Deal with every criticism of the Qur'an, Islam and the Prophet with grace says Mike Ghouse

Criticism is not nice. In fact, whenever we are criticized we feel it most deeply and more so if we think that criticism is unjustified. Muslims feel a personal insult whenever their beloved Prophet is insulted but Mike Ghouse says we should use such instances to learn more about our faith.

Personification of Tolerance
“Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) (PBUH) lived through criticism and Muslims can learn from his example,” says Mike Ghouse.

Firmness of Faith
Firmness in faith can lead us to explore the infinite wisdom, realizing the strength of faith (Imaan); a worthy feeling to have, instead of living in doubt and shooing criticism away.

Last Sermon
Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) last sermon: "I leave behind two things, the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray." The responsibility to know was placed directly on us.

Paramount Principle
The Qur'an repeatedly reinforces the paramount principle of faith: "O You who believe, on you rests (the responsibility) of your souls"(Q5:105) and (Q53:38) "that no bearer of burdens shall be made to bear anther's burden." The picture is clear.

Inclusiveness
Islam is an inclusive faith, it is about co-existence. It is a faith that appreciates all of God's creation and urges one to respect the otherness of others (Qur'an 109:6) without having to agree.

Explicitness
It explicitly says (Qur'an 49:13) that all of us are his creation, created to be different, and that we have to learn about each other to mitigate the conflicts and nurture goodwill.

The Best Among You
Aren't we supposed to learn and know each other to mitigate conflicts and create the kingdom of heaven right here on the earth, while waiting to go the next heaven?

Didn't God say, the best among you is the one who learns about the other (49:13), so the myths, phobias and fears can be dismantled?

Good Response
Muhammad Yunus, a Muslim thinker and a writer at New Age Islam responds: "Doesn't the Qur'an repetitively say, repel evil with good. (13:22, 23:96, 41:34) Shouldn't you take the opportunity to demonstrate the good in your faith and remove the cloud of hatred that is forming by the twin growing menaces of the day: Islamophobia and Radicalization?"

Dr. Tariq Cheema of World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists adds another point of view: "Muslim scholars and intellectuals around the world must rise to the challenge and offer guidance to the faith-loving masses on how to encounter the exploitation of freedom of speech, which is often quite provocative and insulting. On the other hand every one must strive for a legislation that guards the sanctity of all religions and their Prophets, scriptures, and symbols alike."

Peace Plan
The most important Sunnah (Prophet's example and way of life): someone who mitigates conflicts and nurtures goodwill for the peaceful coexistence of his or her neighbors, communities, tribes and nations.

The first example of Muhammad (PBUH) was to be a good citizen. Wasn't that the first model the Prophet had set up for one to follow?

To be good citizens, whether in Pakistan, America, Saudi Arabia, China or Indonesia, we have to earn it by being a participant and a contributor towards the wellbeing of the nation. Your presence should relax others, and make them comfortable that you are a peacemaker and they can trust you for your fairness.

Mercy and Kindness
The second most important Sunnah to follow is to be Rahmatul Aalameen (Mercy to mankind) (21:107). To be a Rahmat (Mercy) to fellow beings who are Atheist, Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca, Natives, Zoroastrians and others, we must be kind to them. No one should be afraid or apprehensive of Muslims. Should anyone be justifiably afraid of a Muslim, then we have not followed the Sunnah of the Prophet.

Goodness of Islam
Islam is a universal inclusive faith, it is from Rabbul Aalameen (creator of the universe, its prophet is Rahmatul Aalameen (Mercy to mankind) and we should be Mukhlooqul Aalameen (Universal, all embracing beings). Islam is about goodness and not forcing others, and not domineering but co-existing, just as the Prophet did and proclaimed in the Madinah treaty. Islam is about appreciating everything God has created in this universe (55:16).

Let Go
Don't feel compelled to convince anyone, let go. What did Allah say to Prophet when he was frustrated that people were not getting his message? You do your dharma (duty) and let them have the freedom to accept. Elsewhere God says there is no compulsion in matters of faith (2:256).

Be the Best Blessing

B: Be a blessing to yourself, your neighborhood and to your country by being a constructive member of society.

L: Learn to let go of criticism. Learn to find a way to show mercy and kindness to others. Listen to God’s message which is to do your duty to God first, to follow the Quran and Sunnah (the way of life).

E: Examples that are good and holy are the best examples, and the best among us remember that before they act.

S: Strength of faith is what we should be pursuing, including being a good citizen and having mercy and kindness for others.

S: Someone who mitigates conflicts and nurtures goodwill for the peaceful coexistence of his or her neighbors, communities, tribes and nations is the best of humans.

I: Islam is about goodness and not forcing others, and not domineering but co-existing, just as the Prophet did and proclaimed in the Madinah treaty. Islam is about appreciating everything God has created in this universe (55:16).

N: Nearer to God and Godliness is the way of life the best Muslims pursue.

G: Gracefulness in all situations will win more hearts, minds and respect.

Mike Ghouse

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace making, foreign policy, Islam, Israel, India, Pakistan, interfaith, and cohesion at work place or social settings. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day atwww.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a strong presence on national local TV, Radio and Print Media, and is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal sitewww.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him.