Abdul Hayi Moomen Writes: You cannot betray the prophet by betraying his example

Abdul Hayi Moomen has criticized the incident where a man slapped a pastor who was arrested for comments deemed offensive to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Moomen believes that Muslims should strongly condemn such actions, regardless of one's opinion on the pastor's comments. He asserts that it is wrong for a private citizen to take matters into their own hands when a person is already under arrest, handcuffed, and in police custody.

Moomen emphasizes that correcting perceived wrongdoings through further wrongdoing is not acceptable. He argues that responding to disrespect with lawlessness is not a solution. Moomen stresses that defending the Prophet Muhammad's honor does not involve behaving in a manner inconsistent with his character, which is marked by patience, wisdom, restraint, mercy, and excellent conduct.

He cites a verse from the Qur'an that instructs Muslims to engage people in dialogue using wisdom and good instruction, rather than resorting to violence or uncontrolled aggression. Moomen argues that the Qur'an teaches that good and evil are not equal and that responding to evil with what is best can transform hostility into friendship.

He warns that such actions could give ammunition to those who wish to portray Islam as a religion incapable of tolerating disagreement. Moomen stresses that Muslims must condemn extremism without hesitation or excuses, demonstrating their faith through actions that embody the character taught by the Prophet Muhammad. He points out that Islam does not seek to force itself upon people, as the Qur'an declares that there should be no compulsion in religion.

Moomen urges Muslims to explain, educate, and persuade others, rather than resorting to violence. He also highlights the broader issue of state authority, cautioning that allowing citizens to assault suspects in police custody sets a dangerous precedent. Moomen concludes by encouraging Muslim scholars, Imams, youth leaders, and ordinary believers to isolate extremist behavior from Islam and condemn such conduct to protect Islam from being misrepresented.

He emphasizes that loving the Prophet Muhammad should inspire patience, mercy, discipline, truthfulness, justice, and respect for human dignity.