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1. We, on behalf of “The Muslim Ummah of North America” (MUNA), along with 1.5 billion Muslims of the world are horrified by the publication by the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten of a number of cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in a provocative way. We consider the re-publication of these deplorable caricatures in the name of ‘freedom of speech’ as tasteless media stunt. They are being published on the backdrop of rising Islam phobia and hate crime against Muslims and Islamic organizations in the West. We strongly condemn the publication of these cartoons which have seriously hurt the religious feelings of Muslims all around the world.

2. We also condemn the violence and the loss of lives and properties in some Muslim countries in the name of protest. Diplomatic missions and foreign representatives working in those missions in Muslim countries are trust to Muslims. Under no circumstances does Islam permit the violation of that trust. We urge fellow Muslims around the world to be steadfast, patient and forgiving in the face of these provocative cartoons and other Islam phobic writings that are often published in the Western media. We must remind ourselves that others will judge Islam by our words and actions.

3. We strongly believe that the free press in the West must exercise its freedom of speech with responsibility. We observe that the events that are unfolding call for a dialog among civilizations. We call upon everyone to work toward creating an atmosphere of such dialog.

4. Finally, we urge the authorities concerned to take effective steps to fight against bigotry, demeaning respected figures, racism, Islam phobia, and to prevent hate crime against Muslims and Islamic organizations in order to secure justice and fair treatment for all citizens alike.