LMRBT - Muftiat's position on caricature

"And say, "The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe, and whoever wills - let him disbelieve." (Qur'an 18:29)

More recently, the so-called "the Prophet Muhammed caricatures" and the French President’s irresponsible statements about Islamism, which caused great confusion in the Muslim world, were reprinted in a French satirical newspaper.

In a multicultural society, it is essential that each of us understands and respects each other.

The Lithuanian Council of Muslims religious communities - Muftiate would like to draw all non-Muslim citizens’ attention that the love of believing Muslims for the Prophet Muhammed - may peace be upon him - is one of the highest forms of expression of the faith. Indeed, the Prophet - peace be upon him - said, "None of you will believe until he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind." (Sahih al-Bukhari). Thus, insulting or mocking our beloved Prophet - may peace be upon Him - means disrespect and blasphemy in Muslim culture.

The LMRBT-Muftiate would like to point out that there is a difference between freedom of expression and blasphemy. One of the main goals of Islam is to preserve the values ​​of reason and creativity. That is why, as Muslims, we believe that freedom of expression is a fundamental right of every human being that cannot be denied. Nevertheless, there is no absolute right without restriction. That is why, according to the Islamic faith, we believe that slander, insults, hate speech, obscene words that offend another are such limits to free expression.

The LMRBT-Muftiate wants to remind every Muslim that only through legal means we can defend our human rights. Thus, while respecting this country’s laws, we also respect Islam’s canon law (Sharia). The laws of our religion do not allow the administration of justice individually. We would also like to remind you that in Islam, violence and any form of it are forbidden:

Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran:

"The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe, and whoever wills - let him disbelieve."  (Qur'an 18:29).

We ask Allah to protect all people and deepen their knowledge and wisdom and peacefully resolve this misunderstanding.

@LMRBT-Muftiatas