First of all, the anti-Prophet cartoons are very insulting and unacceptable to all people of faith. Even the Vatican condemned this type of defamatory media. The issue is not about freedom of speech because freedom of speech does not mean to insult people’s faiths or their religious figures.
However, this does not justify violence in responding to this ridicule of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, president of the Fiqh Council of North America, states the following: We must protest against these images, not only because of our religious sensitivities but also because they are dangerous for our safety and survival. However, in our protest we should not be provoked into any wrong action. People need to be educated and their moral sensitivities should be raised high. We have to win the hearts and minds of people and make them understand the true meaning and spirit of the ideal of freedom of expression. We should tell them the dangers of the irresponsible use of the freedom of expression. We should also educate them about our faith and the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Our reminders must be polite and careful. We must act in a decent and civilized manner always. It is possible that those who oppose us today may become our friends tomorrow. Allah says: [It may be that Allah will create love (and friendship) between you and those whom you (now) hold as enemies. For Allah has power (over all things); and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful] (Al-Al-Mumtahanah 60:7).
We want peace in this world for ourselves and for others. We all have to learn how to respect each other. We must not create or allow hate, prejudice, and propaganda against any people neither in the name of religion, nor in the name of freedom or democracy.