RESPONDING TO RELIGIOUS INSULTS WITH FAITH, WISDOM AND RESTRAINT (Final)

We believe in his miraculous birth.

We believe in his prophethood.

We believe in his miracles by Allah’s permission.

We believe in Maryam عليها السالم.

Therefore, if there is a disagreement between a Muslim and a Christian about Jesus عليه السالم, let that disagreement be handled with knowledge, respect and dialogue.

If a Muslim preacher says something offensive about Jesus عليه السالم, Christians have every right to condemn the statement and seek lawful redress.

But please do not respond by insulting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

One religious insult cannot justify another religious insult.

Let us stop the cycle.

OUR FINAL MESSAGE: DO NOT LET SATAN WIN

Brothers and sisters,

Perhaps the greatest victory for Satan is not that someone insults Muhammad (pbuh).

Perhaps the greater victory is that the insult causes Muslims to abandon the character of the

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Someone insults the Prophet.

We become violent.

Someone provokes us.

We become unjust.

Someone makes a foolish statement.

We destroy a friendship that took thirty years to build.

Then Satan wins twice.

No!

We will not allow that.

We will defend Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by following good mannerism of Muhammad (pbuh).

We will honour Muhammad (pbuh) by practising his Sunnah.

We will answer ignorance with knowledge.

Hatred with justice.

Provocation with restraint.

Falsehood with truth.

And hostility with dignified engagement.

Let us remember: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and generosity.” (Qur’an

16:90)

May Allah bless us all. Ameen

AUTHOR

IMAM ALHAJI SAEED ABDULAI

Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam

Certified Counsellor

Governance Expert

REFERENCES

1. The Qur’an: 2:201; 3:134; 4:135; 5:8; 6:108; 15:97; 16:90; 16:125; 33:21; 33:70; 49:6;

60:8; 68:4.

2. Al-Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Isma’il. Sahih al-Bukhari: Hadith 1311–1313, 2068,

3166, 4380–4381, 6018, 6114.

3. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj. Sahih Muslim: Hadith 47, 1795, 2609.

4. Ibn Hisham. Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah — material concerning the Hijrah, Madinah and the Sahifah of Madinah.

5. Ibn Kathir. Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim — commentary on Qur’an 5:8, 6:108, 16:125 and 60:8.

6. Ibn Kathir. Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah — accounts relating to the Prophet’s ملسو هيلع هللا ىلص life and relations with other communities.

The author is the Chief Imam of katamanso Munipicipal and Certified Counsellor and Governance Expert.

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