I strongly condemns Jewel of Medina novel as an attempt to belittle, spear one of the greatest woman in Islam Aisha (RA). I believe that these types of novels or books do nothing to promote understanding between faiths and respecting the symbols and figures of faiths, I am not against freedom of speech but believe that freedom comes with huge responsibility.
I further strongly condemn the violence and terrorism that has been used this weekend against the Gibson Square Publishing House, whilst I passionately oppose their plans to print the novel, trying to use violence is against Islam and I urge all Muslims to remain peaceful and within the law.
I am disgusted at the novel and the plans by Gibson House to publish, this serves no purpose and does little to promote understanding between communities – indeed attacking the central figures of Islam under the guise of freedom of speech is patronising and the world sees their attempt to belittle our faith.
I also strongly condemn the thugs that used terrorism against the publishing house; they do not represent Islam or Muslims and violence in any form cannot be justified and we urge the Publishers to withdraw publication.
I urge all Muslims to remain calm and peaceful but be under no illusion our faith is constantly under attack and we will not remain silent – I urge Muslims and those people of faith that are disgusted at this novel to unite and launch a peaceful campaign to protect the honour of all faiths and their figures.
I once again urge the publishers to stop publication and not promote hatred against Muslims”
