The head of Turkish Religious Affairs, Ali Erbash, condemned the abuse suffered by the Prophet Muhammad - may God bless him and grant him peace - by an Indian official, stressing the love of the Prophet in the hearts of all Muslims, and their willingness to sacrifice for him at all times.
He indicated during an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher, today, Thursday, that the matter is not only related to India, as in Europe hatred for Islam spreads, which in turn offends the Holy Prophet, as he put it.
He said that he had met with 81 muftis representing the country's cities, and they announced their condemnation of insulting the Prophet through social media.
He explained that the Indian official when he stated the offense was aware of the reaction of Muslims, so he had to avoid abuse and not stir up sedition, and he must respect other ideas and beliefs.
Last week, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) spokesman, Nupur Sharma, and Naveen Kumar Jindal, head of the media unit in Delhi, made statements offensive to the Prophet Muhammad, which sparked a wave of condemnations within India and the Arab and Islamic world.
On Monday, India said the statements did not reflect the government's views, stressing that the relevant bodies had taken "strict measures" against the abusers.
On Sunday, the party said it had arrested Sharma and expelled Jindal, in response to the offensive comments.
The Turkish official stressed the importance of the purposes of Sharia that Islam brought, “which is to preserve the religion, preserve the soul, preserve the mind, preserve honor, and preserve money,” and accordingly every person has the right to embrace the religion he wants.
He presented many examples from Islamic ages of peaceful coexistence, which allowed people to live under the Islamic state and preserve their rights.
He said that no matter how different people are in their beliefs, religions and backgrounds, they share humanity.
Against the term Islamophobia
The head of Turkish Religious Affairs added, “I am against the term Islamophobia.. Islam is not a religion that terrorizes people, but rather a religion of mercy and peace.” Islam came from peace and righteousness.
He explained, "Some of them are trying to attach the worst descriptions to Islam, because there are terrorist groups that carry out heinous acts in the name of Islam."
He added that it is not possible to generalize what small groups are doing to religions, whether Islam, Christianity, Judaism or any other religion.
And what Muslims should do about insulting the Messenger - may God’s prayers and peace be upon him - Arbash said that they should follow the example of the Prophet and the teachings of Islam and spread peace and tolerance to show the true nature of the religion.
Arab and Islamic capitals summoned India's ambassadors to protest the abuses issued by Indian officials, which sparked condemnable protests in many countries.