Source: CAIR Press Release
http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=38841&theType=NB
On February 3, 2006 a CAIR Press Release issued an opinion piece written by CAIR's communications director, Ibrahim Hooper. Hooper writes, "'You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness.' (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
That description of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad is a summary of how he reacted to personal attacks and abuse.
Islamic traditions include a number of instances of the prophet having the opportunity to strike back at those who attacked him, but refraining from doing so.
These traditions are particularly important as we witness outrage in the Islamic world over cartoons, initially published in a Danish newspaper, that were viewed as intentional attacks on the prophet.
Peaceful and not-so-peaceful protests have occurred from Gaza to Indonesia. Boycotts have targeted companies based in Denmark and in other nations that reprinted the offensive caricatures.
We all, Muslims and people of other faiths, seem to be locked into a downward spiral of mutual mistrust and hostility based on self-perpetuating stereotypes.
As Muslims, we need to take a step back and ask ourselves, 'What would the Prophet Muhammad do?'...
These are the examples that Muslims should follow as they express justifiable concern at the publication of the cartoons.
This unfortunate episode can be used as a learning opportunity for people of all faiths who sincerely wish to know more about Islam and Muslims. It can also be viewed as a 'teaching moment' for Muslims who want to exemplify the prophet’s teachings through the example of their good character and dignified behavior in the face of provocation and abuse."