I have had reports about the reactions from different countries; reactions by Muslims as well as the viewpoints of governmental officials of European countries, or those of journalists. There are a substantial number of people among these who have disapproved of the step taken by the newspaper. Yet, as I said, somewhere or the other, at times, such mischief is let loose that makes the filth of their minds and remoteness from God evident, and demonstrates their prejudice and malice against Islam. However, I would say that it is unfortunate that due to the erroneous reaction of certain Muslim leaders, these people get a chance to disgrace Islam. It is these very matters that are later used for political gains. The attitude of Muslims, in their daily life, can be such that it irritates these governments, for example, their tendency to stay out of work; mostly these people sit at home and seek social security or carry out jobs that evade tax and many other such things. Muslims themselves provide the opportunity from which these alert nations take advantage.
At times, it is these people who are the perpetrators, but due to the wrong reaction of the Muslims, they appear to be the victims and the Muslims are deemed the villains. It is correct that a large majority of Muslims does not approve of the damage and destruction. Yet it is the leadership or a few roguish elements that brings the notoriety. For instance, in a report from Denmark into the aftermath of the issue, the response of the Danish people is that Muslims should accept the apology of the newspaper. They want to end this problem in a peaceful manner so that the real teachings of Islam reach them, and violence can be avoided. Television is reporting that, having watched the reaction against their country, the burning of their national flag and embassies being set alight, Danish children are anxious and frightened. They feel in danger of a war looming with threats made to their lives. As a result, the public and some politicians have disapproved of this and an emerging opinion is that of having a large mosque built for the Muslims to recompense for their hurt sentiments. This would be funded by Danish companies and the supreme Mayor of Copenhagen has favoured the suggestion. As I said, the great majority of Muslims also opines that we should accept the apology. However, one of their (Muslims) leaders who represents 27 organisations, is reported to have said that although the newspaper has apologised they should do so once again face to face. It is then that they would take the message to the Muslim countries to stop the campaign. They try and depict Islam in a most horrific manner. Rather than be forthcoming in reconciliation they are inclined towards hostility. Although the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has nothing to do with these disorderly situations yet our missions also receive threatening phone calls and letters from certain opponents. May Allah keep all our mosques and missions safe and protect them from their harm.
In any case, an erroneous reaction gives way to an erroneous proclamation. As I said once, the apology of these people for their actions is viewed against the reaction of the Muslims; then despite being the perpetrators, for they perpetrated an extremely wrong act, they become the victims. They are apologising in Denmark, but the Muslim leaders are adamant. These Muslims should employ some wisdom, and should have some sense, and change their reactionary ways.