Comments on: Limits of satire http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/ mahmud's weblog Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:03:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: A post on blasphemy » Unheard Voice http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-239 A post on blasphemy » Unheard Voice Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:03:04 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-239 [...] No blasphemy case was made against the publication of the joke. In fact, no one even thought that the joke was disrespectful to the Prophet. Possibly, everyone thought that the joke made fun of people who make wrong use of Prophet’s name (a rough translation of that joke can be found here). [...] [...] No blasphemy case was made against the publication of the joke. In fact, no one even thought that the joke was disrespectful to the Prophet. Possibly, everyone thought that the joke made fun of people who make wrong use of Prophet’s name (a rough translation of that joke can be found here). [...]

]]> By: shahpar http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-101 shahpar Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:05:00 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-101 got this news today: We can now confirm that cartoonist Arif has been freed and he is out of jail after languishing there for 6 months. We should mention, however, here that his release did not just happen painlessly. In this complex case, there were months of lobbying, advocacy and most importantly court battles that had to fought. Barrister Sara Hossain and her team, who fought for Arif and continued to remind us of his case deserve are heartfelt gratitude for their courage and persistence. Months ago when High court deemed his arrest illegal, there was a snide comment in this blog about how inconsequential these verdicts are. But what it failed to appreciate was that those were incremental steps towards a long legal battle in Bangladesh's complex legal web. Solidarity to all who fought for his case in all fronts -- via blogs, writing letters, faxes and through international lobbying and most importantly via legal battles. We should also mention the losers -- the newspapers who refused to publish any op-eds or editorials asking for his release. got this news today:

We can now confirm that cartoonist Arif has been freed and he is out of jail after languishing there for 6 months. We should mention, however, here that his release did not just happen painlessly. In this complex case, there were months of lobbying, advocacy and most importantly court battles that had to fought. Barrister Sara Hossain and her team, who fought for Arif and continued to remind us of his case deserve are heartfelt gratitude for their courage and persistence. Months ago when High court deemed his arrest illegal, there was a snide comment in this blog about how inconsequential these verdicts are. But what it failed to appreciate was that those were incremental steps towards a long legal battle in Bangladesh’s complex legal web. Solidarity to all who fought for his case in all fronts — via blogs, writing letters, faxes and through international lobbying and most importantly via legal battles. We should also mention the losers — the newspapers who refused to publish any op-eds or editorials asking for his release.

]]> By: Advhut Meye http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-100 Advhut Meye Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:51:00 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-100 People are so nirbodh and ondhobissashi! They never see the deeper meaning of an aspect but they rather run around with the simplest and stupidest fact. For example, I can guess that the majority of the people who protested against the cartoon aren't even religous. They probably don't even know much about the prophet. That cartoon does not even implies anything religious but they are trying to be so "dharmik" about it. Also, an islamic name has nothing to do with how a person will turn out. A name is just a name. People are so nirbodh and ondhobissashi! They never see the deeper meaning of an aspect but they rather run around with the simplest and stupidest fact. For example, I can guess that the majority of the people who protested against the cartoon aren’t even religous. They probably don’t even know much about the prophet. That cartoon does not even implies anything religious but they are trying to be so “dharmik” about it. Also, an islamic name has nothing to do with how a person will turn out. A name is just a name.

]]> By: Natasha http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-99 Natasha Mon, 22 Oct 2007 01:56:00 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-99 Thanks for this article and thanks for linking it up with other stories of the camel urine and "allah hafiz". These are all linked and it shows how weak we are when it comes to our religious belief. Mullahs have their rights, they can announce "murtad" openly and we cannot protest and if we say anything against mullahs then it is blasphemy.... why? Thanks for this article and thanks for linking it up with other stories of the camel urine and “allah hafiz”. These are all linked and it shows how weak we are when it comes to our religious belief. Mullahs have their rights, they can announce “murtad” openly and we cannot protest and if we say anything against mullahs then it is blasphemy…. why?

]]> By: josé juan http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-98 josé juan Tue, 25 Sep 2007 23:45:00 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-98 yes it is true that a lot of countries do not tolerate it if you insult the president or make fun of the flag. Likewise, it may seem offensive to some to have religious symbols and names of their god poked fun at. But without freedom of speech and expression, society becomes authoritarian and irrational. It is therefore important to defend freedom of speech. Political satire has existed throughout history and should be allowed to exist. I may not like people to speak badly about my mother, and get angry, and accuse them of libel, but I believe they have the right to give their opinion, especially if my mother is obnoxious and authoritarian. So, I believe society must have checks and balances at all levels. yes it is true that a lot of countries do not tolerate it if you insult the president or make fun of the flag. Likewise, it may seem offensive to some to have religious symbols and names of their god poked fun at. But without freedom of speech and expression, society becomes authoritarian and irrational. It is therefore important to defend freedom of speech. Political satire has existed throughout history and should be allowed to exist. I may not like people to speak badly about my mother, and get angry, and accuse them of libel, but I believe they have the right to give their opinion, especially if my mother is obnoxious and authoritarian. So, I believe society must have checks and balances at all levels.

]]> By: sorowar http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-97 sorowar Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:54:00 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-97 Why should we defend our prophet at any cost? It’s a fashion that almost all anti-islamists/secularists are used to say the same thing “Muslim/ mullah’s faith is so weak, they make a chaos and become frightened that their religion is about to collapse when find any sort of insult/fun/satire against Prophet or Islam”. Many of us may think that Prophet always used to forgive the enemies and was so kind. So, we should leave the issue, like recent cartoon mockery. Making a fun regarding prophet’s name does not matters. But it should matter to a true Muslim when he sees, his prophet gets insulted by any means. Islam and prophet (PUB) are synonymous. It’s the symbol or identity of Muslim/ Islam. If someone questions your identity and say Bastard Mr. X, will you be angry or be so-called rational to hear that?? Bastard is merely a word. If you are NOT a Bastard, then of course it’s a matter of anger to you. But if you are, that may also drag the same degree of anger because it’s not your fault. Nobody tolerates anything questioning his/her identity. Do you tolerate, if someone insults your Mom?? In the same way, in Bangladesh, if someone address to a person as Razakar Mr. X. Will that person be angry or happy? From non-Islamic point of view, Prophet (PUB) was one of the great enlightened persons throughout the human history. Defending the prophet from any sort of ridicule is not related to weak faith. It’s the responsibility of a true Muslim who wants to defend his/her Muslim identity. Even in today’s modern/free world, some countries like Thailand and Turkey are protecting the honor of their “Father of the nation” by constitutional laws. If someone ridicules Kamal Ataturk, he will be in prison. It’s a law of that country. Irony, secularists of the same country do not brother to insult Islam or its prophet. Few months ago in Thailand, one Westerner was sentenced to 10 yrs in prison due to the insult towards King Bhumimol’s picture! We feel very sad, angry and dishearten when our freedom fighters get insulted/ ridiculed directly or indirectly. Why do we feel sad??? Of course, these types of insults can’t weaken the “spirit of freedom fight”. BUT a true patriot can’t keep quite without any protest/defending. As a consequence we can see a roar of condemnation in every national newspapers and burning effigy on the street when somebody raises “Pakistani Flag” during our Independence Day! Likewise, a true Muslim should feel very upset when their Prophet is ridiculed and must protest against it. Because, generally, a true Muslim loves his prophet more than his life or anything in the world. This is quite natural and rational. On the other hand, if someone who is a Muslim but does NOT feel anything regarding the honor of our prophet, there might be lacking of “Islamic spirit” inside him. I think, as a Muslim he/she should be ashamed of himself/herself. Regards, Sorowar, Singapore Why should we defend our prophet at any cost?

It’s a fashion that almost all anti-islamists/secularists are used to say the same thing “Muslim/ mullah’s faith is so weak, they make a chaos and become frightened that their religion is about to collapse when find any sort of insult/fun/satire against Prophet or Islam”.

Many of us may think that Prophet always used to forgive the enemies and was so kind. So, we should leave the issue, like recent cartoon mockery. Making a fun regarding prophet’s name does not matters.

But it should matter to a true Muslim when he sees, his prophet gets insulted by any means. Islam and prophet (PUB) are synonymous. It’s the symbol or identity of Muslim/ Islam. If someone questions your identity and say Bastard Mr. X, will you be angry or be so-called rational to hear that?? Bastard is merely a word. If you are NOT a Bastard, then of course it’s a matter of anger to you. But if you are, that may also drag the same degree of anger because it’s not your fault. Nobody tolerates anything questioning his/her identity. Do you tolerate, if someone insults your Mom?? In the same way, in Bangladesh, if someone address to a person as Razakar Mr. X. Will that person be angry or happy?

From non-Islamic point of view, Prophet (PUB) was one of the great enlightened persons throughout the human history. Defending the prophet from any sort of ridicule is not related to weak faith. It’s the responsibility of a true Muslim who wants to defend his/her Muslim identity.

Even in today’s modern/free world, some countries like Thailand and Turkey are protecting the honor of their “Father of the nation” by constitutional laws. If someone ridicules Kamal Ataturk, he will be in prison. It’s a law of that country. Irony, secularists of the same country do not brother to insult Islam or its prophet. Few months ago in Thailand, one Westerner was sentenced to 10 yrs in prison due to the insult towards King Bhumimol’s picture!

We feel very sad, angry and dishearten when our freedom fighters get insulted/ ridiculed directly or indirectly. Why do we feel sad??? Of course, these types of insults can’t weaken the “spirit of freedom fight”. BUT a true patriot can’t keep quite without any protest/defending. As a consequence we can see a roar of condemnation in every national newspapers and burning effigy on the street when somebody raises “Pakistani Flag” during our Independence Day!

Likewise, a true Muslim should feel very upset when their Prophet is ridiculed and must protest against it. Because, generally, a true Muslim loves his prophet more than his life or anything in the world. This is quite natural and rational. On the other hand, if someone who is a Muslim but does NOT feel anything regarding the honor of our prophet, there might be lacking of “Islamic spirit” inside him. I think, as a Muslim he/she should be ashamed of himself/herself.

Regards,

Sorowar, Singapore

]]> By: Nadiya http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-96 Nadiya Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:52:00 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-96 that the mullahs will react that way - unsurprising. that a newspaper, supposed to be a bastion of freedom of expression, should kowtow to ignorance and intolerance-mongering is much more surprising and saddening. that the mullahs will react that way – unsurprising. that a newspaper, supposed to be a bastion of freedom of expression, should kowtow to ignorance and intolerance-mongering is much more surprising and saddening.

]]> By: sorowar http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-95 sorowar Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:46:00 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-95 I think, the writer is bit carried away from the main topic, mentioning camel urine, sharopova, khoda hafez..etc. Atr first, we should recall how the most south Asian Muslim name bears Mohammad as first name. During British rule in Indian subcontinent, Muslim and Hindu cultured mixed together and Muslims were taking Hindu names. That’s why scholars at time suggested keeping “Mohammad” as first name. So, it was purely religious matter to distinguish from Hindu. You won’t find this trend in Middle East countries. Most of us forgot the root of Mohammad name. Last time, Danish editor, Flemming Rose was telling in BBC HardTalk that they caricature Aeral Sharon in response to Prophet (PUB) cartoon issue. We often don’t realize or don’t like to realize that Prophet Mohammad is different from others. He is like an institution/symbol of Islam. Generally, every true Muslim believer loves Prophet more than their lives or thier kids. So, putting Sharopova, camel urine story are not relevant in this issue. Regarding, prothom Alo cartoon issue, the cartoonist or Editor must aware what is happening in the world. Muslims are victims every where. Far-right parties in the West whose basis is on “attacking islam” are gaining popularity. As a result, we can see recent cartoon issues in Sweeden, Danmark, Netherlands (where, lawmakers are asking for Quran to be banned). So sentiment is running high among true followers. Track history of Prothom Alo is not that good as well. It is a common trend in Bangladesh that staunch secularists like to attack Islam in guise of attacking Jamaat/shadhinota birudi. We must know that Jamaat is NOT the representative of Islam. Personally I don’t like their ideology. Cartoon seemingly looks innocent but it was that NOT innocent. Cartoonist is very talented. So, I cant take it as a normal cartoon only. There are countless topics in the world to make fun or to satire. If people don’t protest, in future they will start to caricature our Prophet in bad manners.It needs to stop. We understand the value of national flag. We won’t happy if someone disgraces it. Many of us fail to understand the value of Prophet (PUB). It’s not related to weak faith. It’s related to honor. Historically, from un-islamic point of view, Prophet (PUB) was one of the enlighten man in human history. He does not deserve any sorts of criticism even in a tacit way. For ur info, Khoda is a Farsi word, not the Hafiz (in urdu Hafez). Allah is Arabic. So Allah hafiz in Arabic phrase which means “May Allah protect you”. You can say khoda/Allah as God. But there is difference between Allah, Khoda and God. So, some famous bishops/fathers suggested to Pope to change their GOD name as Allah. Saying Allah hafiz does not merely means as Bangladeshi Greeting, it has religious touch Regards I think, the writer is bit carried away from the main topic, mentioning camel urine, sharopova, khoda hafez..etc. Atr first, we should recall how the most south Asian Muslim name bears Mohammad as first name. During British rule in Indian subcontinent, Muslim and Hindu cultured mixed together and Muslims were taking Hindu names. That’s why scholars at time suggested keeping “Mohammad” as first name. So, it was purely religious matter to distinguish from Hindu. You won’t find this trend in Middle East countries. Most of us forgot the root of Mohammad name.

Last time, Danish editor, Flemming Rose was telling in BBC HardTalk that they caricature Aeral Sharon in response to Prophet (PUB) cartoon issue. We often don’t realize or don’t like to realize that Prophet Mohammad is different from others. He is like an institution/symbol of Islam. Generally, every true Muslim believer loves Prophet more than their lives or thier kids. So, putting Sharopova, camel urine story are not relevant in this issue.

Regarding, prothom Alo cartoon issue, the cartoonist or Editor must aware what is happening in the world. Muslims are victims every where. Far-right parties in the West whose basis is on “attacking islam” are gaining popularity. As a result, we can see recent cartoon issues in Sweeden, Danmark, Netherlands (where, lawmakers are asking for Quran to be banned). So sentiment is running high among true followers. Track history of Prothom Alo is not that good as well. It is a common trend in Bangladesh that staunch secularists like to attack Islam in guise of attacking Jamaat/shadhinota birudi. We must know that Jamaat is NOT the representative of Islam. Personally I don’t like their ideology. Cartoon seemingly looks innocent but it was that NOT innocent. Cartoonist is very talented. So, I cant take it as a normal cartoon only. There are countless topics in the world to make fun or to satire.

If people don’t protest, in future they will start to caricature our Prophet in bad manners.It needs to stop. We understand the value of national flag. We won’t happy if someone disgraces it. Many of us fail to understand the value of Prophet (PUB). It’s not related to weak faith. It’s related to honor. Historically, from un-islamic point of view, Prophet (PUB) was one of the enlighten man in human history. He does not deserve any sorts of criticism even in a tacit way.

For ur info, Khoda is a Farsi word, not the Hafiz (in urdu Hafez). Allah is Arabic. So Allah hafiz in Arabic phrase which means “May Allah protect you”. You can say khoda/Allah as God. But there is difference between Allah, Khoda and God. So, some famous bishops/fathers suggested to Pope to change their GOD name as Allah. Saying Allah hafiz does not merely means as Bangladeshi Greeting, it has religious touch

Regards

]]> By: S. M. Shahed http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-93 S. M. Shahed Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:29:00 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-93 You are right in pointing out that the cartoon makes fun of murkho believers NOT of Mohammed or of Islam. The murkhos, unable to accept that, wrap themselves in the religious cloak just like George Bush wraps himself in the flag. There is so much common among all these fools. Mohammed, a Muslim name - NO. Mohammed was given his name before he declared Islam. Allah a Muslim god (as if god is Muslim) - NO. Mohammed's father's name was Abdullah, long before Islam. These are fairly common pre-Islamic, historical names. True, the concept of pre-Islamic Allah and post-Islamic Allah are quite different. Same word, different concept. Khuda also kept the same word but accepted the concepts included in the new Allah. This Mohammed is an atheist - same name, different persuasion. You are right in pointing out that the cartoon makes fun of murkho believers NOT of Mohammed or of Islam. The murkhos, unable to accept that, wrap themselves in the religious cloak just like George Bush wraps himself in the flag. There is so much common among all these fools. Mohammed, a Muslim name – NO. Mohammed was given his name before he declared Islam. Allah a Muslim god (as if god is Muslim) – NO. Mohammed’s father’s name was Abdullah, long before Islam. These are fairly common pre-Islamic, historical names. True, the concept of pre-Islamic Allah and post-Islamic Allah are quite different. Same word, different concept. Khuda also kept the same word but accepted the concepts included in the new Allah.
This Mohammed is an atheist – same name, different persuasion.

]]> By: RK http://www.mahmudrahman.com/society/limits-of-satire/comment-page-1/#comment-94 RK Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:43:00 +0000 http://www.mahmudrahman.com/?p=35#comment-94 The mullahs and their student published a similar joke a few years ago in one of their publications The hypocrisy of the Mullahs A joke published in Islami Chatra Shibir’s Magazine 1998 Edition Page 87 Under Children’s Voices Courtesy of http://images.somewhereinblog.net/phpThumb/phpThumb.php?src=../bba/images/sujonmcblog_1190217050_2-kk2.gif&w=0 Teacher: Kalu what is your father’s name? The Boy Kalu: Sadek Teacher: You impertinent boy! You should say Mohammed before a name. A few days later Teacher: Kalu what has your mother cooked today? Boy: Mohammed Kodu Sent in by Muhammad Masud MMEC Madrassa, Feni The mullahs and their student published a similar joke a few years ago in one of their publications

The hypocrisy of the Mullahs
A joke published in Islami Chatra Shibir’s Magazine 1998 Edition Page 87
Under Children’s Voices
Courtesy of
http://images.somewhereinblog.net/phpThumb/phpThumb.php?src=../bba/images/sujonmcblog_1190217050_2-kk2.gif&w=0

Teacher: Kalu what is your father’s name?
The Boy Kalu: Sadek
Teacher: You impertinent boy! You should say Mohammed before a name.

A few days later
Teacher: Kalu what has your mother cooked today?
Boy: Mohammed Kodu

Sent in by Muhammad Masud
MMEC Madrassa, Feni

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