New Delhi, Jan 23: Renowned Muslim cleric and president ‘All India Muslim Majlis Mashawrat’, (AIMMM) Dr Zafarul Islam Khan while justifying the strike observed by people of Kashmir on Friday criticized the French satirical weekly for publishing new caricatures depicting Islam’s Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in its first issue after the killings.
He denounced the new caricatures’ as insolence, ignorance and foolishness and said that Freedom of speech must not become a hate-speech and it is not an offense to the others. He said that no sane person, regardless of doctrine, religion or faith, accepts his beliefs being ridiculed.
“The decision to print more caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an unnecessary provocation and sign of disrespect that would create a backlash. The journalists working at Charlie Hebdo invited death and destruction to themselves as they offend the religious sentiments of billions of Muslims across the globe by publishing blasphemous caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in past,†Dr Zafarul Islam Khan told news agency adding that Western rulers are the open enemies of Islam that enjoy the patronage of United States of America.
The renowned Islamic scholar said that such cartoons “fuel feelings of hatred and resentment among people” and publishing them “shows contempt” for Muslim feelings. the publication of new satirical images of Muhammad “amounts to declaring war on all Muslims.”
He said that every Muslim has right to protest and send a clear message to the enemies of Islam that Muslims are alive and capable to respond to their foolish and insane acts.