JEDDAH, 11 February 2006 - An influential imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah yesterday called for the imposition of stiff punishment on those daring to mock the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Delivering his Friday sermon, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais also emphasized the need to activate international resolutions that condemn and punish such crimes as defamation of religions and prophets.

"All Islamic countries have condemned this act of crime," Al-Sudais told the faithful who packed the large mosque complex, referring to the blasphemous cartoons published by Western newspapers. 

"We make a call from the podium of the Grand Mosque and the birthplace of Islam, on behalf of Muslims all over the world, that tough punishment should be imposed on those who make a mockery of the Prophet," the imam said.

Sudais said Western countries and organizations were adopting double standards on the issue of Danish cartoons allowing abuse of Muslim sanctities and their Prophet.

"The repulsive cartoons depicting the Prophet have violated the sanctity of 1.5 billion Muslims around the world and their feelings.... This has exposed those who are actually promoting extremism, violence and hatred between peoples," Sudais said.

He praised Muslims all over the world for standing up to the challenge and protesting the publication of cartoons.

Sudais told Islamic scholars and intellectuals to do more to spread the message of the Prophet and his noble qualities and ideals. "We must seize this opportunity to spread the correct perspective of his noble life through publications and programs in various languages," he added.

The imam called on wealthy Muslims to use their money to confront the smear campaigns against Islam.

Huge 'Chasm' With West: Badawi
Agence France Presse

KUALA LUMUR, February 10, 2006 - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi Friday, February 10, urged the Muslim world and the West to accept one another as equals, blasting "demonization of Islam" in the West.

"The West should treat Islam the way it wants Islam to treat the West and vice versa. They should accept one another as equals," Badawi told the International Conference on "Who Speaks for Islam? Who Speaks for the West", according to Malaysia's news agency Bernama.

Badawi further said certain voices, both in the West and Muslim world, shared a common perspective on some of the critical challenges facing both civilizations and the world at large.

"Both were opposed to hegemony, rejected violence and terror, yearned for a just and peaceful world, united by a common bond and it was this common bond that made them bridge-builders."

The two-day conference brings together 60 leaders from the Muslim world, the United States, Europe and other Western countries.

Delegates are discussing how policymakers can develop policies to ensure that globalization benefits Muslims and diffuse Muslim grievances towards the West.

"Demonization"

The Malaysian Premier also blasted the demonization of Islam and Muslims in the West.

"Many in the West see Islam as synonymous with violence. The Muslim is viewed as a congenital terrorist," said Badawi, whose country currently chairs the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

"They think Osama bin Laden speaks for the religion and its followers. Islam and Muslims are linked to all that is negative and backward," he said.

"The demonization of Islam and the vilification of Muslims, there is no denying, is widespread within mainstream Western society."

He added that the targeting of the so-called "Islamic terrorists" had aggravated the situation.

Fanaticism

The Malaysian top official also admitted that the "senseless violence" committed by extremists had made things worse between the Muslim world and the West.

"I hold the strong view that in the case of Islam, those who deliberately kill non-combatants and the innocent; those who oppress and exploit others; those who are corrupt and greedy; those who are chauvinistic and communal, do not speak on behalf of Islam," he said.

He added that there were many in the West, for instance, who realized that the exercise of hegemonic power and the demonization of Islam were not conducive for inter-civilizational peace.

Likewise, he said, there were numerous groups and individuals in the Muslim world who were deeply distressed by the violence and terror perpetrated by certain fringe groups.

"They oppose hegemony and occupation but their words are authentic voices of Islam," he said.

Curbing Extremists

Badawi called on Muslims to oppose "the sweeping denunciations of Christians, Jews and the West as well as violence perpetrated by certain fringe groups.

"Let us start now by curbing the extremists in our midst. We must put a stop to the mockery of any religion or the sacrilege of any symbol held sacred by the faithful," he added, in apparent reference to the insulting cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) published by European newspapers.

"In the face of fanaticism and hysteria, we must take action to counsel moderation and rationality," he said.

In the case of the West, Badawi said that some countries were seeking to impose hegemony in the name of freedom.

"Anyone who seeks to dominate and control, who attempts to establish global hegemony, cannot claim to be spreading freedom and equality at the same time," he said

Opinion:-The Girls of Riyadh: You Don't Know How Lucky You Are
by Reem Al-Faisal. 

A few weeks ago a friend called to tell me about the latest cultural storm brewing in Saudi society: A book entitled "Banat Al-Riyadh" (The Girls of Riyadh) by Rajaa Al-Sanea. My friend wanted to know my opinion of the book. Discovering I hadn't read the novel yet, he began informing me enthusiastically of the groundbreaking subjects the book has tackled, such as gender issues, and class and regional differences. My friend applauded the writer's courage in challenging the social taboos of Saudi society and exposing many of its dark secrets, which the society has refused to confront to this very minute.

My friend objected to the harsh and unjust criticism that the writer has received in the Kingdom. At the end of the telephone conversation with my friend I too was enthused and eager to read the book. I took the opportunity to buy the book, banned in Saudi Arabia, when I was traveling outside of the country.

I started to read the book enthusiastically, eager to discover this writer that has shaken the foundations of our society. I proceeded to acquaint myself with the five young women of the book. (Yes, there are five women, not four; everyone seems to forget the narrator.) At first I felt interest and some sympathy for the difficulties these women faced, knowing full well that the writer is only using these young and superficial girls to go deeper into the ills of our society and delve into the dark heart of Arabia. However, as I read about one flirt after another, and young women facing their first broken heart, abuse, betrayal, and even divorce, I realized that what the book was addressing was not so much the problems unique to Saudi culture, but issues that confront all rich, pampered kids everywhere in the world. Several pages later and I began to dislike these young girls with their superficial intellect and slight souls.

We do get a spattering here and there of the difficulties hidden in Saudi society, such as the simmering dislike and contempt between the different regions, especially among the western Hejazis and the central Najdis; the long-suffering of the Shiite minority inflicted upon them by the rest of society.

She also exposes some of the problems faced by most Saudi women as being nothing more than chattel, victims to the whims of their male masters - they like to call them guardians but we know better. If the male who controls your destiny is God-fearing and knows Islam well then you are fine, but if he is a limited man taking tradition and Islam to mean one thing then your life is a tragedy and you have limited room for maneuvering.

The young women of the book do face certain difficulties, but these are tempered by the many opportunities and luxuries they have. They can basically do everything a girl of her class in the world can do. Many of the women outside of Arabia would cut their arm off to have the so-called limited luxury these women enjoy. How many Saudi women have the choice to go and spend a few weeks in London all expenses paid after a divorce, or are sent to study in San Francisco to mend a broken heart? How many women not just here but in the rest of the world get this kind of family support?

Anyone who feels for these poor girls should go tell that to the woman living in a small town in the south of Arabia; the woman whose husband just divorced her to marry his third younger wife; leaving the woman with three small children to take care of, forcing her to move back in with her father, who, for his part, isn't too happy to see her return with four more mouths to feed; and her ex-husband doesn't really care about the kids or her and there isn't a way to force him to live up to his responsibility; and she can't find a job since 90 percent of women of working age can't find a decent job anyhow.

So forgive me if I don't cry my heart out for these women whose greatest tragedy in life is that they haven't received red roses on Valentine's Day.

This is an amusing book, no more, no less. The immense controversy the book has caused is its best quality.

I write this article because I'm disappointed in the book. I read it expecting it to be more than it is and I hoped that finally a writer dared to speak out for the oppression of the Shiites, or the abuse of women, or of simply the little injustices and mundane cruelties we observe in our daily life and just pass them by with an aching heart and a silent tongue.

Saudi Arabia is not a utopia even though we insist obtusely that it is. Oh, how I wish my land was a utopia of happy citizens, but I would settle now for a society that faces its ills with dignity and tries to correct them.

As for those clueless girls in Riyadh: You don't know how lucky you are.
(Reem Al-Faisal is a Saudi photographer. She is based in Jeddah.)

We Have a Lot to Learn From India
Lubna Hussain, [log in to unmask] 

"So, is there any topic you want us to stay away from?" inquired one of the delegates during our first press briefing in Delhi.

"No," replied our coordinator.

We had just landed in India representing the first Saudi civic delegation to visit this fascinating country, and although I was excited, I most definitely had trepidations about what it would be like to be part of a "mixed" group. I was nervous about being in such close proximity with people I didn't know, especially Saudi men, who up until that point had appeared to be from another planet altogether.

"What about sensitive issues?" I probed further. "Is there any restriction at all?"

I thought about the long list that might follow starting with Kashmir and ending with women driving. I wondered sardonically about how we would be "advised" to refrain from topics that might be deemed "inappropriate". A sort of cloaked attempt at the Saudi version of "freedom of speech". The response was something that my cynical demeanor hadn't expected and I actually felt embarrassed about having been so negative.

"You are allowed to talk about any issue that you are asked about."

"What do you mean "any issue"?" I asked unconvinced.

"Like I said," he repeated slowly, "any issue."

I stared at him in disbelief. Having been in the media for a while now, I knew that there was no censorship as such, but surely there had to be some self-restraint we were supposed to exercise?

Sensing my incredulity and cognizant of my tendency to speak my mind, he reiterated, "Please be open and free to state your opinion. The important thing is to be honest and express your true feelings."

"You mean we can say whatever we feel? Even about controversial stuff?" I quizzed astonished that there seemed to be absolutely no catch. "Yes. Feel free to discuss any issues. Just be honest in conveying your feelings. That's all you are required to do."

And believe it or not, that's exactly what we did for a whole week. I think that we provided a reasonably balanced picture of the Kingdom devoid of any embellishment or glorification and certainly without toeing any official line. An honest upfront scenario of a country in transition that like anywhere else in the world has its positives and negatives. And what's more, through the involvement of my female colleagues and myself in this delegation we also proved that our society has actively increased the participation of women not only in the decision-making process but in the implementation of concomitant solutions as well.

Upon our arrival in Delhi one of my colleagues summed up the general mood by saying, "It feels like being at home." The warmth and generosity of the welcome that we received from the moment we set foot on Indian soil until the time we left was beyond compare. India is one of the most amazing countries in the world with a myriad of cultures, religions and traditions all woven into the national fabric ensuring that in spite of its sprawling and diverse population there is a place for everyone.

India is a shining example of how a country can achieve success in the modern world through a program of education and progress while maintaining its principles and retaining its strong charismatic identity. I think that as Saudis we have a lot to learn from that as we too advance in the international arena as a proud and autonomous people who are not willing to surrender or compromise what we represent in the face of globalization. It is essential for us to realize that our agenda to modernize should not be confused with a desire to Westernize.

I know that when Saudis think about the prospect of visiting India they often focus on the superficial aspects such as pollution, overcrowding and poverty. There is no denying that all these factors exist, but one has to look beyond them in order to appreciate the splendor and magnificence of this incredible place.

Many of my colleagues were so impressed and intrigued by what they encountered that they decided to return with their families. To me, this was a very encouraging step forward in acknowledging the beauty of a country that is quite literally on our doorstep.

What's more, by sharing ideas and forging a better understanding with our Indian friends we have come to realize that we have been labeled as arrogant misogynists who treat our workers badly and practice indiscriminate intolerance.

As a group, we went to India with open minds and open hearts and came back brimming with ideas and a treasure trove of friendship. As an individual, I was afforded the unique privilege of not only dispelling myths that existed within the international arena but of breaking down several of the stereotypes that pervaded my own head about Saudi society. The honor of having an audience with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and his sincere interest in learning firsthand about our experiences and the impressions, good and bad, that existed within the collective Indian psyche about the Kingdom is ample demonstration of his unswerving commitment to making an important difference. And if this coupled with the caliber of the dynamic intellectual and forward thinking men and women who became my extended family on this trip is anything to go by, then I believe that this country has a very bright future ahead of it indeed.

(Lubna Hussain is a Saudi writer. She is based in Riyadh.)

Danish Paper Rejected Jesus Cartoons 
JEDDAH, 9 February 2006 - Muslims are expressing further disappointment with the Danish newspaper that published sacrilegious cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after The Guardian of London reported that the same publication had earlier refused to run cartoons of the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) contending they could be offensive to readers.

An editor at Jyllands-Posten dismissed the report maintaining that the Jesus cartoons were "unsolicited material" and "silly" as protests against the blasphemous cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad claimed three more lives yesterday. 

Afghan police fired at a crowd trying to storm a US military base in the town of Qalat, in southern Zabul province. The latest deaths brought the total number of Afghans killed in protests this week to 10.

In Tehran, demonstrators pelted the British Embassy with stones, shouting "Death to Britain" and "We are willing to sacrifice our lives for the Prophet Muhammad."

In Paris, President Jacques Chirac condemned "overt provocations" which could inflame passions. "Anything that can hurt the convictions of someone else, in particular religious convictions, should be avoided," said Chirac.

In Washington, US President George W. Bush said the violence must stop. "I call upon the governments around the world to stop the violence. To be respectful. To protect property. To protect the lives of innocent diplomats who are serving their countries overseas," said Bush.

He, however, said that although a free press must be respected, it also comes with responsibility. "With freedom comes the responsibility to be thoughtful about others," Bush said in his first public comments on the issue.

In the Palestinian city of Hebron, international monitors briefly withdrew after Palestinians attacked their headquarters in protest at the cartoons.

In New York, the United Nations, European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) expressed alarm over worldwide fury against the cartoons. They called for restraint and dialogue.

"We are deeply alarmed at the repercussions of the publication in Denmark several months ago of insulting caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad and their subsequent republication by some other European newspapers, and at the violent acts that have occurred in reaction to them," representatives of the three organizations said in a joint statement.

"We believe freedom of the press entails responsibility and discretion and should respect the beliefs and tenets of all religions," said the statement signed by UN chief Kofi Annan, OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

The Guardian report on Monday said that Jyllands-Posten turned down the cartoons of Prophet Jesus three years ago on the grounds that they could be offensive to readers and were not funny. In April 2003, Danish illustrator Christoffer Zieler submitted a series of unsolicited cartoons to Jyllands-Posten dealing with the resurrection of Prophet Jesus.

Zieler told The Guardian's Gladys Fouche that he received an e-mail back from the newspaper's local section editor, Jens Kaiser, which said: "I don't think Jyllands-Posten's readers will enjoy the drawings. As a matter of fact, I think that they will provoke an outcry. Therefore, I will not use them."

The illustrator wrote back to the editor saying: "I see the cartoons as an innocent joke, of the type that my Christian grandfather would enjoy. I showed them to a few pastors and they thought they were funny."

But Jens Kaiser, the Jyllands-Posten editor in question, told The Guardian that the case was "ridiculous to bring forward now. It has nothing to do with (Prophet) Muhammad's cartoons.

"In the (Prophet) Muhammad drawings case, we asked the illustrators to do it. I did not ask for these cartoons. That's the difference," Kaiser is quoted as saying in the London newspaper. "The illustrator thought his cartoons were funny. I did not think so. It would offend some readers - not much, but some."

In retrospect, it appears the same standard could have been employed in the incident that has sparked a boycott of Danish goods, demonstrations and riots throughout the Muslim world.

In an e-mail to Arab News yesterday, Kaiser said: "It is correct that before Easter 2003, Zieler offered me some cartoons of Jesus Christ and the resurrection. He sent them on his own initiative. I had not asked for them. However, I promised him that I would consider his offer because he argued that they were funny.

"Having seen the cartoons, I found that they were not good. My fault is that I didn't tell him what I really meant: The cartoons were bad. Instead, I told him that they would offend some readers. I do think the cartoons would offend some readers, but only because they were silly. I regret that I didn't foresee that my kind refusal mail would be published three years later in a totally different context."

The Guardian report is being widely circulated and debated in Internet chatrooms across the Muslim world. "We have always had our doubts that the cartoons were published with a view to insulting Muslims. But ever since this controversy burst onto the Muslim street, there was this other view in the Muslim world, which said that maybe the Jyllands-Posten editors did not foresee the consequences of their decision and that they genuinely believed in the freedom of expression. But this report flies smack into the face of the newspaper's editors," wrote Nasser Al-Haddad on an Arab website.

"They clearly knew that the publication of the cartoons of Prophet Jesus will offend people, and they didn't go ahead with them. Likewise, they must have known the offense they could cause with the publication of our beloved Prophet's cartoons. The Guardian report exposes their double standard," Al-Haddad added.

"What about freedom of expression when anti-Semitism is involved? Then it is not freedom of expression. Then it is a crime," said Arab League chief Amr Moussa in Cairo. "But when Islam is insulted, certain powers ... raise the issue of freedom of expression. Freedom of expression should be one yardstick, not two or three," he said. "The Danish cartoons showed European disdain for Arabs and Muslims."

"Jyllands-Posten could and should have stopped this controversy from snowballing by simply tendering an apology. They remained arrogant and tried to defend what was clearly indefensible," said Nasreen Abdul Rahman, who teaches English at a secondary school in Jeddah. "We have many differences with Europe and Europeans, but Prophets should be above lampooning because in the end we are all People of the Book. If Prophet Jesus or Prophet Moses were lampooned, the reaction in the Muslim world would have been on similar lines," she told Arab News.

Nasreen cited a Qur'anic verse to explain her point of view. "We Muslims believe in the Holy Qur'an, and Verse 285 of Surah Baqara says very clearly: 'The Apostle believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord as do the men of faith. Each one of them believeth in God, His angels, His books and His apostles. We make no distinction between one and another.'"

An imam in Jeddah said: "Danes are good people. They should not be harmed. Like all societies they do have their fair share of extremists. The newspaper is clearly to blame here for heaping this insult on Muslims. People are very frustrated at what is happening now."

Dr. Mohamed Ramady, a professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), said the issue was not one of freedom of the press but legal protection of religion under European blasphemy laws.

"Most European countries that have advocated freedom of expression for the press have also introduced blasphemy laws that protect the feelings and beliefs of religions, and this has worked well even in countries with an Islamophobic press," Dr. Ramady told Arab News. "Islamic countries have the option of pursuing legal action under current EU blasphemy laws."

- With input from agencies


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