Hi there,
People have been asking me this and I think it’s important to note something:
There are two extremes: There’s one where people are going on rampages and crazy un peaceful protests-which is not what we were taught to do as Muslims by the Prophet (peace be upon him).
And then there’s those Muslims who actually criticise for people for being upset. They think to speak badly about this joke of a video is to make a big deal and is embarrassing, and we should just be quiet-which is not what the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us.
The problem is, the general public just don’t know. If anyone was to criticise a leading figure who was known to be noble, and peaceful-then do you think people would take it? So what about the best of men, the best of creation? As Muslims, we hope to turn this negative into a positive, and we want people to know who the Prophet (peace be upon him) really was. And of course I’m upset, we as Muslims love the Prophet, more than anything, but this is our chance to truly convey the character of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Even when the Prophet (peace be upon him) had rocks thrown at him, he had mercy and never said a word back, he never used foul language, may peace be upon him.
In fact, when a woman who would throw rubbish at him daily failed to do so one day, he became worried and enquired to see if she was okay, and after finding out she was unwell, he cared for her.
Such was the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him), and when people take the time to learn about him, they understand how great and noble he was, so much so that Michael Hart voted him the number one most influential person in the world. (See ‘The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History’)
I’m deeply saddened buy that ridiculous and hateful video, but all it has done is increased my love for Islam and the Prophet (peace be upon him), and I think everyone should use this as an oppurtunity to turn a negative into a positive. Share the message of Islam, and the beautiful character of the Prophet (peace be upon him), whether it be to your neighbours, colleagues, friends…whoever. And show that despite you being upset, you are more compelled to fight falsehood and inform people of the true nature and character of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
