A Message to Our European Friends

We the undersigned write to express our regret and concern over the recent violence and unfortunate rhetoric surrounding the cartoons published in European newspapers depicting offensive images of the Prophet Muhammad.

Many Muslims around the world are justifiably offended at the images, as they reinforce stereotypes about Muslims and Islam and come on the heels of years of oppression and persecution against many Muslims around the world. However, we unreservedly condemn the recent violence directed at Europeans and European embassies and consulates; and we challenge those responsible to work toward more constructive solutions to the problems of racism and occupation. Brutality is never an answer to injustice and disrespect.

We further wish to stress that the recent attacks and calls for violence against Europeans do not enjoy wide support among Muslims. We are confident that most Muslims oppose such behavior, as is evident in its vocal censure by many Muslim community leaders. Thus we call upon both those responsible for the violence as well as those who have printed the offensive images to work in concert to address our common foes, such as war, discrimination, and poverty.

Without excusing the violence, we also wish to clear away some confusion surrounding recent events in the hope that better communication will lead to greater understanding and eventually to justice. The intentionally provocative printing and reprinting of the images in question have genuinely offended the religious sensibilities of many Muslims. However, these cartoons are but the latest expression of the rampant racism in the European and American press toward Muslims and Arabs, and the depth of the current reaction arises as much from Iraq, Palestine, and Guantanamo as from any other cause. The world has seen continuing crimes against Muslims around the world, including an unjust war in Iraq, a continuing brutal occupation in Palestine, and discrimination against Muslims in the United States and many European countries. One need only recall the recent riots in France for a similar reaction to centuries of internal and external colonialism and discrimination. Thus, as we call for peaceful forms of protest against Islamophobia and occupation, we call upon European governments to reverse state policies of internal discrimination and support for unjust policies abroad.

We hope that recent incidents do not inhibit future improved relations between non-Muslim Europeans and Muslims around the world. Only together can we struggle effectively toward universal justice.