After violent protests of last few weeks against a blasphemous video, we need to recognize that by indulging in fierce protests, we are working against our own case. Such protests may be beneficial for few people who are more interested in petty politics rather than love for the Prophet (PBUH). However, it leaves a very negative impression of Muslim Ummah that we are inherently violent people. It’s true that our weaknesses and shortcomings in the backdrop of (elsewhere) global economic and technological development lead to en-mass frustration. One would expect that our leaders would use this frustration to fight the evils Muslim nations are facing — illiteracy, corruption, intolerance, insecurity and lawlessness, but it’s the other way round, they divert it to polish and promote their politics. What Muslims achieved by protesting against ‘Stannic Verses’, ‘Turkish Art of Love’ and now ‘Innocence of Muslims’ – nothing, except by their violent reaction they in fact invited even the unconcerned people across the globe to watch/read such blasphemous works.
In my opinion, most of the protestors were lured to do violent acts in their love for Prophet, but in fact by acting as pawns of few wicked politicians, they themselves are promoting blasphemy. It’s time for Muslims to come out of this cycle of violence and concentrate on education, economy, tolerance and better governance. These are the real goals to be achieved, can’t be achieved by killing, looting and ransacking.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
