Issue 145

Pope Causes Controversy, Abdullahi Comments:

25th September 2006

With the Pontiff's recent citation during a speech having caused such controversy in recent weeks two of Waterfront's columnists outline their views on the reaction to what has turned out to be a PR disaster for the Vatican. Here is Abdullahi's comment:
 

For another view, check out Tim Sculthorpe's comment.

Couple of weeks ago in Pope Benedict XVI speech he quoted a 14th century text which describes the last messenger of God, Muhammad (May peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) by saying that he brought the world only "evil and inhuman things". Is this the right comments to be made by a leader? Was the reactions of the Muslims right, and what about the media coverage of the whole issue? Well as a leader, has he really analysed this quote, has he tried to find out who is really Muhammad (pbuh), or the impact that his comments will cause considering the current climate of war against the Muslims or as used war against terrorism. A brief history about Muhammad (pbuh) suggested that his way of life and spreading the words of God can reveal that he is a Man of understating, respect, peace and who works for the benefit of all humanity regardless of religion, gender or ethnicity. Some examples: throughout his history he has never killed innocent people even if he captured prisoners' of war he give them their full rights, people of different faiths used to live under is armies protection and they are allowed to practice their religion. To point out another fact, in the Qur'an God has clearly stated that "there is no compulsion in religion" and this book has been revealed to the last message and it is his way of life.

As a consequence of this quote an outrage response by a small minority of the Muslims hit the headlines straight away. The quote has lead to a backlash from a small minority of Muslims in some countries like Palestine burning two churches, an Italian nun get shut in Somalia and possibly many more examples. The question to be asked is that are these violent reactions justified within the doctrine of Muhammad (pbuh) teachings? Well, the answer is simple, violence is against the teaching of Islam, and Muslims are asked to love everyone as their own brothers. Just to quote a saying from the historian Sir George Bernard Show in who said that" I have studied him (Muhammad (pbuh)) - the wonderful man and in my opinion he most be called the servitor of humanity" and the encyclopaedia of Britannica Muhammad is described as "the most successful of all religious personalities of the world". It can be clearly seen that the quote used by the Pope those not represents the character of Muhammad and the Popes apology is a way forward for working together and peaceful co-existence.

After such outrages and request from the religious leaders the Pope apologises for the quote, but tries to justify the quote at the same time by saying that "This, in fact, were a quotation from mediaeval text, which do not in any way express my personal though" and some papers claims that his apologies has offended the Jews. Well, the questions is that as his apology fulfil the request of the religious leaders and the Muslim masses, has his way of trying to justify the quote left any other doubts in peoples minds, can we make every one happy? All this are questions left to be answered and our leaders should be watchful of their speeches and be able to think in different directions. And finally we should lean how to respect each others and be more tolerant.

Abdullahi Arabo