Arabian Parliament condemns offensive remarks against Prophet Mohammed

The Arabian Parliament condemned Monday the offensive statements issued by a member of the ruling party in India towards the Prophet Mohammed (may blessings and peace be upon him) and Islam, stressing its complete rejection of these statements as they contradict the principle of tolerance and interfaith dialogue and cause a state of tension and hatred between religions. In a statement, the Arabian Parliament called for the need to stop such irresponsible statements that offend the symbols and sanctities of true Islam and the need to hold those who make such statements accountable to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. The Parliament considered such statements reflect a clear ignorance of the message of peace and tolerance carried out by Islam and its great rule in spreading the values of tolerance and confronting racism and extremism, stressing at the same time its rejection of insulting all religions and sanctities. The Parliament expressed its surprise that such statements were issued by political officials who are supposed to be keener on spreading the values of moderation, tolerance, dialogue between religions and civilizations, and confronting extremist ideas that feed strife and religious hatred. The Parliament called for the need to realize the great difference between freedom of speech and respecting others' beliefs. The Parliament stressed that it is not possible, in any way, to accept insulting religions and their symbols under the pretext of freedom of speech and opinion.