Islamism - 4

[Guest]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Censorship in Islam</b>
This refers to the article, “Muslims must ignore cartoons” (March 2), by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Mr Khan is not right when he says that the Prophet always overlooked his criticism in favour of maintaining peace. On the contrary, the Prophet never tolerated criticism and often punished his critics with death. There were at least three poets during his time who were eliminated on his command because they dared to criticise Islam. They were Asma, Abu Afak and Kab. Asma was a pagan poetess who was critical of the Prophet’s new faith and reproached her countrymen for joining him. Asma’s verses were reported to the Prophet, who said aloud: “Will no one rid me of this daughter of Marwan?” one Umar Ibn Adi took charge, went to the poetess’ house and plunged his sword into her breast with such force that it transfixed her to the couch. (The Life of Mahomet by Sir William Muir; page 239) Another murder was committed by the express instructions of Prophet. Jewish poet Abu Afak had composed some poems which annoyed Muslims. “Who will rid me of this pestilent fellow?” said the Prophet. Salim Ibn Umayr, a new convert, out to prove his Islamic identity, beheaded Abu Afak when he was sleeping in his courtyard. (The Life of Mahomet by Sir William Muir; page 240) The poet Kab Ib al-Ashraf was assassinated in July, 624 AD. The Prophet asked, “Who will ease me of the son of Al-Ashraf?” “Here am I; I will slay him,” said son of Maslama and explained to the Prophet that it would be necessary to resort to cunning, trickery and lies. The Prophet saw no objection in deceit and treachery, if the objective could be achieved by these means. (The Life of Mahomet by Sir William Muir; page 248). Apart from poets, the Prophet had many other of his opponents eliminated in this style. This process has not stopped and is continuing till today. The current protests of Muslims across the world are a reflection of this Islamic intolerance. <b>Any work of art or literature which is critical of Muslims is targeted by fundamentalists. It is because Islam censors criticism and rational enquiry. The time has come for the Islamic society to become liberal in its outlook and be open to all views — positive or negative — about their religion, society and culture.</b>
Prabhat Varun <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->