Responding to insult with faith wisdom and restraint wisdom (3)

MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS: LOVING MUHAMMAD MEANS FOLLOWING MUHAMMAD

We say: “We love the Prophet.”

Alhamdulillah.

But the real test of love is not how loudly we shout when someone insults him.

The real test is: Do we behave as he behaved?

Allah says: “Indeed, you are surely of outstanding character.” (Qur’an 68:4)

And Allah says: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.” (Qur’an 33:21)

Therefore, if we claim to defend Muhammad (pbuh) but abandon his patience, mercy, justice and wisdom, we must ask ourselves:

Are we really defending him or are we betraying his example?

AN INSULT DOES NOT MAKE A PRIVATE PERSON A JUDGE AND EXECUTIONER

This point must be understood clearly.

Islam has laws concerning crimes.

Islam has courts.

Islam has legitimate authority.

Islam does not turn every angry individual into judge, jury and executioner.

The Qur’an says: “O believers! Stand firm for justice.” (Qur’an 4:135)

And the Prophet gave severe warnings against unlawful killing.

He said: “Whoever kills a person under covenant will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 3166)

Therefore, no Muslim should stand in a mosque and mobilize ordinary people to kill another person because of an insult.

That is not prophetic leadership.

That is not emotional courage.

That is not the Sunnah.

And it is certainly not a license for vigilantism.

If an offence has been committed, report it.

If a crime has been committed, let the competent authorities investigate it.

If punishment is legally warranted, let lawful judicial institutions determine it.

The Ghana Police Service has itself reminded religious leaders and the public that freedom of religion or expression cannot be used to justify inciting violence or encouraging people to harm others.

For Muslims, this is not merely a question of Ghanaian law.

It is also a question of taqwā (fear of Allah).

THE PROPHET TAUGHT US HOW TO SPEAK

Allah says: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in the best manner.” (Qur’an 16:125)

This is the Islamic methodology of da’wah:

Wisdom.

Good counsel.

Best argument.

Not abuse.

Not threats.

Not mob action.

Not revenge.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN SOMEONE INSULTS THE PROPHET MOHAMMED (PBUH)?

Servants of Allah, remember these SEVEN STEPS.

1. PAUSE

Do not react while you are angry.

Allah praises those: “Those who restrain anger and pardon people.” (Qur’an 3:134)

2. VERIFY

Do not forward every video.

Do not believe every audio.

Do not react to an edited clip without knowing the context.

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Allah says: “Then verify.” (Qur’an 49:6)

3. DO NOT RETALIATE WITH AN INSULT

Remember Qur’an 6:108.

We do not insult Jesus (Peace be upon him).

We do not insult Christianity.

We do not insult churches.

We do not insult the Bible.

We can disagree theologically while remaining respectful.

The author is the chief Imam of katamanso Municipal and Certified Counsellor and Governance Exper