Is western

İfeoluwa Siddiq Oyelami

Like most postmodern terminologies, it is safe to say that there is no unanimous definition for freedom of expression.  Different culture and society have touted upholding freedom of expression, but their limitations and exceptions defer. The debate on freedom of expression has been compounded by the evolution of communication. Nations have decided to censor certain expressions for political correctness, peace, and harmony among other reasons. In this case, one often debated topic is the right of a citizen to express himself while insulting or defaming symbols and figures revered by others. In other words, the right to play with others' religious emotion!

Let me start by stating that the Islamic position on this is clear. Allah says in the Qur'an “And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge…” (Al-An'am:108). In interpreting this verse, Mufassirs like Qurtubi stated that the ruling against insulting is not limited to their objects of worship, it also extends to concepts and places they revere.  Lest they defile our prophet, mosques, Qur'an or desecrate Islamic values.  Consequently, there seems to be a principle of mutual respect in Islamic understanding.

If this is the case, why is this not reciprocated towards Muslims? 

Recently, we have been coming across very disturbing images of blasphemy from different countries in the West.  One after the other, from Norway to Sweden, from France to Australia, some showed disrespect to Islam and Muslims by blaspheming Islam, slandering the Prophet, and tearing and burning the Quran.  These prevocational acts seem to have become fun for some western citizens. And the silence and indirect approval of some leaders in these countries, has also given these coward attacks sense of legitimacy.  Those who have come out to defend these acts hide under "freedom of expression" shield.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg spoke about freedom of expression regarding the anti-Islam protest in his country and the tearing of the Qur’an.  Similarly, the controversial president of France, Emmanuel Macron, defended those who defamed the Prophet with caricatures with the same rhetoric.  Of course, social media users immediately pointed at Macron and his congenerics' double standard. “If this disrespect had been done to another society, especially to the Jews, would European politicians and media play the three monkeys?”  Of course, when it is perpetuated towards Muslims, it goes by the tag " freedom!"  But then, this is not about freedom, it is a display of hatred.

Even though it seems hate speeches and actions towards Muslims, in the west, have become widespread in recent years, its history actually dates to centuries ago.  In other words, the attitude of today’s western society – born out of Christianity and liberal-secular– may not be surprising as it reflects its own past. Centuries ago, when European Christian society began to see Islam as an indomitable and terrifying force, its leaders for the “fear of contamination”, resorted to demeaning with blaspheming Islam and its principles. This is assumably one of the reasons spread of Islam was relatively delayed in Europe.

Medieval Christian leaders painted the Prophet in a devilish image, they regarded the Kaaba as a pagan shrine and the Quran as a book of violence and treachery. They made these sink in the subconsciousness of the society.  And thus, they live and grew with it. Such attitudes can also be found in the discourses and writings during the crusades and reformation ages.  Unfortunately, European missionaries and colonialists in 19th and 20th centuries would also spread these false teachings around the world.  Similarly, so-called academic studies of the majority of orientalists were not free from these negative profiling and stereotypes.

The postmodern world and its information and enlightenment have opened the door to a lot of changes.  People can access information from differnt sources, easier than ever. And can choose better what to believe.  Thus, misinformation mechanisms are at stake. The enemies of Islam thus chose a less obvious method of expressing their hate, and that’s humour!  Thus, what they find difficult to achieve intellectually, physically, or legally, they try to achieve it psychologically. After all, a cartoon or comedy character is never taken seriously.  These psychological manipulations are clearly exemplified by poor arts like Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses, Charlie Hebdo's cartoons or the Dictator movie starring Sacha Baron Cohen. These so-called artworks have no other purpose than to pollute information about Islam.

Another way they have succeeded in their misinformation is to paint the image of Muslims as being violent. It is noticeable that many western media houses focused more on Muslims' counter-protests after the event Qur'an tearing and burning. Of course, no Muslim would pat the back of one who defiles the prophet or the Qur’an. Only that, their reactions would naturally defer. And there is no guarantee that some will not go beyond boundaries to express their distastes. This is exactly what those who provoke these actions expect. They use their “freedom of expression” to ignite violence among Muslims.

As Muslims, all we want is respect. Our Lord, our Prophet, our Qur'an, and our humanity should be respected. Live and let us live! “And the slaves of the Most Beneficent (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply with mild words of gentleness.” -Surah Al-Furqan, Ayah 63