[Saaf_laandon_mo]

I still think a lot of people are missing the point as to why this has offended muslims around the world. Please note that before I try and explain again I donot agree with the violent demonstrations that have taken place and the nature of the placards on display be it in the UK or the rest of the world. Addionally groups including the MCB and other representative bodies have stated that such demonstrations are against the guidelines of Islam, and even said that the police should have done more to deal with the placard bearers.

Right.... as a muslim the Prophet is very dear to me. However if someone choses to depict the Prophet in a picture/painting/cartoon based on a description of him that they've read in a Hadith, or other narration then to me thats fine. After all I can't stop you doing that, and if there is any punishment to be derived from you doing so thats between you and God/Allah whatever you want to call Him. However when someone draws a cartoon that makes a mockery of the characteristics of what we as muslims, belkieve to be the most important man ever for us muslims, a man with the most perfect characteristics and traits, then that is where I get offended. I don't think there was any need for that, except to cause offence. Furtehr more to characterise the Prophet as a bomb in a turban wearing person does nothing to promote any good relations between non muslims and muslims in the world today. Many mulsims feel that these cartoons have been published to antagonise muslims, and to provoke the extremists into the actiopns we are seeing today.

For those who say that if we dont like Freedom of speech we should go back to the middle east or 'our own countries' well for a lot of muslims in the UK today Britain is where they're from. Its not that we dont like freedom of speech or dont agree with it, but that we feel it should be used with a bit of respect.