Khutbah:  A Response To The  "Zapiro Cartoon Controversy".

Masjidul Ummah - 28/5/2010.

Imam Noor Salie.

All praise is due only to Allah. We thank Him; we seek His assistance and forgiveness. We seek Refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and the wickedness of our deeds. Whosoever Allah has guided none can lead astray, and whosoever is astray none will be able to guide. -- I bear witness that there is no True God except Almighty Allah, who has no partner, and I bear witness that our chief and leader Muhammad (saws) is His true servant and messenger. May Allah's choicest blessings be upon him, his family and companions and may Allah salute him with abundance of salutations

Almighty Allah exhort us in the Quran:  Surah 49/v13   "O mankind! We have created you from a single pair of male and female, And made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other. The Most Honoured of you is he who is the most Righteous of you" surely Allah is All Knowing, Aware.--

Almighty Allah also state in the Quran:  (13:11)  – Verily Allah will never change the condition of a people until they change what was in themselves..

And: Surah An-Nahl, Verse125 - "and invite to the path of your Lord, using wisdom and beautiful preaching. And interact with them in ways that are best" ,

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated:  Whosoever obeys me (Muhammad (saw)  - is obedient to Allah - And whosoever disobeys me (Muhammad (saw)  - is disobedient to Allah -

Cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, a.k.a. Zapiro, South Africa's premier cartoonist, known for his controversial style in picking on politicians and commenting on social inequalities, has come into the limelight in South Africa for jumping on the “Draw Muhammad Day” bandwagon.   - “Everybody Draw Muhammad Day” is a drawing event organized and inspired by a comment by the Seattle cartoonist, Molly Norris in a radio interview about Comedy Central's decision to censor a South Park episode that had depictions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

We are also extremely disappointed with Zapiro for simply “jumping on the bandwagon” which is very unlike him. We always thought Zapiro had deep insight, sharp wit and gets to the heart of the issues at hand. Zapiro’s cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) shows only deep ignorance and I’m not sure if Zapiro’s cartoon can be judged as a victory for freedom of expression. We should also question whether it is “Freedom of Expression or Freedom without Responsibility--

This campaign to draw the holy Prophet (PBUH) has garnered all sorts of support and opposition in the media and the internet. –  There were numerous death threats against Zapiro and the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has denounced the death threats against Zapiro and has called on Muslims to refrain from making such threats.

The MJC rejected calls for the boycott of the Mail and Guardian newspaper, which published the cartoon, many Muslims have found offensive - as Islam forbids any depiction of the prophet (saw).  While rejecting the cartoon, the MJC called death threats against the cartoonist "un-Islamic", saying such threats had no place in the religion or society. "It only implies that Muslims lack the intellect to resolve disagreements through proper dialogue and communication, which is far from the truth."

Yes, the cartoons are offensive but so are the violent responses.

If we reflect back about three and a half years ago Muslims the world over were deeply offended by the cynical and scurrilous cartoons of the Prophet (saw) in the Danish newspapers. Muslims protested to no great effect, and while certain Muslim countries have exercised restraint, others have not. -- Muslims were and still are enraged and deeply resentful of the humiliation and what they see as yet another blow under the belt for Islam. - Unfortunately, during that time we also witnessed how the global Muslim protest over these cartoons spun out of control.

On February 4th  2006 the buildings containing the Danish and Norwegian embassies in Syria were set ablaze.

n Beirut the burning of the Danish Consulate resulted in the death of one protestor inside the complex.

In Afghanistan at least ten people have been reported killed in riots.

In Turkey a Catholic priest was murdered ostensibly in response to the cartoons.

In Europe -- journalists have been issued with death threats.

In one report from Islamabad, a Taliban leader, Mullah Dadallah, is reported to have offered a 100 kilograms of gold, to anyone who would kill the editor of the Danish newspaper who published the cartoons.

And again a few years ago – In his lecture at a German university, the 265th Pope - -- Pope Benedict 16  described what he sees as a huge difference between Christianity and Islam: the Pope stated that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ordered his followers to spread their religion by the sword. -- The Pope equated Islam with violence and insulted the Character of our beloved Prophet (saw)-

We have also seen Cabinet Ministers taking issue in France and in Turkey on the Hijaab in disallowing our Sisters the ability to exercise their God-given right to cover themselves as Almighty Allah has prescribed.

Over the last YEARS (Since 9/11 2001), The Muslim Ummah have been the subject of intense media interest, mostly of the unwelcome kind. You can hardly pick up a newspaper or switch on the radio or TV, without finding Islam in some bad news department, again. - This will not be the first time, and certainly not the last time that Muslims are wrongly presented as a ‘problem’ and Islam is the target of vicious and sophisticated propaganda.

When we reflect back in History we will find that right from the earliest days our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saws) had to endure hatred and abuse from those who saw Islam as a threat --  The Prophet (saw) was the brunt of mockery, ridicule and satire all the time he remained in Mecca. He was provoked and antagonised all the time by his own family and friends. The refusal of the Meccan nobles and business barons to see - what to him was clearly the Truth and Reality --often drove him to despair. Even in Madinah he was frequently baited and taunted by the unbelievers and hypocrites.  He was repeatedly tutored in the Quran by Almighty Allah Himself  - to control his passions, not to get overwrought or emotional at the reactions and conduct of those who rejected the Message of Islam; --  that he was a mere messenger and it was for his Master Almighty Allah to safeguard the sanctity of His Message and to protect his person.

How did he deal with their lies, antagonism and provocations? How did he deal with the abuse and insults? Did he stamp his feet, burn flags and call for marches and for the death of his enemies? No, he did not. He was, after all, uswatul hasana, the most excellent role-model. He knew that his behaviour would set the pattern for devout Muslims not only during his own lifetime, but for all time to come. In the face of extreme danger, he relied only on his Lord. He carried on his good work of preaching, teaching and living an excellent example. He was never desperate, he never exceeded the Hudood-dullah, the limits set by Allah.

He endured all hardship with extraordinary dignity and forbearance. He relied completely on the Mercy of Allah. And In time, his patience was rewarded when Allah gave him victory over those mighty forces that were thrust against him. Remember, no injustice endures forever. No hardship comes without relief. Here is a lesson for us all. --  Says the Holy Quran [s.94v5] “With every difficulty, there comes relief. Truly, with every difficulty there will be relief.”

The following verses from the Quran are some of the many that illustrate this point:

6 10- Mocked were the messengers before thee; but those who mocked them - were engulfed by that which they mocked. --

16 -128  - For Allah is most certainly with those who restrain themselves and do good (Worship Allah with Absolute Consciousness). (Under tremendous provocation)-

16 127.   -- And be thou patient, (O Muhammad)) -- for patience is but (a boon) from Allah; nor be grieved by their mockery and distress not yourself because of the plots they hatch.

THERE ARE MANY SIMILAR VERSES IN THE H.Q.

Don’t help anyone who wants to prove that you are oversensitive, immature and violent. --Knee-jerk and reflexive reactions only play into their hands. Don’t misbehave in the way they want you to misbehave. - At the same time I must state very clearly that we as Muslims should never, ever become defensive and adopt a ‘victim’ culture. We should not become victims and think and act like victims. We have nothing to hide. Our beliefs are clear and we have no hidden agendas.

We have nothing to be ashamed of and certainly nothing to fear. This is simply a period of trial and tribulation for us. Allah is testing us to see what we’re made of. We shouldn’t be surprised, depressed or distressed. Those who read the Holy Quran will find this confirmed in Surah Al Baqarah 2:214: “Do you suppose that you would enter the Garden without first having suffered like those before you? They were afflicted by misfortune and hardship, and they were so shaken that even [their] Messenger and the believers with him cried: ‘When will Allah’s help arrive? Truly, Allah's help is ever near.”

When our beloved Prophet (saw) and his companions were under attack at the battle of Uhud,-- they were warned: a huge army is waiting to destroy you! But instead of fear and panic, this only increased their faith: Their reply was,  -Allah is enough for us as our Protector and our Helper! -- That’s what we have to say, now that we and our faith are under attack from all sides. Allah is enough for us, and He is our best Guardian. He is firmly in control of everything. He carries the whole of His creation in the palm of His Hand.--  “Blessed is Allah, in Whose Hand lies the control of everything, and to Him we shall all return.” This is the last verse of Surah Yaasin. [Surah 36]

There is clear malice involved in the publication of the cartoons, and it is yet another illustration of Islamophobia and hate speech against Muslims that appears to be pervasive in western media depictions of Islam. Muslims have the right to protest -but those Muslims who vent their dismay with destruction are wrong.- We must realise that all our troubles will pass, and they are not a punishment. It’s only a test from Allah, a test of patience and endurance - We must learn to trust Allah. When we entrust our affairs to Him and take Him to be an intimate friend, He will take us into His inner circle of intimate friends. And in His inner circle He promises to remove every trace of fear and anxiety…… In many places throughout the Holy Quran, he re-assures us in these words: -Behold, on the Friends of Allah, there is no fear, and no grief. [Surah 10:62]

No fear and no grief. No anxiety. True Muslims are not desperate people. When our hearts are filled with Allah awareness [Taqwah], overflowing with kindness and generosity to our neighbours and friends, we simply cannot become dangerous and desperate people no matter how great the provocation.  Remember, even when others may plot and plan, Allah is still the best of planners. He urges us to think, to ponder and reflect. Why are we under attack? Why is Islam being presented as a threat? And how can we Muslims defuse the situation? How can we turn this problem into an opportunity, a blessing in disguise?

There are many reasons why some people fear and hate Islam. This Khutbah is far too short to go into the details. --Clearly, some Westerners are deeply concerned that Islam is spreading so fast. (It is a well known fact that Islam is the fastest growing religion)  In the year 1900 Muslims accounted for 12% of world population. Now, a century later it has almost doubled to 23% and continues to rise. The secular historians are confused. Every other empire has come and gone: The Pharaohs, the Greeks, and the Romans. Even the last Muslim empire, the Ottoman, was dismantled in 1922. According to secular logic, we should all be atheists by now! Mosques should have become museums, the places where Muslims used to pray, but everywhere mosques and prayer rooms (like this one) are overflowing.

And its not just about numbers. More importantly, it’s about quality. More and more educated and privileged reverts are entering Islam in Britain, Europe and North America. These new Muslims are the crème-de-la-crème, from the upper echelons of Western society. The secular world with its glossy TV ads promise much, but delivers very little lasting human happiness and fulfilment. Islam offers a way to complete happiness, not by indulging the human ego with selfishness and greed, but by taming the Nafs (animalistic desires) and controlling it.

While others see the world as a place to be exploited Muslims are informed that everything belongs to Allah,  and we are merely trustees, who are accountable for our trust. While others need a hierarchy of priests, bishops and archbishops to help them find salvation, nothing and no-one stands between a Muslim and his Lord. Allah is directly accessible, one to one, 24/7 with no intermediaries. “When my servant asks you about Me, I am near. I respond to those who call Me. Let them also respond to My call, so that they may be guided.” [Al Baqarah 2:186]

The best antidote and source of healing/shifa to this sordid affair is for us as Muslims to devote ourselves to emulating the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). For he is the embodiment of every virtuous ideal for us as Muslims. When we think of divine mercy, kindness and integrity, we think of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He is truly as the Quran confirms in Surah Al-Anbiya, Chapter 21, verse 107: We sent you (O Muhammad) as A Source of Mercy unto the entire Universe.

And again in Surah Nun, Chapter 68, verse 4: And you (O Muhammad) have an exalted character

The Prophet Muhammad himself described the reason of his prophetic mission as follows:  I have been sent to perfect the goodness in human character.

I would like to conclude this Khutbah by reminding us all about the inspiring manner in which our beloved exemplar (uswahtun hasana) -Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) responded to ridicule, abuse and persecution during his lifetime. During his lifetime, Prophet Mohammed endured insults and ridicule on a daily basis. His opponents mocked his message and used physical violence to stop him from challenging the status quo. At no stage during this ordeal did the Prophet lose his temper or react to these provocations. Tradition has it that he would, instead, offer a prayer of forgiveness to those who showed contempt for him. There are off course numerous examples of his compassionate responses to abuse I have selected only a one.

The most dramatic example that comes to mind is the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)’s response to the abuse he endured at the hands of the people of Taif. After experiencing great difficulty in preaching his message in the city of his birth, Makkah, the Prophet decided to travel to the nearby city of Taif in the hope that his message would receive a more positive response. Sadly, he was wrong. The people of Taif encouraged their street urchins to stone him out of their city. Lying forlorn with blood flowing freely from his wounds and covering his feet, the beloved of Allah, turned to his Lord with make the following inspirational prayer: In the aftermath of that onslaught, the Prophet, peace and blessings of God upon him, humbly raised his hands towards the sky and prayed:

"O Allah! I complain to You of my weakness, my scarcity of resources and my humiliation before the people. O Most Merciful of those who are merciful. O Lord of the oppressed and you are my Lord. To whom have you dispatched me? To a distant person who receives me with hostility? Or to an enemy to whom you have granted authority over my affair? So long as You are not displeased with me, I do not care. It is your goodness I seek to be covered with. I seek refuge in the light of Your Face by which all darkness is dispelled and every affair of this world and the next is set right, lest your displeasure descend upon me. I desire your pleasure and satisfaction until you are pleased. There is neither strength nor power except by You."

After this prayer was uttered by the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) Allah sent Angels to visit him with an offer that Allah crush the city of Taif, the Prophet (pbuh) refused praying instead that perhaps from the offspring of the offending people of Taif, there would emerge those who would recognize their Lord. This incident is well known in the books of Sirah.

Finally: There are critical elements that this debate has brought to the fore: Those of us who read Nic Dawes editorial in the M&G (on this issue) are bound to be impressed with his clearly engaging the issues in an honest and transparent way. He speaks about what he has learnt, what mistakes he made and what principles are inalienable.

There is an apology for causing hurt and a commitment to greater sensitivity. But also a firm commitment that the rights of the free press and freedom of expression will not be curtailed. We also learn the power of negotiation and dialogue. The apology from the M&G came about through such a process. But we also had all parties claiming victory – which is a marker of a successfully negotiated settlement. But we also learn that while we may ban, threaten and bully newspapers, the world-wide web is a free space that allows ideas to flow and permeate without restriction. Thus these instruments of the past grant hollow victories. Hallowed victories are achieved through gentle persuasion through love, compassion and example.

Critical questions which require engagement include: How do Muslims live in a secular, democratic society where a market- place of competing ideas will constantly challenge the other? How do Muslims behave as model citizens and conduct ourselves when criticised? How do Muslims use the instruments of dialogue, negotiation and communication to win respect - rather than through vituperation and violence? How do Muslims communicate their sensitivities to others without threatening them or their beliefs in freedom of speech? And importantly how do we give effect to and expand the spirit of the Compassion Charter that was launched a week ago by the Cape town Interfaith Initiative and endorsed by the Claremont Main Road Mosque.

The emotional wound caused by the cartoons cannot be undone, but there is plenty that can be done. This incident also provides an opportunity for people of all faiths to recognize and acknowledge that which is sacred in other religions, even if it is not sacred to them personally.

There is a dire need for the followers of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, as well as all other traditions, and even for people with no religion, to retrieve our common humanity and to end the horrific dehumanization that is taking place on global scale. I call upon Muslims to use the tragic sequence of events as an impetus for candid dialogue about freedom of speech, cultural xenophobia, and the root causes of violence and terror.

Let us prayer to Almighty Allah for world peace and bestow salutations and peace upon our beloved leader and exemplar Muhammad) peace and blessings be upon him forever)

Invocation for Peace -- O Allah thou art Peace and Peace emanates from thee - Allow us, our Sustainer and Lord to live and to subsist in Peace. - For thou art indeed the Most Compassionate of those who display compassion.

33:56 Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O you who believe! You also send blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.

Let us pray:    Rab Bana – Our Lord! --Help us always to remember You, so that we may dedicate our lives to Your full service -- not out of any fear, but out of love for the One Who is most perfect, the Lord of the unseen, the Lord of this life and the life to come.

Rab Bana – Our Lord! Cause this gathering to be a gathering of Mercy and our leave-taking after this -  full of your protection and do not create in us or amongst us, and in those that follow us, misery and misfortune. -– Our Lord! Condemn us not if we fall into error and lay not on us a burden greater than we have the strength to bear.

– Our Lord! --"YOU ARE OUR GUARDIAN. THEREFORE FORGIVE US AND HAVE MERCY ON US, AND YOU ARE THE BEST OF FORGIVERS. - ORDAIN FOR US GOOD IN THIS WORLD AND IN THE HEREAFTER, FOR WE TURN TO YOU ONLY. – AMEN!