Muslims Should Show Dignity In The Face Of Provocation
Posted Sep 30, 2008

Muslims Should Show Dignity In The Face Of Provocation

The Muslim Council of Britain urges right-thinking people everywhere not to be provoked by those seeking to divide us. Many will wish the publication of the novel ‘The Jewel of Medina’ as a way to demean cherished figures in Islam, while others will look to Muslim responses as a way of further marginalising our community.


“For many British Muslims, the publication of this book will understandably cause hurt at a time of sustained and increasing vilification of our faith, our community and our cherished figures. We urge the Muslim community to refrain from playing into the hands of sections of the cynical media who are keen on vilifying Islam and Muslims and portraying them as opponents of freedom. The MCB urges Muslims in Britain and elsewhere to direct their strong feelings peacefully within the law and with dignity,” said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.


Many of us will feel strongly at the purported character assassination of Aishah (may Allah be pleased with he r), the Prophet’s beloved wife and mother of the faithful. As Muslims we are ever mindful of our Lord’s injunction to convey our faith with wisdom and beautiful words. Indeed in the noble Qur’an we are told: “The true servants of the Merciful are those who walk humbly on the earth and when the ignorant address them they say: Peace.”


The book ‘Jewel of Medina’ may well provide an inaccurate and salacious portrayal of Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, but we urge our brothers and sisters to remain vigilant but dignified. We must reach out to the community around us and discuss and convey the true character of Aishah and indeed the Prophet. Aishah represents the true contribution women made in the early days of Islam. Women who were strong-willed, erudite and who led men and women into battle and scholarship.


The MCB is convening a special meeting of community representatives on Saturday 18th October to coordinate responses and to discuss means by which this unfortunate episode can be turned round to become an opportunity for enhancing religious understanding and knowledge of Islam.