
Re: the book recently published
Not any body who said something "inaccurate" and sounds offensive about our religion is someone "intentionally" tries to insult us! There are three types of people in this regard:
1. Those who do it out of pure opinion based on their own objective search then they reach a result - in their opinion - that criticizes our value system (religion, culture, etc). These are usually intellectual elites that you can have a debate and a discussion with.
2. Those who do it based on intentionally and are usually driven by prejudice first and
"intended" ignorance. All you can do with these is to clarify and explain your point of view but stay ready to confront when needed.
3. Those who do it out of
unintended rather innocent ignorance. These - I believe - are the majority. Don't be surprise if this sector included sometimes important and famous people ranging from Hollywood stars, writers to presidents! This sector constitutes the public which need to be informed and presented with the real image of our culture and religion with not polishing or deception.
I believe the the writer of the mentioned novel falls under the 3rd category. Many reasons make believe so. She made a bad choice in addressing such a sensitive personality in such a manner. Based on her culture, it sounded just fine to depict religious figures in way the writer wishes. But she failed to understand the implication on the muslim readers and the sensitivity of the matter. She is actually impressed and fascinated by the life of Aisha and called her the "Jewel of Medina" not "Satan of Arabia" (like Sulman Rushdi's "Satanic verses")!
She actually thought she is introducing a great Muslim figure to western readers!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/arabic/world_n ... 569478.stmWhen she heard about the possible angry reaction by the Muslims she gave a copy to IslamOnline.net to give an opinion on the matter and write a review about it. Why would she do that if she really wanted to proceed with "hidden hateful" agenda!
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Sate ... FACELayoutMy point summarized is that we should react angrily every time someone criticizes our religion without paying attention to the background and the reasons that may push someone to do so. Explosive angry reaction can usually produce reverse results, dialogue can clarify things and pave the way to more understanding. We don't want to scare anybody who criticizes us but we want to be those who can refute false allegations confidently add respond logically. If we claim that our religion teach us acceptance and tolerance, and gives logic and mind - not violence and intimidation - a great position, then that is how we should act!