Thursday, January 08, 2015
Yesterday, local Muslims condemned the terrorist attack on a satirical publication in Paris that has repeatedly lampooned the Prophet Muhammed, even though some say they find the paper's cartoons of the prophet offensive.
"People believe something you have to respect," local Somali leader Muhammed Abdi says. "But to kill some people is wrong, no matter what totally wrong."
Another local Muslim, Abdirahman Diri, echoed that sentiment.
"It's not good to have violent reaction but its good to stand up for what you believe," Diri says.
But the publication in question, Charlie Hebdo, was an equal opportunity offender, skewering the pope and politicians with equal relish.
And while those killed in the attack may have died at the altar of the freedom of the press, many in the media are now engaging in self-censorship -- the Associated Press and many newspapers cropping pictures of those killed, or distorting images, to not show the offending cartoons.
Local community leader Omar Jamal believes local religious leaders aren't doing nearly enough.
"I think there's an element of fear, and they want to stay out of it," Jamal says. "Their silence and our silence will empower those who are doing this kind of evil action."
Skeikh Imam Abdighani Ali is one of those speaking out. He says that while the Koran prohibits any visual depiction of the prophets, it would never justify violence.
This isn't about humor, Abdighani Ali says -- it's about the hijacking of faith, and that's truly nothing to laugh at.
"We love Muhammed as we love the Jesus, as we love the Moses," he says. "We are disappointed to see violence whenever people are using the name of Islam."