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Islamic scholars demand an apology from the Pope

DUBAI — Islamic scholars in the UAE have demanded an apology from the Vatican for the ‘derogatory’ remarks made by Pope Benedict XVI during his speech at Regensburg University in Germany recently where he quoted a 14th century Christian emperor having said that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) had brought to the world only ‘evil and inhuman’ things.

In his controversial speech which has led to an outcry in the Muslim world, the Pope talked about the historical and philosophical differences between Islam and Christianity and the philosophy of Jihad which he linked with terrorism.

“The Pope’s remarks is complete blasphemy to the Prophet and to Islam,” the scholars said, adding, the comments by the Pope was intended to offend the Muslims. The Muslim scholars have demanded that the Vatican and the Pope apologise to Islamic nations for insulting its religion, the Prophet, its faith and Shariah without any justification.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable activities in Dubai said, “the whole world knows that Islam respects other religions and believes in tolerance, love and peace.

“The Pope’s remarks show lack of right understanding of Islam. A religious leader in his position should first understand what he talks about, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics related to other religions. The Vatican clarified on Friday that the Pope did not intend to insult Islam. But if that was correct, then he should tender clear apology to Muslims.”

“I hope Muslims around the world do not react against this by using violence. Instead they should deal with the issue by using wisdom since the Prophet himself would have reacted to such insults by wisdom,” he commented.

Shaikh Rahma Ali Rahma, a religious scholar in Ajman, said believing in all prophets is one of the pillars of Islam. As a result Islam respects other religions and their prophets, and Muslims understand that an insult to any prophet is an insult to Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

The Pope’s statement about Jihad is completely wrong since the Jihad’s main objective is to protect Islamic States, its wealth and chastity. “The derogatory remarks of the Pope about the philosophy of Jihad and the Prophet have hurt sentiments across the Muslim nations and pose danger of spreading acrimony among other religions” he said. Mustafa Al Sheriff, Islamic preacher in the UAE said that it seems the new Pope doesn’t know much about Islam. As a result he has made this unfortunate statement which has hurt the sentiments of Muslims.

The Pope should know that Islam has created a common ground between all religions and culture, and is a religion of tolerance and peace that respects others’ beliefs. Now the Vatican is responsible for its leader’s comment against Islam and should take the matter seriously and rectify the mistake, Al Sheriff said.

Dr Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al Hadad, Senior scholar at Islamic Affairs And Charitable activities said “the Pope’s statement was not spontaneous and it was a deliberate attempt to insult the Islamic nations and its Prophet.

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