Muslim views of images explored

What lies behind the violence and anger engendered among Muslims by editorial cartoons that appeared in European newspapers is "the portrayal of prophets and messengers of God in a demeaning manner," according to Imam Ahmed Kobeisy of the Islamic Center of the Capital District in Schenectady.

The Quran, which Muslims believe is the direct word of God as revealed to the prophet Muhammad, specifically prohibits the creation of statues, multi-dimensional works and images of God, he explained, lest believers be caught up in idolatry.

"In Islam, it is not important to have a figure to speak to, but it is what you have in your heart," he added.

Limits on images

In the past, certain Islamic traditions permitted depictions of Muhammad, Imam Kobeisy noted. Flat surface images were allowed, but only if they were not made for "glorifying the image and the person instead of God or in addition to God."

Rev. Francis Tiso, associate director of interreligious affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, noted that early Turkish devotions to Muhammad sometimes included depictions of him without a face.

Also, Islamic works of art from the 13th-15th centuries show Muhammad.

Respect for Muhammad

For modern Muslims, however, creating pictorial depictions of Muhammad is "unacceptable, and depicting him negatively is far worse," said Imam Kobeisy. "It is far from truth and not representative at all. It was not good humor. It doesn't help any cause."

Since Muslims consider the prophet one of the most perfect, most "beautiful" human beings to be born, said Father Tiso, "there is a popular reverence and attachment to the person. It is very similar to offensive images of the Blessed Mother [for Catholics]. Here's someone to whom you are very devoted, and here's someone dragging them through the muck."

Because of the importance of Muhammad, Imam Kobeisy said that the characterization of him as a terrorist in one cartoon was seen in the Muslim world as a statement "against an entire religion. As people of religion, [we should] stand against the negative portrayal of the best examples for humanity."

'Made to hurt'

Dr. Sayyid Syeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), called Muhammad "an icon of mercy and compassion. During his own life, he was insulted by people, and his response was love and affection. They hurt him, and yet he was so kind to them."

He agrees that the turmoil extended from the fact that Muslims saw the cartoon as less a satirical form than something "deliberately and intentionally made to hurt."

Muslim and European cultures -- still dealing with longtime questions about colonialism, discrimination and historical conflicts that go back to the Crusades -- helped the cartoons to become an incendiary spark that set off a long-simmering tinderbox, he added.

Dr. Syeed and ISNA labeled the riots an "out-of-proportion reaction," however, and called for peace.

Ideas of freedom

The lines drawn around public expression are not often so clear-cut in countries where Islamic law is state law, said Dr. Syeed, and where the free press and other freedoms of expression are curtailed.

In America, "we can write a letter to the editor," he said. "In other countries, they react in a different way. Where freedom of expression is lacking, they come out on the streets, which is very unfortunate."

Father Tiso cited similar restrictions in early Christianity, such as when the pope acted as a secular ruler of the Papal States. Statements against Church doctrine were often punished publicly. Islamic states, he said, operate in a similar fashion.

"They feel that any misrepresentation to the prophet Muhammad isn't just an insult to Muslims, but to the whole human race," he said. "When you have that viewpoint, it is very hard to tolerate people's critical views."

Pluralism

In a "pluralistic society such as America," said Dr. Sayyid, non-Muslims are not necessarily barred from making depictions of Muhammad, but he counseled that such occurrences should be handled with discretion and respect on both sides.

A 60-year-old depiction of Muhammad in a frieze honoring great law-givers decorates the U.S. Supreme Court. Also included are Moses, Hammurabi and Confucius. The depiction caused consternation among some Muslim groups last year, and they asked that Muhammad be removed. The Supreme Court refused but altered tourist literature to note that the depiction has no resemblance to the real Muhammad.

Mutual respect

"My neighbor can talk about Muhammad and not believe in him as a prophet, and challenge that the Quran was not revealed from God," Dr. Syeed said. "My neighbor has a right to do this, but he respects my right to believe [these things].

"I am not saying that we should ban people's rights to discuss and disagree. All we are saying is that there might be something that might unnecessarily offend someone, and will obstruct free dialogue and free discussion.

"Why should we do it if the purpose is just to offend the other group?"

(2/23/06) [[In-content Ad]]