French President, Emmanuel Macron has invoked Muslims for justifying the controversial caricature or cartoons of prophet (PBUH) by Charlie Hebdo, and over his insensitive remarks towards Islam.
How did it all begin?
Initially, this controversy in France sparked over Samuel Paty, a teacher that presented Prophet Muhammad’s caricature in class, and was later beheaded by Chechen, an 18-year old extremist, out of retribution.
Murder is a form of corruption
As a Muslim, we, in solidarity, condemn the act of murder and it is unjustifiable, be it the murderers are Muslims or non-Muslims alike. Our standard maintains the same for Allah SWT mentioned in Surah al-Maidah verse 32.
“That is why We ordained for the Children of Israel that whoever takes a life – unless as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land – it will be as if they killed all of humanity; and whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity…”
However, why is that such standard does not apply when two Muslim women are stabbed under the Eiffel Tower? Why don’t the French Police record it as a hate crime, when the attackers reportedly shouted invectives such as “dirty Arabs”, “go home to your own country” while plunging knives into the victims’ bodies?
Where human rights are at stake, Muslims are always disadvantaged and are shut off from their rights. This is indeed a blatant hypocrisy and unjust treatment.
How do Muslims react?
Ergo, as a response, there has been an outgoing boycott campaign by Muslim nations over French products, and this initiative has marked tremendous success as a French headline read, “France urges Arab nations to stop boycotts of French products over Macron’s defence of prophet cartoons”.
In the Light of Maulidur Rasul
All in all, let us not forget to make du’a for our dear brothers and sisters in faith, and take any means to help them in the best manner possible. Hopefully, we can see an end to the dispute against our rightful deen.
As a closing remark, endearing Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul, let us aspire to be the best version of ourselves by following his sunnah, for Malik (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “I have been sent to perfect good character.”
Mohammad Danial Jeffri Amran
President, Quranic Youth Club
International Islamic University Malaysia
