Silver LiningAn appeal for dialogue and tolerance [Archives:2006/920/Opinion]

Mohammed Hatem al-Qadhi
mhalqadhi@hotmail.com
Everybody has been following the consequences of the controversy of the Prophet Mohammed cartoons published by Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten and some other European newspapers. In the beginning, peaceful protests organized by Muslims worldwide were fine and displayed their anger. This was okay. These people had the right to shout and protest against the prophet Mohammed caricatures. Their argument was stronger and was heard. But later, these protests turned to chaos and a mob never serving the cause of the angry masses.

Wise people can never accept the destruction and damage of the Danish and Norwegian embassies in Tehran, Damascus and Beirut. This is not a proper representation of one's anger. People should not lose their nerves and behave in a mad way. Crazy people moved by passion and sentiments can never defend just causes. Undoubtedly, there are people who love fostering hostilities, starting and fueling fires everywhere. Voices calling for confrontation and clashes between civilizations try to use such moments to widen the gap between nations simply to justify their beliefs in violence and killing.

I believe some of these demonstrations were motivated politically and revoked. We know well that in some of these Arab countries, the tyrannical regimes do not even allow people to speak or voice their concerns, let alone organize protests. In other words, these regimes have found this a chance to drive people away from the real political and economic challenges. The people are suffering all kinds of oppression and face severe economic hardships. Yet, they can never take to the streets and protest against them. Public opinion in some Muslim countries has been mobilized by unwise state-run media. Political parties have begun competing with each other in protesting the cartoons and pushing people to the streets, instead of calming them and calling for peace and dialogue. This is not a demonstration of religious passion or anger, but maneuvers meant to serve only political purposes. We all have been angered by the cartoons, but not to the extent of fermenting violence and destruction of everything Danish or Norwegian. Can these people take to the streets and call for reform and democracy, putting an end to authoritarian regimes that have been in power for decades?

What happened in Syria, Lebanon and Iran can never help establish understanding between Muslim and Western countries. Rather, it establishes more stereotypical images people have about us as violent and savage people. This comes at a time when more efforts are needed to clarify this image drawn mainly after the September 11 U.S. terrorist attacks. This is not a call to forget about these insulting cartoons, but we can protest them through democratic and peaceful channels. We should be responsible and behave in accordance with the law.

I was happy watching a BBC debate between a Jyllands Posten journalist and a leading Muslim cleric in Denmark. It was a wonderful argument where the mind and reason were present. The Muslim cleric completely objected to the mob demonstrations in some Muslim countries and openly said such acts will never help the cause of Danish Muslims who were angered by the prophet Mohammed caricatures, noting how important it is to defuse tensions. He called for a realistic and rational debate with Danish people to explain to them what it means to Muslims to abuse religious institutions and symbols. This is complete wisdom and rationality that can lead to fruitful results.

I believe the world community now needs more understanding, tolerance and reason so as to live together in peace and harmony. Western society does not know much about Islam and Muslims, except stereotypes of some for which we are to be responsible. I think one advantage of this big controversy is drawing attention toward the need for dialogue and debate in sorting out misunderstandings between Muslims and the West. Now that the Danish and Norwegian newspapers have apologized to Muslims for such caricatures, people should calm down. The voice of debate should be stronger than that of confrontation, don't you think so?
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