Bismillah 

In the wake of what has happened, the insults against the Prophet of Mercy peace be upon him, Muhammad bin Abdillah sallallahu alaihi wasallam there are valuable lessons to learn.

Firstly, know that if a king sent a messenger to a township and they responded by mocking and ridiculing the messenger. Then in reality they are mocking and ridiculing the king himself, since a messenger is only there to represent the king, his wishes and commands.

Now know that the king we are speaking about is Allah Himself, the King of kings. And the messenger is none other than our beloved Prophet, the Messenger of Mercy to all creation, not just mankind.

It seems like the Muslim Ummah are disconnected from the Quran, or read it without understanding. 

I say this because almost every Surah we come across in the Quran, we find those who speak ill about the Prophet. This is not something new.

Having said that, it does not mean Muslims should be passive and let such atrocities go unopposed. 

We respond intellectually, using the methodology taught to us in the Quran.

We are angry, yes and rightfully so, but the true failing is within ourselves. 

As we are still in the Month of October, the Islamic heritage Month we should look back and see how Muslims were successful and prosperous, a time when such insults were few and far in between.

What is happening now, more frequently, is a symptom of a much larger problem. That problem is the weakness of the Muslim Ummah as a whole. 

This form of humiliation is one that only happens to a nation when they grow distant to Allah and His religion.

At the same time, we never despair. What we might think is a defeat for Islam and Muslims can come around and be a Victory and Guidance for many. 

In 2001 the horrible attack and loss of innocent lives happened in New York City. Islam and Muslims were blamed. Yet look back now, 20 years later, almost. How many people entered Islam specifically due to what had happened?

Therefore our response, the Muslim response should be as follows.

Not respond solely with emotions.

Not respond to ignorance with more ignorance or violence.

Make a decisive decision by boycotting companies that represent this stance taken.

But most importantly, #BeMuhammad?

We fight ignorance with knowledge. 

Our Prophet had literally garbage thrown at him. He was pelted with rocks until he started bleeding. Yet he always fought back with mercy and kindness. 

The first step we take should be educating ourselves more about his life. How do we claim to love him and defend his honour, when we do not know much about him or what he stood for?

I invite you all to watch this video shared on Masjid Al-Iman WhattsApp.

JazzakAllah khairan 

Imam Ismail Nur

Masjid al-Iman

Victoria, B.C.