The other Muslims are incited to strike actions, damage and destruction and such is their response. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community promptly reacted to this in the manner they should have. The Ahmadis promptly communicated with the newspapers. This is not a matter that took place today that they are taking strike actions in February 2006. This incident took place last year in September. When the mischief was made how did we respond? As I said, this took place in September or maybe early October, and our Missionary promptly prepared a detailed article which was sent to the newspaper that had published the caricature; a protest was made at this publication. The teaching of the Promised Messiah(as) was explained and they were told that this is our way of protest. We will not launch a rally but we will do the Jihad of the pen with you and express our feelings of sadness at the publication of the images. They were told that freedom of conscience notwithstanding, it is not meant to hurt the sentiment of others. Anyway, this was met with a positive response. An article was sent to the newspaper which was published. Danish people responded very well to it. As our Mission House received telephone calls and letters with messages of appreciation about the article. Moreover, the President of the Journalists' Union extended an invitation to a meeting. There it was explained to them that although the law allowed for freedom of conscience, it did not mean that others' religious leaders and revered persons should be demeaned. It was crucial to look after the feelings of the Muslims and the Christians as they co-existed in the society because there could be no peace without this.
They were also told of the beautiful teachings of the Holy Prophet(sa), his excellent model, his high morals and civility, his compassion for people and for the creation of God, and that he was the personification of compassion and affection. A few incidents were related to them and the question was raised that how such images could be made about a person whose teaching was such and whose deeds were such? They greatly appreciated our Missionary's input. One cartoonist openly said that had such a meeting taken place beforehand he would have never made the caricature. Now he knows the teaching of Islam. Everyone agreed that dialogue should continue.
The President of the Union issued a press release; its text was read out to all. A television interview took place which went well; a meeting with a Minister also took place. Anyway, the Community continues to endeavour; similar actions have been taken in other countries, and, in any case, a lot of work was done where the issue started. The basis for the creation of these caricatures is a book by a Danish writer entitled ‘The life of the Prophet and Quran’, which is on sale now. The author of this book had asked the public to send pictures of the Holy Prophet(sa), some were sent anonymously lest there was a Muslim reaction. So the reason for this incident seems to be the book. However, in the case of the newspaper, the basis were also the caricatures. They should also make constant efforts in this regard and everywhere in the world as well; if it [the book] is read and anything objectionable is found, the matter should be addressed and answers should be given [to any questions raised]. There is also a perception in Denmark that certain Muslims are showing different caricatures than the ones published to incite the Muslim world. It is not known whether this is true or not, however, with our prompt attention they have developed some awareness. This action was taken immediately, while these people have come to know now, even though this happened three months ago.
As I said, there is a need to present and promote the aspects of the blessed life of the Holy Prophet(sa) in each country. In particular, it is our obligation to dismiss the misconception about Islam being militant with reasoning and argument. I have advised before to write to newspapers in abundance. Writers and newspapers could also be sent books on the blessed life of the Holy Prophet(sa).