We have all witnessed the astonishing uproar from the Muslim world following caricatures depicting Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) with a bomb instead of a turban on his head. The other caricature showed two veiled women beside the Prophet but with the eyes of the latter covered, showing supposedly the closed eye of Islam on Muslim women.

The drastic part is that, in Islam, we never depict the picture or representation in any form of the Prophet and even God. We still remember how the movie on the Life of the Prophet was censored in Muslim countries even though Prophet Muhammad (P.B.UH) was represented by a light.

Last week I was forwarded a mail, which encouraged people to put comments about this incident on a web page opened to all. The comments ranged from hysterical Muslims to outraged non Muslims who affirmed they did not mind caricatures on their religion, so why should we, and worse, treating us of a brainwashed lot.

But if we look deeper into the matter, we can see how Muslim communities from Indonesia to London show how concerned they are about their religion. Others do not seem to care, but a smile on the lips for an instant is not a valid enough excuse to trample on sensitive issues. We are not trying to restrict the freedom of media outlets but rather expressing our deep grief.

?Liberty of expression,? some say? Isn?t it a contradiction of ?freedom of religion? and ?respect of others??

If so, there is a fundamental problem in society as to our priorities. Why do we have to insult so as to assert freedom? Nowadays, saying that we are Muslims is like affirming we are terrorists, murderers and suicide bombers. Does not that echo a modern version of World War II, where saying you were a Jew led you to concentration camps?

However, reacting emotionally will only make things worse. Both sides keep on exaggerating and we Muslims should find a middle ground and preach tolerance. Western culture has a different approach to things and has a habit of making fun of virtually everything.

We, Muslims should not provide opportunities to set us apart again on yet another issue. This might provide another reason to be treated differently. A boycott is not a solution, nor are riots and threats.

Maybe we should not forget that there are more ?urgent? causes to strive for? If Muslims want to express themselves, they should defend the rights of innocent Muslims being killed in war. Maybe this would be a mightie cause!

Hannah MAUDARBOCUS