Commentary Dr. Hussein Rashid: Why the Charlie Hebdo attack is not about images or free speech

(RNS) Ostensibly, the horrific attack against Charlie Hebdo in Paris was because of the publication’s satirical images of the Prophet Muhammad.

But to view the assault as simply about images of Muhammad is to accept a long-standing narrative about Muslim sensitivity to portrayals of Muhammad, which plays into conceptions of Muslims as superstitious savages.

Just as important, arguing that this attack is about free speech misses what may be the attackers’ true motivation, which is to wreak havoc and destruction.

Read more Why the Charlie Hebdo attack is not about images or free speech (COMMENTARY) – Religion News Service.

 

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More from Hussein Rashid at Ismailimail Archives:

#GivingTuesday Chat with Dr. Hussein Rashid

Usury: A Moral Concern for Jews, Christians and Muslims

State of Formation – Learning from Others – Intra-Faith Engagement

State of Formation – Understanding the Aga Khan’s Speech in History, by Hussein Rashid

 

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Related Prophet Muhammad at the Ismailimail Archives:

 

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Related Charlie Hebdo shootings:

Quoting Professor Ali Asani: Why Muhammad Cartoons Sparked Outrage Among Muslim Attackers

Letter to Edmonton Journal – Shafik Bhalloo: The Charlie Hebdo shooting and its aftermath

CBC Radio: Dr. Saira Sabzaali explains religious extremism

Commentary Dr. Hussein Rashid: Why the Charlie Hebdo attack is not about images or free speech