The blasphemy against prophet Mohamed and freedom of expression

I am a Muslim and do not agree with what is happening in Muslim and Arab countries. Violence is not the solution is not the way. But I am also against provocation to Muslims societies. We had the same experience with prophet cartoons, Fitna movie, and Koran burn. It time to stop this because even freedom of expression is a fundamental right and essential element of a democratic discourse, it should be exercised with responsibility and spirit of respect for other religions and convictions. As Muslim who believes in dialogue and alliance with western societies, I reaffirm the universal right to freedom of expression but everyone should not use it as pretext for incitement of hatred or insult to others believes.

So, at the same time that we condemn all violent acts against citizens and western property in Muslim countries, we strongly condemn the movie that insults prophet Mohamed and the continuing efforts by some extremist individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims.

As Muslims, we should know that problem is not the West, Chrisianity or Judaism, but is extremism, is ignorance. The only way to stand against ignorance is to fellow prophet Mohammed’s teachings, and reflect them throughout our daily life. Killing innocent is never an Islamic ethic.

Hope Muslims can understand that many western people defend Islam. Karen Armstrong, the British theologian said once:  «The Qur’an forbids aggressive warfare and permits war only in self-defense. The moment the enemy sues for peace, the Qur’an insists that Muslims must lay down their arms and accept whatever terms are offered, even if they are disadvantageous. Later Muslim law forbade Muslims to attack a country where Muslims were permitted to practice their faith freely; the killing of civilians was prohibited, as were the destruction of property and the use of fire in warfare». But now, as response to some individual extremists who produced this offensive film on prophet Mohamed, several innocent civilians were killed, and accordingly this act of aggression is against Islam ethics and morals. Then who gives us the right to kill innocents in Libya or other Muslim countries?  

Islam is peace and a way of life. However, in the light of ongoing protests in Muslim world, where is peace in what Muslims are doing in their countries?  Islam teaches Muslims to resolve and transform conflicts without using violence, to prevent them through education and the pursuit of justice, at the same time to promote dialogue and harmony between religions.

As response to the blasphemy against prophet Mohamed, we firstly should transform his teachings into practices and let the others know him via our daily life behavior. Secondly, as Jorge Sampaio, High representative of UN Alliance of Civilizations, said «any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, shall be prohibited by law». So, it is time to stand up collectively Muslims and non-Muslims to urge first UN to establish an international blasphemy law, and second the International Court of Justice to hold those who abuse others religious believes into accountable.