[A]s tension soared over Pope Benedict XVI’s speech it became patently obvious that the pontiff must have been aware of the incendiary potential of his irresponsible remarks well before he made them. To patronize the collective intelligence of the entire Muslim community by pretending that he “was trying to cultivate an attitude of dialogue and respect” (!) toward us by denigrating our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) served only to add insult to injury.
The Muslim violence that followed was "abhorrent."
... It is nothing short of sickening that they continue to commit atrocities in the name of a religion whose very essence is underpinned by tolerance and peace.
It is tragic that we lose our power to reason and allow emotions to dictate our response whenever a situation like this arises. Instead of referring to the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet (peace be upon him) a few deviants take it upon themselves to perform atrocities and injustices in the name of Islam.
...It is therefore nothing short of pathetic to watch the mob mentality of some Muslims who, instead of extending this message of peace to the outside world, show a very ugly face when they burn effigies of the pope and attack the lives and property of innocents. Who can blame those who have no understanding of Islam if they cannot see the beauty of the religion through this shameful veneer inspired by hatred and intolerance? We have lived peacefully with Christians and Jews for hundreds of years.
... We have the right to be offended by the ill-advised speech of the pope, but Islam is greater than that and the character of the Prophet (peace be upon him) will never be diminished by the words of anyone.
Let’s not forget that we too have been guilty of engaging in rhetoric that has been equally inflammatory and counter-productive. As Muslims we must accept that the Pope made a mistake and has apologized. This should be accepted in good faith. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the best amongst us is the one who forgives. If we are true Muslims (and let’s face it, how many of us are?) we should show that actions speak louder than words. It is in our hands to demonstrate to the world the true message of our religion rather than use such opportunities to vindicate the negative stereotype that is all too prevalent in the West.
...
A welcome view.
So I wonder how long until some imam declares a fatwa against Lubna?
We have lived peacefully with Christians and Jews for hundreds of years.
I don't want to take the wind out of Hussain's sails, but where did this 100s of years of peaceful coexistence take place? And was that only when Jews and Christians were dhimmis? I.e., totally subservient to Muslim masters? (And, just because I think they are people, as well, what about the millions of Hindus slaughtered during the Muslim conquest of India....)
I find it interesting that it is the most radical Muslims who are demonstrating and commiting acts of violence in response to the Pope's quote, yet it is precicely those radicals who have least objection to spreading Islam "by the sword". Are they objecting to what seems to what now seems to be a pretty accurate point made by an Eastern Roman emperor?
Also, I find it interesting that the emperor Manuel objected to these features in Islam at the tail end of its so called "Golden Age" of tolerance, cosmopolitanism, and rationality. The Byzantines may not have had highly developed technology, yet they DID have a highly capable diplomatic and spy service. An Islamic power was the existential threat at the time, and through war and trade the Byzantines have had centuries of knowledge of Muslim doctrine and practice. Manuel's objection didn't come from ignorance of Islam, or colored by its civilizational collapse (as in our era).
I'm remembering that Lubya is one of the 3,000 Princes and Princesses that abound in Saudi Arabia. She seems to run about 50/50 between sheer ranting whacko victimhood, and deliberate thoughtful messages that make you think, "I could borrow a cup of sugar and be a neighbor to this woman."
This current piece is so moderate and sensible I'm thinking it's probably the Official Voice of the Saudi Republic and was carefully crafted by who-knows-how-many Indian editors.
"We have lived peacefully with Christians and Jews for hundreds of years."
Please remind me, how many Jews are there living in Saudi Arabia these days?