Caricatures of the Prophet Sallallâhu 'Alayhi Wasallam in the Press around the World:

The Jamiatul Ulama is deeply offended by cartoons mocking the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam and depicting him as a terrorist in certain recent European publications.

It is evident that these publications were aiming to demonise the character and personality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who is followed by 1.5 billion Muslims globally and who is admired by millions of others all over the world.

The publication of these cartoons demonstrates contempt for the religious beliefs of the Muslim Community. These publications have abused freedom of speech by taking it to a dangerous, irresponsible and unacceptable level by showing disregard for the sensitivities of Muslims around the world.

The Muslim community views the publications of such offensive material as a serious attack on the integrity of their religion, and as an attack on the global Muslim Community.

We call upon the world media to act responsibly in sensitive issues of this nature and not to push the right to freedom of expression to ridiculous levels where the lines of distinction between profound and profane are virtually obliterated. We call upon the global community to respect religious sensitivities and not to disparage the character of holy books or personalities.

We urge the media that just as they tread very cautiously, in issues that are perceived as 'anti-semitic', a similar circumspection needs to be extended to sensitivities of other religious communities as well.

We seek the support of all governments to intervene at times when the irresponsible exercising of the right of free speech by the media tramples upon the religious sentiments of any community.

We take this opportunity to express our appreciation to those media outlets who withheld publication of these cartoons out of respect for religious tolerance.

The Jamiatul Ulama calls upon the Muslim community to register their protest respecting law and order, and not to act irresponsibly, for that is not what the Holy Prophet Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam would have approved. We call upon the Muslim Ummah to: