The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) strongly rejects and is deeply
concerned about the divisive rhetoric of the French President Emmanuel Macron in
his recent statements about Muslims and Islam. Such misguided attacks on Islam by
world leaders has been linked to the increase of Islamophobic attacks on Mosques
and Muslims. On the one hand, the French constitution highly values freedom of
speech as a sanctified right. On the other hand, there is increasingly a double
standard being applied to which rights and speech should be valued and protected.
ANIC strongly rejects President Macron’s suggestion that insulting the Prophet
Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is a freedom of speech. Insulting any religious
symbol disrespects and diminishes the rights of others.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is endeared by over 2 billion people
around the world. Muslims send salutations on the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)
every day. A Muslim’s faith is not complete unless the love of the Prophet
Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is above that of others. The legacy of the Prophet
remains 1400 years after his death and will continue to remain.
May Allah send his peace and blessing upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad
(Peace Be Upon Him).
END…