The case of a teddy bear in a Khartoum classroom has become headline news across the world. The events seem ridiculous to most, politically motivated to some and worthy of outrage to only a small minority. But the facts of this debacle are less important than the emotions and reactions that the whole sorry event has unleashed. We live in a world that is so charged with anger, offence and distrust that the slightest spark can set the tinder aflame. Unless we work to quell underlying hatred and to dispel misunderstanding, we risk conflagration at any moment. The world of Islam is not a united entity with set policies and constitutional certainty. It is a borderless union of the ummah, believers who hail from a multitude of racial, national and social backgrounds. Islam is a universal set of values that are often appropriated by governments, interest groups and bands of individuals with interests other than the promotion of the common good or peaceful understanding between the three Abrahamic faiths. As occupiers of a world in turmoil and recipients of so many bytes of mediated media information, we all have a responsibility to cipher the codes of news stories and to understand the realities of our times. There is great anger in many Muslim communities at the perceived attack by western governments and media on their faith and on their brothers and sisters in faith around the world. Similarly, for many westerners, the isolated voices of unrepresentative men like Osama bin Laden have received so much airtime that they become iconized on all sides, their twisted words misinterpreted as a message from all Muslims. Both of these perceptions have been given life by fear, misunderstanding and media emphasis. But it matters little that these are merely inaccurate perceptions of the other . Perception has been a powerful force throughout history: it has fuelled hatred, ignited wars and brought misery to the lives of millions who have been denied their right to share the resources of our world. So let us not pursue this mutually destructive course of perceived division. The case of Gillian Gibbons is not a further example of the western imperialist disdain for Islam and its traditions, nor is it further confirmation of Islam s intransigence and intolerance. We must intelligently deconstruct events such as this and discuss them for what they are. No doubt, this case would not have arisen at another time or in another place. The particularities of Sudan s relationship with the United Kingdom had a large impact on how the case was handled and reported, as did the personal relationships and communication structures at Unity High School. The legal and diplomatic procedures that were set in motion quickly developed their own locally-charged impetus. What is perhaps most worrying about this case is that it emerged from a classroom. This has become an increasingly prevalent feature of that perceived clash between Islam and the West in our time. Undoubtedly, that seven-year-old boy who shared a name with the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) and who innocently suggested it for a symbol of love for children around the world is questioning his own very identity. If he cannot give his name in genuine love than who is he and what is his value? The name of the Prophet Muhammad is indeed deserving of our respect, protection and elevation above the profane. But it is what the name represents that matters. The standards and values of the Prophet Mohamed are what guide Muslims through life. His teachings must be interpreted for our own circumstances and his life must act as an example for us all. If it was merely a question of revering the name then we would not give it to our children - for what child, no matter how loved, could honor the Prophet by living a life as worthy as his? And for those parents whose children have failed to live the life of a good Muslim, should they be punished for dishonoring the Prophet s name? To those in the West who have chosen to see this latest media event as further proof that Islam is that threatening other , only to be feared and reviled, I would ask that you also exercise rationale and analysis in grasping the meaning of this case. Take it for what it is, a particular set of actions and reactions in a troubled country. Its relevance for understanding between people should act as a warning of how far down the path of misunderstanding we have already wandered. In an increasingly globalized world, our contact with other peoples and cultures can only increase. However, we cannot expect to enjoy cultural affinity with all those we meet on our travels or theirs. I believe this is a cause for great joy, for diversity has always been a driving force in the achievements of human civilizations. But an understanding of underlying causes of anger and distrust must guide our actions. We must strive to understand the cultures we encounter and we must welcome those who come among us with good intentions. These are difficult times and there are many who would cause offence and create rifts where they have no place. Let us ensure that we do not help them in their destructive task. Prince El Hassan bin Talal, brother of the late King Hussein of Jordan, is chairman of several organizations in fields which include diplomacy, interfaith studies, human resources, and science and technology. This article is distributed by the Common Ground News Service (CGNews) and can be accessed at www.commongroundnews.org. Source: The Guardian, www.guardian.co.uk.
