The Issue of Blasphemy

AN UNISLAMIC RESPONSE conclusion of prophethood could not have occurred without the preservation of the comprehensive record of the revelations bestowed upon the Prophet. This record exists in the form of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet, known as Hadith and Sunnah. In this world governed by cause and effect, the divine message revealed to the Prophet can only be safeguarded when a strong community consistently supports it. Therefore, contemporary Muslims must embrace the responsibility outlined above, as it guarantees the protection of their community. The duty at hand is to communicate the Prophet’s message to humanity in an atmosphere of peace and goodwill. God’s assurance of protection against adversaries is contingent upon fulfilling this duty. (Quran, 5:67) Hence, the Muslim Ummah (community) does not need to undertake any extraordinary efforts for their security. Their sole obligation is to convey the divine message to humanity. AN UNISLAMIC RESPONSE The Bangalore-based English newspaper, Deccan Herald, published an insulting story about the Prophet in its Sunday edition on December 7, 1986, by PKN Namboodiri. It was undoubtedly untrue. However, the response from the Muslim community was utterly contrary to the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet. Outraged by the offensive article, a group of Muslims stormed the newspaper’s office and set fire to the warehouse,