On Tuesday evening I was invited to speak at a protest meeting against a minister in Bangladesh Latif Siddique, who has made extremely derogatory remarks about Hajj and the Prophet, organised by British Bangladeshi scholars and community activists. The event was packed but the atmosphere inside was volatile - a lot of emotionally driven people and lot of rabble rousing speakers had gathered in the same hall. The outcome was very tense!

I sat there listening to the fiery speeches and angry demands for this persons punishment. The demands ranged from absurd calls for him to be hanged, public beatings, slapping with shoes to change to the Bangladesh constitution and inclusion of blasphemy laws.

I sat in the audience feeling very uncomfortable at the tone and language of some of the speakers. I was conflicted in my conscience of whether to stay or leave. I was tempted to leave without speaking at the event. While my mind weighed up the pros and cons of my decision the host of the event called my name. I looked around and saw expectant faces eagerly awaiting to hear what I am about to say.

I was acutely aware that the audience had their emotions whipped up to a frenzy by some of the earlier speakers already and my words may go down like a lead balloon. But I felt morally obliged to air my views honestly and here is what I said:
1. Many people have criticised many aspects of Islam throughout history but they have never been able to harm Islam. This is another feeble attempt and it will do no harm again. We should remember that God has send down his message as a reminder and He has taken the responsibility of protecting it. Simply blowing on the light of God will never extinguish His light. People should believe in that promise of God firmly and behave accordingly.

2. To win the argument as well as the hearts and minds of people they must take rational and intelligent approach. Obscene language, abusive language and swearing at people will never achieve the objective. I expressed my dismay at some of the language used in the room and told them that such behaviour contradicts Islam. Islamic speech is a speech of decency and language of civility. People should not forget that even when they are overcome by emotion and grief. We should remember that every word will be accounted for.

3. I reminded them that they were chanting "my leader, your leader, Muhammad the messenger" but the slogan that followed this claim contradicted the great name and personality of the prophet and his message of compassion, benevolence and respect. The slogans such as "enemies of Islam, be warned (threateningly) and be concerned (of harms)" and "on the face of Latif Siddique, use your shoes to slap in unison" are totally unacceptable slogans. Such speech derided the very personality of our blessed Prophet Muhammad and insulted his character. We should be careful with how we present our case and especially our faith.

4. I made it clear that their struggle against evil must be shaped and informed by the methodology of the blessed Prophet. You must follow his character and ideals. What is the difference between those who claim to be the follower of "mercy to the universe" Muhammad (peace be upon him) and those who attack him, if you stoop so low! Win your enemies by providing them with a better and more intelligent response.

5. I told the audience that their focus for Bangladesh, a country of 160 million Muslims, vast majority of them are totally ignorant about Islam, should be education. Focus on educating the masses on intellectual and rational approach to Islam for the next hundred years. You will see how the social and moral changes shape up the society. It is sad that the faith of so many people begins with "read" as their first command yet vast majority don't know how to read and if they read they don't read the words of God or comprehend it. This must change.

It is only then Latif Siddique and the likes would hesitate before insulting so many people and masses would react with rational and intelligent response instead of angry outbursts. Remember ignorant people react irrationally and enlightened people respond intelligently.

I left the audience not knowing what their response would be like but the next day I received several phone calls from various scholars and ordinary people thanking me for speaking the truth and reminding people to alter their behaviour. It saddens me greatly when some Muslims behave irrationally when it comes to issues of their faith! (Facebook)