Free speech comes with responsibilities

There is a limit to freedom of speech. We can say and do whatever we want as long as we harm no one. But the moment we hurt someone verbally or physically, we lose that privilege. That is exactly what had happened on the night of the shooting in Garland, Texas on May 3. An anti-Islam group held a contest with a $10,000 winning prize for the best drawing of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). During the shooting, two gunmen had injured a security guard but in the end, they were both eventually shot down by the police.

The organisers of the event had held it to show that Muslims no longer intimidated them. One of the organisers and an outspoken anti-Islam activist, Pamela Geller describes Muslims as a 'special class' which America could not offend. But being a democratic country why should the US offend any religion or race? The organisers' actions had offended Islam and disrespected their Holy Prophet. And what were the consequences of those actions?  Shootings. Anti-Islam groups often instigate actions offensive to Muslims, with the intention of a violent result. Then Muslims all over the world face the blame. But does it make sense to blame millions of people for the horrendous deed of only a few? Not to mention that these few are not considered Muslims because their actions contradict the teachings of their own religion.

People must understand that if someone hurt their belief, they should not and cannot answer with violence. We will never make peace till the day everyone responds with peace.

Husna A. Mirza 
Homelawn Street
Jamaica Hills, NY, USA