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On March 10, 2006 in Copenhagen, Muslim scholars took part in a meeting on religious and cultural dialogue. The participants demanded the Danish government to apologize for the publication of cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him-PBUH), and criticized the Danish government’s mishandling of the crisis. The participants emphasized that the time has now gone for the apology. The West sees the issue from its perspective and Muslims from their own. There is complete discord and lack of understanding of West about the sensitiveness of the issue. However, it is important that dialogue, and practical common projects for understanding Islam by the West, and measures for bridging the gap are taken.
The meeting was organized by the Danish Institute for International Studies and funded by the Danish foreign ministry. It discussed Muslim-West dialogue, freedom of expression and the status of the Muslim minorities in the West. Leading among attendees were the head of the Cairo-based Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Institute Jakob Skovgaard-Petersen and Danish bishop Karsten Nissen.
This attempt to engage West in dialogue on educating them about Islam, especially in Copenhagen was the first of its kind. Denmark’s new immigrant Muslim population is casting an image in the Danish society. There is cultural and value lacunae of understanding among the Muslim immigrants and the local Westerners. In order to assess the understanding of the religion and to describe Prophet Muhammad-PBUH, the Danish cartoonists were asked to paint the pictures of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him-PBUH). They were first published by Danish dailyJyllands-Posten in September and reprinted by European newspapers, on the pretext of “freedom of expression”. Whether the cartoons were printed to assess the level of understanding of Danes, or there was any other motive behind them, they have provoked Muslims to stand for their rights.
In contrast to most of the Western media, one must appreciate the role of Canadian media in this regard. Except for the two Jewish newspapers in Alberta and couple of others, majority of the media have abstained from reprinting them. Although, there had been several polls conducted to gather public opinion by different media giants, but due to the awareness of Muslims, ease of communication (thanks to internet), and sensitiveness of the issue, they decided not to publish or show them. This opportunity must be encashed by those, who not only value “freedom of speech” but at the same time respect others. This is a responsible behavior and use of “Freedom of Speech” in civility. However, it also highlights the need to educate West on Islam, and encourage promulgating laws similar to those for anti-Semitism, for all the descendents of Shem.
Canadian media can play an important role in this regard. As a part of West, Western style of Democratic government, Christianity as the main religion of the country, a growing immigrant Muslim population, and economically a part of G-8; Canada can play a pivotal role in bridging the divide between Islam and the West. Therefore, when we talk about educating West on Islam, we can gain benefit from the role and responsibility the Canadian media has shown. This media is a role model for the perpetrators who ignited this flame of controversy in West. It is not only the behavior of the media, but the way Muslims have reacted in Canada, keeping themselves calm, and at the same time protesting on the abusive behavior of the press that published these cartoons. Canadian Muslims are the role models for the West. The Canadian media and the Muslims in Canada should initiate regular dialogue for a better understanding of the point of view of each party. With the same context Canadian media should pick those Muslims, who truly represent the mainstream Muslims, rather than those who do not. In the name of Muslims and Islam, there are people in Canada, who distort the image of Islam when given exposure in the media. Only having a Muslim name does not translate into the fact that the person has thorough understanding of Islam, and he/she is a true representative of Muslims. The pick of the media in the West, had been those who favor the Western point of view.
Canada, by showing restraint in publicizing the cartoons of Prophet Muhammad-PBUH, have become a focal point for educating the West on the “Freedom of Speech” and redefining its meaning. The new slogan should be“Freedom of Speech with Civility”. West was instrumental in enforcing the human rights in their countries, “Freedom of Speech” and its Western interpretation needs change. It should be coupled with civility. If the West can enact anti-Semitic laws considering the insult to the Jews caused by them, then it can also push for application of these laws also for Muslims. If there is a will there is a way. The civilized countries of the West should behave civically also towards Muslims.
West is sitting on a Time Bomb. With the immigrant Muslims increasing in the West, and Islam being the fastest growing religion, it is important that it realizes the explosion that is coming its way. West is not at all happy with the growth of Muslim immigrants in their countries. Actually, it was the immigrant population in Denmark that was in the bottom line of the cartoons and the purpose was to ridicule them. To deter Muslim immigrants to the West, the Danish cartoonists not realizing the cultural values of Muslims painted picture of the Prophet Muhammad-PBUH as per their existing understanding. However, the Danes and the West now have an opportunity to learn lesson, from the reaction that the world has witnessed, due to the publication of these cartoons. The caricatures, considered blasphemous under Islam, triggered massive demonstrations across the Muslim world. However, the Canadian Muslims and the media could be a role model for the West in showing restraint and civility when it comes to behaving as per Western values.
Although, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Arab League, are seeking a UN resolution, to protect religions following the publication of the provocative cartoons, but till the West is not engaged in a dialogue, the chances are slim that a resolution will be passed.
The process of dialogue between Islam and West can only be rewarding if the West is willing to change, and the Muslims assimilate in their society. “Freedom of Speech with Civility” is the answer to the current crises on cartoons.
The Western understanding of Islam, by the depiction of cartoons, has shown the hiatus between the West and Islam. The restraint shown by the Canadian Muslims and the media could be the role model.
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