He emphasised that the Muslim nations generally seek to establish tolerance, cooperation and dialogue between the nations of the world, seeking to contribute in establishing security and peace throughout humankind. His Excellency warned of the consequences of attacking the religion of Islam and the feelings of Muslims, who consider insulting their religion and their Prophet, Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, a matter unacceptable.

Dr. Al-Turky stated that the Centres and Organisations which come under the auspices of the Muslim World League expressed their deep anguish and umbrage at the republication of the offensive caricatures. His Excellency stated that this act is inclusively an offence against all the messengers of Allah, whom the Muslims recognise all making no distinction between them. Allah, Most High, said:

 {The Apostle believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."} 2:285

 Dr. Al-Turky stated that the messages of Allah, Most High, the last of which is Islam, all prohibit mocking at matters related to the Religion and reprimand those who mock at the prophets and messengers, warning from the grave penalty which looms over them. He cited the verse in which Allah, Most High, says:

{Mocked were (many) apostles before thee; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.} 6:10

 He also cited the verse in which Allah, Most High, depicted the status of those who mocked at the Prophet of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention:

{If thou dost question them, they declare (with emphasis): "We were only talking idly and in play." Say: "Was it at Allah, and His Signs, and His Apostle, that ye were mocking?"} 9:65

His Excellency emphasised that Allah is well-aware of each and everyone who mocks at the prophets, the messengers and the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, who was addressed by Allah in the verse: {For sufficient are We unto thee against those who scoff,} 15:95

[In his statement,] Dr. Al-Turky also calls on the authorities of Denmark to take action against the continuous molestation of our Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, the Prophet who was sent to spread virtue, mercy and righteousness throughout humankind:

 {We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures.} 21:107

 Such is not exclusive for a certain nation or tribe:

{We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.} 34:28

His Excellency encourages the Islamic centres and organisations and the Muslims of Denmark to keep their cool and to have rational constructive dialogue with others, appealing them not to be drawn into quarrels. His Excellency emphasised that the Muslim World League along with the Global Program for Introducing the Prophet of Mercy, which comes under its auspices, are eager to follow up this matter in liaison with Islamic organisations throughout the globe. He said, ‘[Fellow] Muslims must not allow themselves to be draw into the turmoil of emotional reactions’, emphasising that the religion of Islam is a universal, humane and eternal message, and that Allah Himself shall preserve this Religion by preserving the Holy Scripture (i.e. the Holy Qur’an):

{We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).} 15:9

 His Excellency added, ‘We must truly strive to present the principles of Islam, to present the tolerance embedded within it and  the grandeur of its teachings, and to reveal the truth about the Prophet's character, may Allah exalt his mention, and that he was a mercy for all creatures, and [we must strive] to work together in [holding] events which truly defend [the status of] the Seal of Prophethood [Muhammad], who was supported by Allah during all incidents and calamities.’

 Article ends here. This is a translation of the statement which was published on the website of the Muslim World League on 17th February 2008. Translations of Qur’anic verses were quoted from the Abdullah Yusuf Ali translation.