Pope Benedict and Islam

Pope Benedict XVI's remarks on Islam have made the Muslims all over the world very angry. In his recent speech at the Regensbury University in Germany on 12th September, he said that the early Muslims spread their religion by violence. He had quoted a 14th century Christian Empreror who said that everything Prophet Mohammad brought was 'evil and inhuman' such as his command to spreading by the sword the faith he preached.

Muslims all over the world felt that the Pope's remarks amount to a 'smear campaign' and a character assassination of the Prophet Mohammad. The Pope's remarks implicitly linked Islam to violence. This coming from a leader who represents millions of people is unfortunate as they have sparked outrage across the Muslim world.

We need world leaders who are tolerant and compassionate. They have a duty towards society not to make provocative remarks which ignite instead of appease. These remarks of the Pope before the holy month of Ramzan are 'ill-timed' and 'ill-concieved' and only hope that they do not reflect 'hatred in the Pope's heart' against Islam.

We do not need such prejudiced points of view.