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Hi kids!
Peace, respect for other people's rights and not doing anything to hurt someone else, physically or mentally — these are some of the basic things that all of us are taught as children. Our families make every effort to make us understand the importance of these values in our lives.
We are also told not to react violently in the face of an insult. We are not supposed to remain silent, but we are not expected to hit back. There are ways to express your anger at the treatment meted out to you — you can tell the aggressor that he is wrong and demand an apology or an expression of regret or you can call a meeting of your friends and demonstrate that you have the strength but you will not resort to violence as that is not a civilized way to retaliate.
What is going on in our country these days — in response to the publication of blasphemous cartoons — is not the right way to protest and register our grievance. Our feelings have been deeply hurt and we have a right to protest. But we cannot go about burning our own buildings and fellow citizens’ vehicles and pelting stones just because we are angry. Just wait for a moment and think: who will suffer from this violence? No one but our people and our country. And what message are we conveying to the world? That we are a violent people who can harm themselves when provoked?
This is not what religion teaches us. Islam gives us a message of love, peace and brotherhood. This is the time to show the world that Muslims, while fully conscious of their rights, are peace loving people.
Just give this a little thought.
Bye!
Ed
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