Media Responsibility in STOPPING Blasphemy Against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Written by: Shayan Iqbal
The personality of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not only a religious leader for Muslims but the most perfect human being, a guide, and a benefactor of humanity. His blessed life represents the highest standard of ethics, justice, tolerance, and love, upon which Muslims around the world strive to build their lives. In such a context, any form of blasphemy against the Prophet (PBUH)—whether through words, images, or videos—causes deep sorrow, grief, and distress among Muslims across the globe.
In the modern era, where media is the most powerful means of communication, its responsibility and influence have become equally significant. Unfortunately, some Western media outlets, social media platforms, and journalistic institutions, under the guise of freedom of expression, ignore the sensitivity of such religious matters and publish content that not only hurts the sentiments of Muslims but also leads to distrust, hatred, and unrest globally. This approach has fueled violent protests, religious tension, and increased interfaith divisions in different parts of the world.
Media plays a dual role in this matter. On one hand, it becomes a vehicle for spreading blasphemous content worldwide; on the other, the same media, if used responsibly, can become a powerful platform to promote interfaith respect, peace, and mutual harmony. It is essential that global media, especially social media companies and major publishing organizations, understand this sensitivity and formulate policies that ensure respect for all religious figures. Freedom of expression is indeed a fundamental right, but it must not become a license to hurt others’ sentiments or spread hatred.
Media institutions in the Muslim world must also fulfill their responsibilities in this regard. Beyond protests and condemnation, there is a need to present the life and message of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) effectively to the world. Documentaries, articles, seminars, and interfaith dialogues based on the Seerah (life) of the Prophet are the tools through which the true message of Islam and the Prophet (PBUH) can be conveyed globally. The blessed life of the Prophet (PBUH) is a practical example of peace, patience, kindness, and the welfare of humanity. The world needs to be introduced to this reality through academic and moral means.
At this critical time, it is extremely necessary that the nations of the world agree upon the principle of religious respect and recognize blasphemy as a form of hate speech, placing legal bans on it. International institutions, human rights organizations, and the United Nations must understand that the violation of religious sentiments cannot be considered part of free expression and must be addressed with clear and effective legal measures.
For every Muslim, the honor of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is dearer than life itself. Faith demands that we respond to this issue not with emotional outbursts but with wisdom, reason, and peaceful means, so that peace, brotherhood, and interfaith harmony may be fostered throughout the world. If global media and international bodies take this issue seriously and embrace religious respect as a universal value, the dream of a better, more respectful world can indeed be realized.
