The publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad with a bomb as a turban has caused a stir in the Muslim world. A Rabbi, a Vicar, and an Imam from the city of Nice speak out on Nice Première. With a mix of emotion and reflection, each gives their perspective on this thorny issue.
“It is not at all reasonable to attack premises and burn flags but unfortunately, this reaction was predictable.” For Otmane Issaoui, Imam in Nice, the caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad were a “wind rekindling the embers.” Indeed, since the events of September 11, 2001, Muslims have often been singled out by the Western community.
“They have been pushed to the brink!” The Grand Rabbi of Nice, David Shoushana, echoes this sentiment: “The violent reactions in the Middle East are completely disproportionate. Some certainly took advantage of the situation to stir up the masses. But it is true that the Muslim world is on edge. The situation there is already not easy… The publication of such images was the last straw. However, just because a cartoonist has offended some sensitivities, doesn’t mean all of Europe is responsible.”
There are protests, televised debates… A calming is not yet in sight. The Danish newspaper “Jyllands Posten,” the origin of this controversy, has apologized to over a billion believers. Political and intellectual figures have even made calls for calm. But this weekend again, the Muslim world was restless.
Islam, a religion of peace or violence?
Terminologically, the word “Islam” means “peace.” This is a religion of harmony, as explained by Otmane Issaoui. “It is wrong to equate our religion with terrorism. Moderate Muslims have been taking hits for a while now. And these caricatures against our prophet only hurt us further.” Regrettable, mediocre, petty… The Imam does not mince his words. Exasperated, he does not understand the decision to depict Muhammad in such a manner: “Why didn’t they put Bin Laden with a bomb on his turban? We would have said nothing. But to attack the most important symbol to us is unacceptable.”
When asked about the issue, the Vicar of Nice, Jean-Louis Balza, also expressed outrage at the drawing. According to him, “Equating Islam with terrorism or conflating the two humiliates an entire population. The cartoon depicts their prophet in the guise of a terrorist. Why intentionally hurt people?”
Towards a middle ground.
Indeed, the essence of caricature is to mock a person. But shouldn’t there be any limits?
David Shoushana has an opinion on the matter. According to him, there are sensitive areas to consider and certain moral standards to uphold. “We cannot mock everything. Why, under the guise of mockery, denigrate what, for some, is sacred?”
But for defenders of freedom of expression, this right is fundamental. Achieved after centuries of struggle, freedom of expression is dear to them. It is also proclaimed in national constitutions, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and in the European Convention on Human Rights. The member states of the Council of Europe, in 1982, also insisted on protecting it. In a clause of the declaration on freedom of expression and information, they express conviction on one point: States have the duty to ensure that there is no violation of it.
With all this arsenal, what solution remains for the Muslim world to have its faith respected? If the Imam of Nice trusts in justice, the Vicar sees even further. According to him, “the judicial path is a good solution to this problem. But above all, a long-term foundational work is necessary. This would prevent such discredit from being thrown again at a community. Ideally, gatherings between the three main religious communities should be organized. For me, it is essential to talk about the notion of respect to young people.”
More respect, ethics, and recognition of symbols, that is what these three religious leaders advocate. United, they are also in terms of freedom. With one voice, they support freedom of expression. “Noble freedom,” according to Otmane Issaoui, “but limited to values.”
Currently, lawsuits have been filed. The urgency seems to be finding the right balance between the freedom to express oneself and the right to respect for the person and their opinions.
Stay tuned!
